The Emirates Bird Breeding Center for Conservation, BirdLife International and the University of East Anglia in England have recently signed an agreement for the joint collaboration and scientific study of the Houbara Bustard.
The six year-long studies will focus on ‘demonstrating and advocating a model approach to Houbara conservation and sustainable hunting’.
The agreement was signed by the Chairman of the Emirates Bird Breeding Center for Conservation Mr. Jawaan Al Khaili, the Chief Executive Officer of BirdLife International Dr Marco Lambertini and the senior research fellow for BirdLife International Professor Nigel Collar, who also co-manages several students at the University of East Anglia.
Mr. Jawaan Al Khaili stressed that the collaboration was important as it will assist in the management of the wild Houbara populations, and be instrumental in the release of captive bred birds in areas where their numbers have been seriously depleted.
He added that Houbara populations will be studied throughout their ranges and that strategies will be put in place to improve the birds’ environment.
In accordance with the agreement, two UAE national students will be sent to study at the University of East Anglia in order to obtain their Masters degrees, with one continuing to do a PhD in this field of work.
Professor Collar praised the centers efforts in helping to conserve and increase the numbers of Houbara Bustards, and also appreciated the release of these birds into their natural habitats.
He commended the level of shared co-operation and transparency which will contribute to increasing the global population of Houbara and protect them from extinction.
Finally he stated that Houbara numbers are decreasing sharply due to several reasons, and emphasized that this agreement will play a positive role in addressing this decline.