FalconryThe Tangible Value of an Intangible Heritage

IntroductionWhat do you know about falconry?

TV, Movies, History Class

I would like to inform you about falconry’s history, its practice, and its value to humanity.

Tim MarshallState/Federally licensed falconer

IntroductionWhat is falconry?

It is the practice of hunting live quarry (prey animals), in the wild, using trained birds of prey.

Falconry, a practice that some people consider a blood sport, is considered by the world community to be a precious cultural heritage to be valued and preserved.

World Community Values Falconry

IntroductionIn 2010 UNSECO established falconry as an

intangible cultural heritage of humanityUnited Nations Educational, Scientific, and

Cultural OrganizationFalconry has the most subscribing states of any

listed heritage. 195 StatesIt is a lengthily process to qualify a heritageAccepted as a ICHH because of a rich history.

The History of Falconry

HistoryPractices for almost four millennia

Third oldest recordSecond oldest recordFirst oldest record

Possibly interactions of man and birds of prey even earlier.

Regional Practice

HistoryFalconry is practiced in every hospitable

region on planet EarthEastWest

History in the EastMongolia and Northern China

History in the EastChina, Korea, and Japan

History in the EastIndia

History in the EastIran and Persia

HistoryArabia

History Russia

HistoryTurkey

HistorySpain and Portugal

History Netherlands

Belgium

Ireland

HistoryEngland

HistoryCanada, USA, and Mexico

HistoryAfrica

Many CulturesEach have a different process to become a

falconerThe western cultures use the apprenticeship

processFederal and State RegulationsApprentice, General, and Master levels

A process to learn techniques likeCapture, Training, EquipmentTrainingEquipment

History and Techniques have led to Solutions

Environmental ValueSurvival of the Peregrine Falcon

DDT decimated raptor populationsFalconers played crucial role

Falconry techniques adopted by researchFalconer impact on population

Falconry Benefits Humans

Human ValueProvides a commonality across cultures

Falconry is valuableHistorySpecies SurvivalIntercultural BondingIn a very diverse world, a tradition exists that bonds every people group. And, bonds those people groups to nature.

Photo Credits The Kazakh Eagle Hunters of Mongolia John Glinsman,

Transitionsabroad.com Photo Of The Day: Mongolian Eagle Hunter, Justin Ames,

Thevelvetrocket.com International Association of Falconry and Conservation of Birds of Prey.