JARAK

1. Importing the first falcons for falconry. In 2006, the Chairman of JARAK being a huge admirer and savant of the birds of pray, succeeded for the first time in the history of the Republic of Macedonia to import 4 falcons of the specie Falco Peregrinus, as a donation from the Austrian Falconry Association (Österreichischer Falknerbund). This was conducted in accordance with the CITES regulations and in cooperation with the Ministry for environment and spatial planning of the Republic of Macedonia. The aim of the donation was to introduce domestically breaded falcons which would represent basis for the further development of the falconry in the Republic of Macedonia. The import of the falcons was officially authorized. Anyone who would like to be a part of this “art of hunting” can get a legally produced bird with all the necessary documentation and licenses form the respective authorized ministries and institutions. The falcons may also be subject to artificial breeding and then re-introduced in the nature in the places we know they used to live, but are now exterminated due to the uncontrolled hunting and eradication of the nests most often by pigeon fanciers.

2. Research of the genesis of the falcons in Macedonia in cooperation with IWC Ltd. In March 2007, accompanied by Prof. Dr. Andrew Dickson, we visited several locations where the Mountain Falcon (Falco biarmicus) nestles. The aim of the tour was to collect samples of feathers which would help in isolating the DNA for the further genetic research for the possible hybridization of this particular specie with the specie Falco Cherrug. The IWC Ltd. team works continuously on sequencing the W-chromosome, which would help in determining the genesis of all the respective falcons. The results will be published by the Aberystwyth Institute in Wales.

3. Participation at the 2007 London Falconry Festival. in July 2007, the Macedonian Association for Protection and Conservation of Birds of Prey JARAK, represented by two of it’s members, took part at the first international falconry festival in London. We had an exclusive opportunity to meet falconers from all over the world, to acquire great knowledge about the different traditions and ways of training, breeding and reproduction of the birds of prey. The feeling of being among numerous admirers in the world of the birds of prey is unforgettable. It was about people who understand, appreciate and respect nature. The flag of the Republic of Macedonia was also flown within this discipline, i.e. the art of hunting. Gallery from the Festival >>

4. Exposition of birds of prey. On December 14th and 15th 2007, an exposition of falcons and birds of prey was conducted for the first time within the Championship of Ornithology in Macedonia, which took place in the Scientific Museum in Skopje. During the exhibition 3 samples of Peregrine falcons ( Falco peregrines) and one goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) were exposed. The visitors of the exhibition had an opportunity to learn about the usefulness of the birds of prey, their way of living, as well as about their role in the eco-system, through talks with JARAK members and informative brochures. The exhibition was accompanied with video projection, support form our colleagues falconers from the Czech Falconry Association. Exhibition >>

5. Educational activities. In January 2008, at the invitation of Prof. Dr. Vladimir Maletic, at the Faculty of Forestry within the Ss. Cyril and Methodius University at the cathedra of hunting, a lecture was held, devoted to birds of prey. The students had an exclusive opportunity to get acquainted with the birds of prey in practical terms, to learn about their way of living, reproduction, hunting, as well as their place in the food chain. We would like to continue with these kind of activities and to expand them to more educational institutions which would raise the level of consciousness among citizens, and most importantly, among the representatives of the younger generations to follow. Gallery of the lecture >>

6. Cooperation with the Zoo in Skopje
Jarak has established successful cooperation with the Skopje Zoo. So far, we have donated several birds and food for them as gift.

7. Establishment of center for rehabilitation for birds of prey. Unfortunately, our limited capacities and possibilities restrain us in our ambitions to help in the preservation of our natural treasure – the birds of prey. Large number of birds of prey, each year are being killed by unconscious people. Some of the hurt birds cannot be reintroduced in the nature due to the fractures and other injuries they get. Some of them might be used as potential material for reproduction, and the youths can serve the needs for reintroduction in the nature. However, this would require the attention and activities of serious donors which would invest in the preservation of these “diamonds in the sky”. There is yet no center for rehabilitation of the birds of prey in Macedonia. Last year we faced an example of unconscious hunters shooting grey falcon near Krusevo. Despite the fact that the case has been reported in the respective Ministry, no answer was given to our appeal. The falcon is now sheltered by one of the Jarak members. The falcon recovers with the help of the techniques and the methods of the falconry. It is a matter of time when we will be able to reintroduce him in the wilderness. before & after >>