ABU DHABI // Twenty-two peregrine falcons and four saker falcons have been released into the wild in Kazakhstan as part of the Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme.
Now in its 22nd year of operation, it is also the eighth time for the programme to organise a release in the central Asian country. Over this period, 1,752 falcons have been released into the wild since the programme’s inception in 1995.
“Recent research has shown that a significant number of falcons use the Karaganda region in central Kazakhstan as a breeding spot or as a stop-off location on their migration route from Russia onto southerly located wintering areas,” a statement from the project said.
“Subsequent surveys also confirmed that the region is home to a large number of suitable prey for falcons such as pigeons, ducks and rodents, making it an ideal spot to ensure their successful release.”
The majority of releases have been focused in central Asia, Pakistan, Iran and Kyrgyzstan, as well as Kazakhstan.
“Observations made throughout the programme have shown, however, that Kazakhstan provides the perfect environment for the survival of falcons thanks to its varied topography, from its mountainous regions to vast wild plains located within the migration route of falcons, providing them with the optimum environment to both hunt and breed,” the programme said.
Before release, falcons must undergo extensive training and medical checks to make sure they are fit enough to survive in the wild.
The birds are also fitted with microchips to allow for tracking of migration routes and survival rates. In this release, four peregrine and four saker falcons were tagged with satellite-operated, solar-powered battery tracking to provide the information.
newsdesk@thenational.ae
TEACHERS' PAY - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Pay varies significantly depending on the school, its rating and the curriculum. Here's a rough guide as of January 2021:
- top end schools tend to pay Dh16,000-17,000 a month - plus a monthly housing allowance of up to Dh6,000. These tend to be British curriculum schools rated 'outstanding' or 'very good', followed by American schools
- average salary across curriculums and skill levels is about Dh10,000, recruiters say
- it is becoming more common for schools to provide accommodation, sometimes in an apartment block with other teachers, rather than hand teachers a cash housing allowance
- some strong performing schools have cut back on salaries since the pandemic began, sometimes offering Dh16,000 including the housing allowance, which reflects the slump in rental costs, and sheer demand for jobs
- maths and science teachers are most in demand and some schools will pay up to Dh3,000 more than other teachers in recognition of their technical skills
- at the other end of the market, teachers in some Indian schools, where fees are lower and competition among applicants is intense, can be paid as low as Dh3,000 per month
- in Indian schools, it has also become common for teachers to share residential accommodation, living in a block with colleagues
THE BIO: Martin Van Almsick
Hometown: Cologne, Germany
Family: Wife Hanan Ahmed and their three children, Marrah (23), Tibijan (19), Amon (13)
Favourite dessert: Umm Ali with dark camel milk chocolate flakes
Favourite hobby: Football
Breakfast routine: a tall glass of camel milk
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