Khalid Tawalbeh
Doha
At the heart of Katara, where the grandeur of S’hail 2024 (Katara International Hunting and Falconry Exhibition) is in full swing, Dr Zubair Medammal stands as a symbol of dedication, passion, and scientific excellence.
Attending the exhibition, which runs from September 10 to 14, Dr Zubair is not just another participant; he is the world’s first and only Indian falconry scholar with more than three decades of research into these majestic birds.
His lifelong mission to conserve and study falcons has earned him a unique place in this field, as well as a prominent position at S’hail, an event that celebrates the deep-rooted traditions of falconry in Qatar and beyond.
With an impressive 30 years of experience in falconry, Dr Zubair stands as a towering figure in the field. His extensive career has been marked by groundbreaking research, tireless global exploration, and a deep commitment to the conservation of these majestic birds.
Over the decades, DrZubair has dedicated himself to studying falcons, understanding their behaviours, and advocating for their protection.
His profound knowledge and experience not only highlight his expertise but also reflect his unwavering passion for preserving falconry traditions and ensuring the survival of these remarkable creatures.
According to DrZubair Medammal, on December 30, 2017 he travelled to Gulmim, Morocco, to help establish the Houbara Breeding Centre. This significant venture aimed to advance the conservation of the Houbara bustard, a critical species in falconry.
Their collaborative efforts marked a pivotal step in global conservation initiatives, reflecting their shared commitment to preserving this endangered bird and ensuring the sustainability of falconry traditions.
As he sits down for an interview amidst the bustling atmosphere of the event, Dr Zubair expresses his deep admiration for the S’hail exhibition.
"Katara organises this exhibition every year, and it’s a testament to their commitment to preserving the art of falconry. This is the eighth edition of S’hail, and it has grown into a wonderful success story. With the participation of 21 countries, including first-timers like Poland, Austria, Portugal, and Russia, this exhibition has now become an annual pilgrimage for falcon enthusiasts from around the world,” he said.
Falconry: A deep cultural and environmental connection
Falconry has always held a special place in Arab culture, with Qatar, in particular, placing great importance on the conservation and preservation of these birds.
"Falcons are of immense importance to the Arab tradition and culture, and they must be given extra care, especially as they face the serious threat of extinction,” Dr Zubair explained.
He emphasized that Qatar and other countries in the Gulf region are at the forefront of this conservation movement, with the Qatari government investing millions annually to ensure that the national bird continues to thrive.
"Falcons are a symbol of strength, grace, and nobility.”
One of the unique aspects of falconry in Qatar, as Dr Zubair pointed out, is the use of falcon passports, introduced in 2004 by CITES. "It’s the only bird that requires a passport to cross borders. This reflects the importance Gulf countries place on the protection and conservation of falcons. Falcons are revered and their care is taken very seriously,” he said.
A life dedicated to falcons
For Dr Zubair, falcons are more than a subject of study; they are his life’s work. Born in India, he is the first and only Indian to hold a doctorate in the study of falcons. Over the past 20 years, Dr Zubair has travelled the globe, visiting over 30 countries in search of falcons and to further his research.
His travels have taken him to the United States, Europe, Australia, Germany, Thailand, Singapore, China, Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Morocco and beyond.
His relentless pursuit of falcon knowledge has even led him to conduct groundbreaking work in vocalization studies, where he recorded and made sonograms of 15 different species of falcons.
His research journey is one marked by passion and perseverance. "Falcons are not your typical bird. They are rare and very shy, which makes studying them quite a challenge,” he said.
To truly observe falcons in their natural habitat, Dr Zubair has flown hundreds of times across the globe.
In addition to his field research, he has undergone specialized training in artificial falcon breeding in Stuttgart, Germany, ensuring that his work is rooted in both scientific rigor and hands-on experience.
His travels and research have also led him to some important conservation projects.
In his recent visit to Kazakhstan, for example, he delivered a lecture at Al-Farabi National University on the ‘Rehabilitation of Falcons in the Wild’, a topic that is becoming increasingly important as the natural habitats of falcons continue to shrink due to human encroachment and environmental changes.
The importance of falcon conservation
While Dr Zubair’s work is international in scope, his message is clear: falcon conservation is a global issue. "Extra care must be taken when feeding falcons, as many birds die due to pesticides in their food or by preying on infected birds,” he explained.
The use of pesticides and other harmful chemicals in agriculture poses a significant threat to falcons and other birds of prey, a problem that Dr Zubair is working hard to address through his research and conservation efforts.
The role of falcons in Qatar’s heritage cannot be overstated. Historically, falcons were used for hunting, helping to provide sustenance for the Qatari people.
Today, they remain an important cultural symbol, representing a deep connection between humans and nature. "Falcons are more than just hunters; they are a link to Qatar’s past. The bond between falconer and falcon is unique, built on mutual respect and understanding,” Dr Zubair said.
Innovation: Falcons as tools for environmental control
Dr Zubair is also looking toward the future of falconry and how these birds can be used in new and innovative ways. "Falcons can be trained to drive away crows and other birds that disturb traffic or pose threats to airplanes at airports. This is an area where falcons can play a significant role in ensuring safety in urban areas and around airports globally,” he said. This is just one example of how falconry is evolving, blending ancient traditions with modern technologies and needs.
A vision for education and awareness
In addition to his research, Dr Zubair is also a passionate educator. He believes that the next generation must be made aware of the cultural and environmental importance of falcons."I would love to teach students at schools, colleges, and universities about falconry and its place in Qatar’s culture and heritage. It’s important that we include falconry in educational curricula so that young people understand the importance of preserving these majestic birds,” he said.
Dr Zubair’s work has been recognized internationally, and he has received numerous awards for his contributions to the field of ornithology. He has also produced a documentary on falcons, which he hopes to release soon in both Arabic and English. This documentary, he believes, will help raise awareness about the importance of falcon conservation and the rich history of falconry in the Arab world.
The future of falcons at S’hail and beyond
As the interview draws to a close, DrZubair reflects on the importance of events like S’hail. "This exhibition is not just a celebration of falconry, but a reminder of the importance of preserving our natural world. Falcons are a vital part of our ecosystem, and we must continue to work together to protect them,” he said.
The S’hail exhibition, with its blend of tradition and innovation, offers a platform for falconers, researchers, and enthusiasts from around the world to come together and share their passion for these remarkable birds.
DrZubair’s journey as a falcon researcher is a testament to his unwavering commitment to these magnificent creatures. His work at S’hail 2024 and beyond ensures that falcons will continue to soar in the skies of Qatar and around the world, a symbol of strength, tradition, and conservation.