Houbara Conservation

The Houbara Bustard is a relatively large, ground-dwelling bird belonging to the bustard family (Otididae). According to the International Ornithologists’ Union (IOU), this family comprises 26 recognized species across 12 genera. Among the most prominent species in our Arab region are the Asian Houbara (Chlamydotis macqueenii) and the North African Houbara (Chlamydotis undulata). The Houbara Bustard inhabits open environments with sparse vegetation, including vast plains and sandy and rocky deserts, where its plumage coloration helps it blend into its natural surroundings.

The Asian Houbara is distributed in a vast geographical range extending from the Arabian Peninsula, Pakistan, and India in the south, to Central Asia, northern China, Mongolia, and the Tuva Republic of the Russian Federation in the north. Its populations include migratory birds that breed in spring across the steppes of Central Asia and migrate in winter to warmer regions such as Iraq and Pakistan, while some populations remain resident year-round in areas such as the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. The North African Houbara extends from the Western Sahara in the west to the Nile Valley in the east, with approximately 80% of its population concentrated in Algeria and Morocco.

The Asian Houbara is classified as Vulnerable, while the North African Houbara is classified as Near Threatened according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. This status has necessitated the continuation of international conservation efforts to protect these two species and restore their natural populations. The Asian Houbara is also listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), while the North African Houbara is listed in Appendix II. These listings impose strict levels of international protection to limit trade and reduce pressure on wild populations.

In addition to its ecological importance, the Houbara Bustard represents one of the most prominent symbols of the desert environment in the United Arab Emirates, the Gulf region, and the Arabian Peninsula as a whole. It is closely associated with the heritage of falconry, which forms an authentic part of Emirati cultural identity, distinguished by its strict commitment to values of respect for nature and responsible hunting. The Houbara Bustard has become a symbol of the balance between humans and the environment, reflecting the human and ecological legacy of the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Today, the Fund serves as a global scientific reference in the field of Houbara conservation through its integrated model, which harmonizes: • Traditional knowledge, heritage, scientific research, and practical experience to develop captive breeding techniques aimed at sustaining wild populations and protecting them from decline or extinction. • Conservation of biodiversity and preservation of the genetic resources of different Houbara populations. • Field studies and satellite tracking of migratory birds.

• Expanding conservation programmes and releasing birds into their natural habitats. • Supporting sustainable hunting programmes by providing captive-bred birds to reduce pressure on wild populations. • Environmental education and awareness. • Building local and international partnerships throughout the Houbara’s range.The Fund also applies its knowledge and technologies to support the conservation of other bird species facing risks and threats of extinction, particularly the Arabian Bustard, the Great Indian Bustard, the Little Bustard, the Great Bustard, the Eurasian Curlew, and the Sandgrouse.

The Fund integrates traditional heritage with modern scientific approaches to protect biodiversity and ensure the survival of the Houbara Bustard and the sustainability of its wild populations throughout breeding and wintering grounds, as well as along the migration routes connecting them. This is achieved through building partnerships with countries, institutions, communities, experts, specialists, and stakeholders.

The Fund operates a specialized network of captive breeding and research centres dedicated to Houbara conservation in the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Morocco, and the Republic of Kazakhstan. Through its work, the Fund adopts a comprehensive scientific model based on five interconnected pillars:

Conserving the Houbara Bustard is not merely the protection of a single bird species; rather, it represents an integrated model for safeguarding migratory species and ecosystems. It also means preserving a deep-rooted cultural heritage that embodies the balanced relationship between humans and nature.

This model demonstrates how scientific research, sustainable management, and international cooperation can be employed to promote responsible hunting, education, and awareness. These efforts contribute to protecting migratory and resident species while conserving the ecosystems upon which they depend.

Recognizing that nature conservation is a shared responsibility that extends beyond official institutions to include various sectors of society, the Fund is committed to building strategic partnerships with entities whose missions align with the values of sustainability, heritage, and innovation. Following the selection of the Houbara Bustard by Hubara Design as the name, logo, and visual identity of its brand, inspired by the desert environment and Emirati heritage, this partnership was established to enhance environmental awareness among Hubara Design’s audience, including heritage enthusiasts, desert lovers, and falconers.

This collaboration aims to integrate messages of Houbara conservation and biodiversity protection into designs and products inspired by Emirati identity, contributing to spreading a culture of sustainability, promoting responsible hunting, and highlighting the importance of protecting biodiversity. This initiative aligns with the Fund’s vision of expanding its societal impact through innovative partnerships that employ creativity and innovation as effective tools for environmental education and awareness. It strengthens the community’s connection with its natural heritage and encourages participation in its protection.

The International Fund for Houbara Conservation and Hubara Design share a common commitment to celebrating the Houbara Bustard as a symbol of the UAE’s natural and cultural heritage. Building on this shared commitment, the two parties will work together to raise awareness of the importance of conserving wildlife and biodiversity.

Through this partnership, both parties are committed to employing art, creativity, and scientific knowledge to inspire society, encourage sustainable behaviours, and support efforts aimed at protecting the Houbara Bustard and its natural habitats, ensuring the continuation of this environmental and cultural legacy for future generations.