November 2020

'As the Chairman of Project Lugger I received a call from Mr. Kamran Khan Yousafrzai, President of the Pakistan Falconers Association, to see if it might be possible to help out with a rather special problem that had arisen and needed the help of fellow falconers. As the problem itself involved, amongst other species, Lugger Falcons, the immediate was response was “how can we help” not “perhaps”. However, with Covid still very prevalent across the world making the arrangements to get out to Pakistan quite quickly took a little effort and involved considerably more expense than would at first be envisaged. With Project Lugger being a charity funds are not allowed to be used for travel expenses etc and so any trip would have to be self-funded.'

 

'The sight that greeted us was one I will probably never see again. More than seventy hooded falcons on indoor blocks. Peregrines, Sakers, Red Naped Shaheens and of course two Lugger Falcons. There had been three, but one had already been used as “Barak” (live bait to catch another falcon) and had died of its injuries before we got there. Also apparently three other falcons had been lost to Aspergillosis and several were showing symptoms of the dreadful disease no doubt brought on by the stress of capture and the subsequent handling. So the priority the nest morning, or rather later in that one was to arrange a zoom conference between the vet looking after these confiscated falcons and one of our Project vets back in the UK. This was accomplished and medication changed and all but one of the sick falcons did in fact eventually pull through.'

 

'A relatively smooth-running daily routine was very quickly established and the falcons needing veterinary treatment were getting some for of it and those falcons that were low in condition were getting extra food and and an eye kept on their condition. The daily weighing and logging the weights helped in this direction.'

 

'The falcons were subject to a court case as regards their illegal trapping and attempted smuggling out of the country. Secondly it was still, at that time, the very height of the trapping season and there was a very realistic possibility that any released falcons could well be trapped again. So the court case and prevailing local conditions dictated that the falcons could not be released yet. This of course made things more difficult for those destined to look after the falcons till they could be released...'

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January 2021

'Once clear of the airport we drove to the house that would be home for the next while and had a wash and clean up and unpacked. A bite of breakfast and then it was on to the Falcon Sanctuary in Karachi where a busy day ensued. I had a long consultation with the vet treating the falcons. I spoke with those looking after the falcons and had a long look round at each and every one to assess their condition. Generally speaking things were okay. Avian Pox had affected quite a number since I had last been in Karachi but then a liaison with one of the Project’s vets had helped greatly with this problem.'

 

Bob Dalton and Kamran Khan Yousafzai not only went on to partake in multiple meetings and discussions with the Karachi authorities, but also took the first steps in securing a site for a Raptor rehabilitation and Research centre, in which Project Lugger would have a dedicated unit. This is a huge undertaking but a crucial first step to securing a sustainable future for wild Luggers, and to engage the locals in the protection of the species.

 

When the time came to release the Luggers and other falcons, once the court allowed and a safe release site was found, Bob went on to describe the day.

'So now was the moment that the last three and a half years of my life had been working towards. I was going to release back into the wild a Lugger Falcon that I had helped to nurture back to full health, having been seized from a trapper in pitful condition'.

 

'The equipment was cut from the falcon and the hood removed. I looked the falcon in the eye and momentarily hesitated releasing her. It was my inner self wanting to prolong the beauty of the moment for me. This selfish moment passed in a flash and 'Diana' the Lugger Falcon was launched into the air. She flew strong and hard and I watched till long after she had disappeared from view, savouring the moment and what it meant.'

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December 2021

Founder and Chairman Bob Dalton flew out to Pakistan with trustee Charles Gray. The trip included several meetings with government ministers in Islamabad, with more meetings then scheduled in Gilgit, northern Pakistan. The objective was sealing government backing for the proposed Raptor Rehabilitation and Research Centre in Gilgit. Signifficant progress was made, and Bob and Charles also visited and inspected the proposed site in Gilgit.

The final confirmation for the government backing came in January 2022 when Bob Dalton flew out to Pakistan again. Pen was put to paper and the construction for the site could finally begin. The Raptor Research and Rehabilitation Centre will be ground-breaking when it comes to Lugger conservation - giving wildlife authorities options and support when it comes to managing wildlife trafficking and confiscating illegally trapped falcons.