The falcon rehabilitation centre
Biological diversity, the number of distinct types of biological entities or phenomena and the frequency of their occurrence at a fixed time and space interval, in general, reflects the complexity of the living matter, its ability to self-regulate its functions and the possibility of versatile use.
Rehabilitation of endangered species of birds
For various reasons, some members of the birds of prey family, included in the Red Book (a list of endangered animals in Uzbekistan), come to our centre. Their rehabilitation involves treatment, feeding, grooming, training and finally returning the birds to their natural habitat. The age, presence or absence of injury and history of each particular bird will affect the composition and approaches taken towards their recovery. The most important components of successful rehabilitation are; a bird's health, ability to independently catch its own prey and making sure that the animal does not become domesticated.
The aim of Tugan Falconry Club rehabilitation centre is to rehabilitate and subsequently reintroduce birds of prey back in to the wild.
In 2015, Tugan Falconry Club rehabilitation centre was prepared and when opened housed fifty falcons. A press tour was organised for each release of birds in to the wild, something that has attracted the attention of the general public. In addition to this, the company's management team conduct ongoing work to attract experienced professionals and scientists from all over Uzbekistan, in order to continuously improve the high quality of the falcon rehabilitation centre.
C orrect rehabilitation is an integral part of the Nursery’s work, contributing to successful population recovery of rare and endangered species of birds of prey. Dimensions and features of enclosures, aviaries, even the size of washed gravel, used as a substrate for the breeding niches are of great importance, as well as proper feeding and the preservation of feather condition. Nevertheless, even scrupulous adherence to these conditions will not produce results, if a bird’s training is not taken in to account, particularly when it comes to the upbringing of chicks. Ways of preparing a bird for the wild will always depend on the individual animal, but following the general concept, the main purpose of the bird’s ‘education’ is to alienate them from people and prevent them from imprinting, so that they do not approach humans once they are released. Hunting skills are also honed, in order for the animal to have the best chance of survival in a natural environment.
Before each release, scientists attach a non-removable ring to birds returning to the wild, in order for future specialists to have a chance of learning about the fate of the rehabilitated birds.
1. Flint VE, Smirnov OV, Zaugolnova LB, LG Khanin, Bobrowski MV Toropova NA, Melehova OP, Sorokin AG Preservation and restoration of biodiversity. Moscow: Publishing Scientific and educational center. 2002.
2. Yearbook ‘Birds of prey and owls in zoos and nurseries’, №20. Moscow: Moscow Zoo. 2011.
