The
History of Falconry
The
ancient beginnings of falconry date back to 2000 B.C., where it is thought to
have originated in China. It developed in Persia, Japan, India and throughout
other Asian countries in about 600 B.C. The sport soon moved to Egypt, evidence
of which can be seen in ancient wall paintings. The Romans further introduced it
into the areas of Europe which they conquered. From there it arrived in England
at the end of the 9th century
Although
enthusiasm for falconry began to decline in England, it became popular again
after the Norman Conquest in 1066. At this time, falconry was a serious matter
and a measure of nobility. Species of raptors (birds of prey) correlated to
one's rank in society. Only a king could carry a gyr falcon (Falco rusticolus). An Earl could carry a peregrine falcon (Falco
peregrinus). Finally, a servant could carry a kestrel (Falco
tinnunculus). During this time, penalties for stealing a bird were severe,
and in some cases, death. Trained hawks and falcons were considered very
valuable and an important means of hunting.
Legend
has it that Attila the Hun (406-453 B.C.) originally brought falconry to central
Europe, specifically to Hungary where the Huns settled for a time. It is even
said that this famous King of the Huns had a coat of arms with an emblem of a
falcon on it. Then falconry was brought to Slovakia, in the Dunajska region,
with the arrival of some Hungarians who were looking for a lost, rare falcon.
This lost bird was named "Turul", and in Hungary was considered a
sacred, highly esteemed bird.
With
the advent of firearms, these highly skilled birds lost their hunting position
in society. In fact, during the early part of the 18th century in England,
falconry went out of style, and the shooting of these predatory birds became
popular.
In
order to preserve the wild game for hunters, these raptors were shot, poisoned
or trapped. These practices carried over to the new settlers in America as well.
In addition to these dangers, birds of prey also faced the new dangers of
pesticides used for agricultural purposes and destruction of their natural
habitat. During the 1900's, much was done to protect these birds of prey.
However, today they are still threatened with habitiat loss and pesticides.
Recently,
there has been an increase in the popularity of falconry throughout such areas
of the world as Latin America, Britain, Europe, the U.S.A., and Canada. And, of
course, in certain areas of West Africa, the Middle East, and the Orient, it's
popularity has never declined.
