CIC Supports IAF’s Efforts to Protect Falconry Rights in Scotland

The International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC) is proud to stand with our partner, the International Association for Falconry and Conservation of Birds of Prey (IAF), in its ongoing efforts to protect the practice of falconry in Scotland. Through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), CIC and IAF are committed to mutually supporting and promoting each other’s missions to preserve traditional, sustainable hunting practices and safeguard the art of falconry worldwide.

“falconry is truly needed as a force for conservation.”

– IUCN President H.E. Razan al Mubarak

Falconry, recognised by UNESCO as an “intangible cultural heritage of humanity,” is a time-honoured hunting art with a history spanning over 4,000 years. Its low-impact, sustainable approach reflects the very principles of conservation. However, recent changes to Scotland’s Wildlife and Countryside Act 2020 have made the capture of mountain hares using falconry illegal, posing a significant threat to this ancient tradition.

Please consider signing Scottish Parliamentary Petition PE1859 to advocate for a review of the legislation and an exemption for falconry. This petition is open to sign for everyone, not only citizens of the United Kingdom. The CIC strongly endorses the IAF’s campaign and urges all supporters of sustainable hunting and cultural heritage to join this cause.

The IAF, together with British member organisations, the British Falconers’ Club (BFC) and Hawk Board, is actively encouraging Scottish nationals to write to their Members of the Scottish Parliament and to the Scottish Minister for Rural Affairs, Jim Fairlie. This is in support of this crucial legislative review.

This campaign, originally initiated by members of the Scottish falconry community and launched by Barry Blyther, underscores the dedication of local advocates to preserving their cultural heritage. Their groundwork, brought forward with immense commitment, has now been amplified through the support of the IAF, who are joining forces to ensure the legacy of falconry endures for future generations.

The CIC is dedicated to supporting the preservation of falconry as a conservation-oriented and culturally significant tradition. Falconry is not only a hunting art but also a vital link between humanity, nature, and biodiversity preservation.

To learn more about International Association for Falconry and Conservation of Birds of Prey (IAF) click here.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Tristan Breijer FRGS
Senior Communications and Public Affairs Advisor
Email: tristan.breijer@cic-wildlife.org