In brief
On the 13th night of the National Center for Falcons 2026 auction, two juvenile peregrine falcons sold for a combined 168,000 SAR. The event—limited to locally caught juvenile migratory falcons—excluded mature individuals to support sustainability. Broadcast live on television and social media, the auction highlighted the center's services to falcon owners across the Kingdom.
In Riyadh on October 31, Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Falcons closed its latest auction night with a record 168,000 SAR in sales, the proceeds coming from the sale of two juvenile peregrine falcons. The first bird fetched 111,000 SAR after bids rose from an initial 50,000 SAR, while the second commanded 57,000 SAR from a group of seven falconers. The record highlights a growing commitment to responsibly managing the falconing tradition that is central to Saudi heritage.
The auction is part of a two‑month program that began earlier in the year and will continue until November 30. It is deliberately restricted to migratory juvenile peregrine falcons caught within the Kingdom, deliberately excluding mature peregrines and saker falcons. By limiting the sale to newly caught juveniles, the center aims to preserve mature flocks and maintain genetic diversity, a strategy that aligns with broader conservation goals for the region’s wildlife.
Support for sustainability is a core element of the National Center for Falcons’ approach. The center makes it clear that mature peregrine falcons are not part of the auction roster, a measure intended to reduce pressure on already vulnerable adult populations. This policy reflects a growing awareness that falcon immigration and breeding cycles require careful stewardship to sustain both the ecological role of these birds and the cultural practice of falconry.
Participants at the auction are not deprived of convenience; the center offers extensive logistical support throughout the falcon‑catching season. Falcons are transported from their capture sites to the auction venue, and owners receive assistance securing accommodation near the event. This ensures that owners from all across the Kingdom can bring their birds in a timely and stress‑reduced manner, enhancing the welfare of the animals.
To widen participation, the sale is broadcast live on several television channels and the center’s own social media platforms. The dual coverage allows falconers and enthusiasts who cannot attend in person to follow the bidding in real time. By using digital media, the center expands its outreach, engaging a youthful demographic that may otherwise be disconnected from traditional falconry activities.
The auction nights, now a staple of Saudi falconry culture, have attracted strong attendance from both seasoned falconers and newcomers. In the 13th auction night, seven falconers showcased the second juvenile peregrine, creating an interactive bidding experience that mirrored that of a high‑stakes sporting event. Such engagement demonstrates the community’s willingness to support sustainable falcon management while celebrating the sport’s heritage.
Among the auction’s features is a focus on local capture, ensuring that all birds are native to the Kingdom’s migratory routes. The emphasis on indigenous specimens supports regional biodiversity by promoting bird populations that have evolved within the Gulf’s climatic and geographic conditions. This local focus serves to reinforce an ecosystem balance by ensuring that falcon breeding and migration patterns are honored in sales and ownership.
The center’s services and broadcast outreach are designed to encourage ethical practices in falcon ownership. By providing transport, accommodation, and live auction presentation, the agency facilitates a smooth transition from capture to sale that reduces handling stress for the animals. Furthermore, the meticulous data‑recording and temporary housing at the auction venue enable the agency to monitor each bird’s health and welfare throughout the process.
Looking ahead, the National Center for Falcons plans to maintain its auction schedule through November 30, with several nights still to come. Each evening will be an opportunity to renew the partnership between falconers and conservationists while ensuring that the tradition of falconry continues in a way that aligns with ecological sustainability. The record sales of 168,000 SAR underscore both the economic value of the practice and the collective responsibility of preserving the falcon population for future generations.
In summary, the National Center for Falcons’ auction not only showcases a record sale but also demonstrates a model of sustainable falcon management. By limiting the sale to juvenile, locally caught birds, providing public broadcasting, and delivering owner support services, the center exemplifies how cultural practices can coexist with ecological stewardship. As the auction program continues into next month, it will remain a focal point for falcon enthusiasts and conservation advocates alike.
