Ancient art of falconry highlights urgent need to protect endangered birds of prey
TBILISI, GEORGIA / ACCESS Newswire / September 25, 2025 / World-renowned master falconer and conservationist Kakhi Jordania is urging the public to take action in protecting raptors and preserving the ecosystems they depend on. Speaking after a recent feature interview, Jordania emphasized that falconry is more than a cultural tradition - it is a call to responsibility.
"Falconry teaches humility," Jordania said. "When a bird chooses to fly back to your glove, it is not obedience. It is trust. That trust is what we must build with nature itself."
A Tradition Under Threat
Across the Caucasus and beyond, raptor populations are under pressure from habitat loss, illegal hunting, and climate change. According to BirdLife International, 30% of raptor species worldwide are considered threatened or near-threatened, with iconic species like the saker falcon and imperial eagle facing steep declines.
Through the Caucasus Raptor Conservation Initiative (CRCI), Jordania and his team have already:
Rescued and rehabilitated more than 400 injured raptors.
Partnered with UNESCO to secure recognition of Georgian falconry as part of the world's intangible cultural heritage.
Introduced satellite tracking programs to monitor migratory birds across continents.
But Jordania insists this is only part of the solution. "Conservation is not something done only by scientists," he explained. "It begins with awareness, respect, and small actions that everyone can take."
Education as a Tool for Change
One of Jordania's passions is working with schools in rural Georgia to inspire the next generation. "When a child holds a falconer's glove, they understand responsibility in a way no classroom can teach," he said.
UNESCO has recognized education and cultural preservation as key drivers in achieving sustainability. Jordania believes this connection between culture and conservation is vital. "Falconry is not just about the bird. It is about teaching patience, balance, and respect for life."
A Call to Action
Jordania is encouraging people around the world to get involved in their own communities. Simple steps such as supporting local wildlife rescues, reducing pesticide use, and protecting nesting sites can make a measurable difference.
"We do not all need to train falcons," Jordania noted. "But we all share the duty to protect the skies they fly in."
Call to Learn More
To discover more about Kakhi Jordania's work and how to support raptor conservation, visit your local wildlife organizations or learn about cultural heritage initiatives in your community. As Jordania says:
"When people see a falcon dive at full speed, they feel something ancient inside them. That feeling is not about the past - it is about the future we must protect."
About Kakhi Jordania
Kakhi Jordania is a master falconer, conservationist, and cultural advocate from Tbilisi, Georgia. He is the founder of the Caucasus Raptor Conservation Initiative (CRCI), author of Wings of the Caucasus, and recipient of the Global Conservation Award (2021). He has been recognized by UNESCO as a Cultural Heritage Advocate and is an honorary member of the International Association for Falconry and Conservation of Birds of Prey.
Contact:
SOURCE: Kakhi Jordania
View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
