Abu Dhabi: Some 42 Asian Houbara were released into the wild on Wednesday by the International Fund for Houbara Conservation (IFHC) in recognition of the UAE National Day.
The number of birds released represents one for each year since the country was united in 1971 and is a celebration of national pride in the success of a project inspired by Shaikh Zayed, according to a press release issued by the Fund.
This was made a reality under the leadership of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Fund said.
To mark the occasion the birds were given special ring tags in the colours of the UAE.
Mohammad Saleh Al Baidani, Director General of the Fund, said: “The release of 42 iconic Houbara into the wild truly symbolises the Spirit of the Union. The programme to conserve the Houbara for future generations is derived from the passion of Shaikh Zayed, while the commitment of HH Shaikh Khalifa is ensuring that the Houbara will remain at the heart of our national identity for future generations. The birds we released today have UAE coloured rings so they are literally flying the flag for the UAE,”he said.
As many as 30 children from two local schools were present to witness the release of the iconic Houbara near Sweihan, Abu Dhabi. Fifteen boys and 15 girls who attended the event were grade five pupils from Al Aasma school for boys and Al Aliya school for girls. As well as witnessing the release of the Houbara into the wild, the children also learnt about the cultural and scientific importance of the bird, took part in the Houbara Quiz and were treated to traditional food.
The released birds were bred at the National Avian Research Centre (NARC), one of four centres managed by the Fund around the world as part of a major, international conservation project. The birds were released as a part of the Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Houbara Reintroduction Project to restore a sustainable wild population of the bird synonymous with local culture and traditions to the UAE.
