Today's Edition
Mohammad Ghazal (Abu Dhabi)
Two friends' shared passion for falconry gave wings to their dream project of establishing a wildlife management company, offering innovative and eco-friendly wildlife management solutions. Ruan, an A-grade falconer from South Africa and Saleh from the UAE joined hands to establish Wild Flight in 2012 with a focus on environmental sustainability, since then the journey has been environmentally beneficial.
"Since its inception, Wild Flight has evolved significantly. Our team, originally comprising just two individuals with a shared passion, has expanded to over 20 professionals. Our experts bring diverse skills and enthusiasm to various projects across the UAE, catering to clients from private, public, and government sectors. Our growth reflects our commitment to environmentally responsible practices in wildlife management, a principle that remains at the core of everything we do," Ruan told Aletihad in an interview.
Safeguarding Natural Habitats
As climate change increasingly affects wildlife, Wild Flight's focus on protecting indigenous species becomes ever more crucial, he said.
"While our direct impact on climate change might be limited, our services play a vital role in safeguarding the natural habitats of these species. By doing so, we provide essential support to local ecosystems already under immense strain from environmental changes and invasive species. Our efforts in preserving these natural environments contribute to a broader strategy of mitigating the impacts of climate change on wildlife," Ruan added.
He emphasised that Wild Flight ensures its wildlife management solutions are green and eco-friendly through several key practices.
"Firstly, we prioritise methods that have no negative impact on protected species. This includes the use of smart technology for mammal control and humane trapping systems that avoid harmful chemicals. Significantly, our services can directly replace the need for various chemicals traditionally used in invasive mammal and bird control. By adopting these approaches, we effectively manage wildlife while safeguarding the environment," he noted.
Elaborating on the company's wildlife management techniques in protecting animals and biodiversity, he also pointed to challenges in the path.
"The UAE faces an influx of the house crow (Corvus splendens) drawn by factors like water, food and safety, in the context of rapid human population growth and a lack of natural predators. Addressing this issue, we focus on two key elements: food and safety," he said.
Firstly, to manage their food source, the team strategically installs humane traps. Secondly, for the safety aspect, they employ a unique approach. "We use highly trained raptors to reintroduce the natural predator-prey dynamic. This tactic creates a 'fear factor' in targeted areas, deterring the influx of the species. Such methods not only manage specific wildlife challenges but also contribute to maintaining the region's ecological balance and biodiversity," Ruan noted.
Partnerships
Discussing partnerships and collaborations, the wildlife enthusiast said that they have been pivotal in Wild Flight's journey, especially with organisations that share our ethos of environmental stewardship.
"Our collaborations extend beyond mere support; we actively engage in community education, providing experiential learning opportunities. This includes running educational programmes and extracurricular activities (ECAs) in schools, emphasising the significance of falconry and broader ecosystem conservation," Ruan said.
These initiatives, in partnership with both government and private sectors, have been instrumental in raising awareness and reinforcing the importance of preserving natural heritage.
Elaborating further on wildlife management solutions, he highlighted the Middle East's current environmental landscape, particularly due to the unique challenges of urban ecosystems.
"In these predominantly man-made environments, indigenous species adapt and integrate, which in turn attracts larger, more dominant species. However, the absence of natural predators in these areas leads to imbalances. Our role is to strategically intervene, delaying the overwhelming influx of such dominant species," Ruan said.
This approach is vital, but it's important to recognise that it's not a standalone solution, he said, adding that it requires a combination of techniques and is part of a long-term strategy to maintain ecological balance.
"In the UAE, where rapid urbanisation is prominent, our role becomes increasingly critical in preserving biodiversity and ensuring sustainable coexistence between urban development and wildlife," he said.
Expert Animal Handlers
Discussing the skills aspect, Ruan noted that Wild Flight is home to a diverse group of trained professionals, each an expert "animal handler" in their respective fields.
"Our members have honed their skills through rigorous training in various countries around the world. To further enhance their expertise, we provide additional training and regular refresher courses that align with international standards," he said.
This training regimen is tailored to each specific activity the company undertakes, ensuring the team is always at the forefront of wildlife management techniques, according to Ruan.
"Additionally, we meticulously adhere to UAE legislation and work in sync with the ministry's objectives such as the NISSAP programme. This combination of international expertise and local compliance enables us to offer unique and effective wildlife management solutions, contributing significantly to our mission and the broader goals of environmental conservation in the UAE," he continued.
Natural Pest Control Methods
Delving into the company's pest control methods, Ruan stressed that the company's procedures prioritise safety of both families and the environment.
"We employ chemical-free, humane, and fully controllable techniques. A key aspect of our approach is the use of raptors, like falcons, in managing pests birds. These raptors are natural predators and offer an eco-friendly alternative to chemical methods," he said.
Furthermore, every deployment of falcons is overseen by graded experts in the field, ensuring safety and effectiveness. This combination of natural pest control methods and expert supervision allows the team to manage pest populations effectively while maintaining a safe, healthy environment for families and supporting ecological balance, he added.
When asked about the company's approach to animal altercation, Ruan said it is thorough and customised. The process begins with a comprehensive inspection of the property to understand the specific wildlife challenges. Based on this assessment, the team proposes the most eco-friendly solution tailored to the property's needs whether it be a once off or running programme.
According to Ruan, the company's on-site work typically unfolds in three phases. First is Trap and Remove: The team humanely traps and removes the problematic wildlife. The second phase, called Alter Human Behavior, focuses on education. The team guides property occupants on practices to avoid attracting wildlife, thereby preventing future influxes.
And the final phase is called Introduction of Predators, which is applicable in situations where it's feasible and beneficial, where the team introduces natural predators like falcons to maintain a manageable balance of wildlife.
"It's important to note that wildlife management is not a quick fix; it requires a long-term, sustainable approach. Our tailor-made solutions are crafted with this perspective, ensuring effective and environmentally responsible wildlife management for different types of properties," Ruan said.
Regarding community engagement, Ruan said that Wild Flight has had a significant impact on local communities, particularly in terms of their interaction and relationship with wildlife.
"Our team, driven by a deep passion for wildlife, actively shares our expertise and experiences. This isn't limited to our services; we extend our outreach through educational programs and interactive experiences," he said.
"We are actively involved in schools, where we conduct sessions focused on local wildlife and the cultural aspects surrounding it. Additionally, we participate in community events that spotlight wildlife conservation and awareness. Through these efforts, we aim to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of wildlife among community members, ultimately influencing their interactions with the natural world in a positive and sustainable manner," he added.
Raun also stressed that the company's primary goal is to combat invasive species that threaten indigenous fauna and flora. This mission is crucial for maintaining the ecological balance and protecting native wildlife.
Awareness Raising
In addition to the company's field operations, Wild Flight is committed to raising awareness about wildlife conservation. "We plan to continue and expand our educational initiatives, aiming to remain a leading training facility in our area of expertise. This will involve offering more comprehensive programs for individuals and organizations seeking to deepen their understanding of wildlife management," he said.
Looking ahead, the company is exploring new projects and initiatives that align with its mission. These include innovative techniques for managing wildlife, expanding Wild Flight's educational outreach, and forming strategic partnerships to amplify its impact. "Our long-term vision is to create a sustainable coexistence between humans and wildlife, contributing positively to our environment and communities," he said.
Community Engagement
Wild Flight actively engages with the community to foster awareness about sustainable wildlife management through various collaborative and educational efforts. "Our outreach extends to community management departments, facility management companies, and government entities, where we share our knowledge and offer recommendations on wildlife conservation practices," Ruan said.
"Additionally, we have a robust educational program that involves weekly sessions with various schools and facilities across the UAE. These sessions are designed to be interactive and informative, providing students and community members with hands-on experiences and insights into the importance of sustainable wildlife management."
Ruan also shared a word of advice for those aspiring to work in wildlife conservation and environmentally friendly pest control. "I recommend a two-pronged approach. First, Wild Flight offers an annual internship programme, which is a great opportunity for hands-on learning and gaining practical experience in our field.
"Secondly, I advise taking a step back from our fast-paced lifestyles to observe and connect with your immediate environment. Pay attention to the changes over time and identify what aspects of nature or wildlife conservation genuinely interest you. Once you find that area of interest, seek out organisations, like Wild Flight, that are dedicated to protecting and nurturing these elements. Engaging with these organisations can provide invaluable experience and help you make a meaningful impact in the field of conservation."
