Western Cape Falconry
The first steps in legalizing falconry in the Western Cape
Multiple accounts detailing the legalization of falconry in the Western Cape have been published. However, these versions unfortunately lack comprehensive input from all founding members. Consequently, many published histories, particularly in the SAFA Mews Views, present the origins of falconry in the Cape Province primarily through the lens of the Cape Falconry Club’s sporting/hunting formation. Notably absent from these accounts is the crucial and foundational role played by the SA Air Force SSO Flight Safety in achieving the legalization of falconry in what is now the Western Cape. For a better understanding, refer to Project Falconer and The Bird Strike.
With the establishment of the CFC in January 1992 and the advent of the new falconry policy, a key priority was to create a solid administrative framework. Membership was open to any adult with an interest in falconry, initially based on good faith, with no formal membership contract. This framework ensured that all club procedures and protocols adhered to both the new regulations and the CFC’s own constitution. CapeNature further defined the operational landscape by allocating an annual quota of specific raptor species that CFC members were permitted to utilize for falconry purposes.
The formation of falconry clubs in South Africa often followed a strategic pattern. New clubs frequently adopted and adapted the constitution of an existing, approved club in another province. This provided a strong foundation and often streamlined the approval process, as provincial authorities found it difficult to reject a constitution already sanctioned elsewhere.
The inaugural meeting of the Cape Falconry Club (CFC) took place on 18 January 1992, at Ernie Carelse’s home in Hawequas. Attending the founding meeting were: Earnie Carelse, Peter Gernetsky, Edmund Oettle, Guy Palmer, Dirk Versveld, Thys Walters, Christo Lombard, and I. Dr. Oettle was elected the first CFC chairman, and Ernie Carelse the first secretary/treasurer. The early relationship between the CFC and CapeNature was strengthened by the presence of Mr. Guy Palmer from CapeNature at the first CFC AGM. He became the dedicated liaison, fostering a highly effective partnership. Mr. Palmer’s role as an intermediary proved invaluable in resolving any issues or navigating discussions between the club and the provincial conservation authority, which would later be greatly missed following his retirement.
The early relationship between the CFC and CapeNature was strengthened by the presence of Mr. Guy Palmer from CapeNature at the first CFC AGM. He became the dedicated liaison, fostering a highly effective partnership. Mr. Palmer’s role as an intermediary proved invaluable in resolving any issues or navigating discussions between the club and the provincial conservation authority, which would later be greatly missed, following his retirement.
Membership was open to any adult interested in falconry, initially based on good faith with no formal membership contract. The CapeNature Falconry Policy (CNFP) of 1991, a concise eight-page document, reflected a partnership between Western Cape falconers and CapeNature for conservation efforts. It established a limit of 35 practicing falconers across all clubs in the Western Cape, a number subject to annual review.
The CNFP also implemented a quota for raptors used in falconry, acknowledging the sustainable use of these birds for the practice. The quota was set at 4 peregrine falcons, 10 lanners, 10 black sparrowhawks, 5 pale chanting goshawks, 5 red-breasted sparrowhawks, and 5 African goshawks.
The CNFP outlined expectations for the CFC and its members, including:- Assisting CapeNature in raptor conservation by treating and rehabilitating injured or diseased raptors.
– Translocating problematic raptors from properties where they cause damage.
– Reporting illegal falconry activities.
– Providing information on raptor distribution and breeding.
– Publishing and reporting relevant findings.
Interestingly, no fees were payable for falconry permits to CapeNature due to the CFC’s partnership and members’ contributions to conservation and rehabilitation. Falconers were responsible for vet costs for injured raptors, with Dr. Oettle, a veterinarian, offering assistance to fellow falconers.While the CNFP listed the peregrine falcon as a threatened species, falconers challenged this categorization, believing it to be more abundant than the lanner falcon. However, they accepted the global perception of the peregrine’s vulnerability.
My own experience with sharing raptor nest information with bird scientists highlighted concerns about access and “ownership”. I shared a red-breasted sparrowhawk nest with a student, but my access was subsequently restricted as predicted by my friend, Brent Visser. This discouraged me from sharing further information.
This account provides a glimpse into the early years of the Cape Falconry Club and its relationship with conservation authorities in the Western Cape. The club’s formation and ongoing efforts highlight the intricate balance between falconry as an art & practice and its raptor conservation obligations.
Important Clarification: In 2023, podcasts featuring interviews at a CFC field meet included claims by some falconers regarding their instrumental roles in the establishment of the CFC (Falconry Chronicles-Episode 78-Edited). However, these claims do not align with the original documented history of the CFC, including the minutes of the formative meetings.
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