Between falconry and falcophilia, more and more Italians rediscover the ancient art of making Civette, owls, Barbagianni, Falchi fly … with them create relationships similar to those with pets. But there is also a lot of dangerous approximation
Falks pilgrims. Barbagianni. But also owls and owls. Rapaci that enchants young people and women and women. People who are added to the already nourished files of falconry enthusiasts in Italy, who according to unofficial estimates amount to several thousand. A silent boom that goes in place in the clubs – about 100 throughout the country – where Aquile and Falchi are the absolute protagonists, in memory of very ancient times. The practice of Italian falconry was recognized in 2016 by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity, and boasts ancient origins.
“In Italy the maximum exponent of this noble practice was the emperor Federico II of Swabia, who in the thirteenth century wrote the Treaty of Arte Venandi Cum Avibus, considered a masterpiece of literature on falconry”, explains Fabrizio Piazza, president of the National Association Circolo Falconeria Maestra who brings together over 100 Italian falconers selected and participates in events all over the world. «Over time this secular practice has stopped being only a prerogative of nobles and aristocrats, but has become an art intended for all lovers and fans of birds of prey. However, the main focus of training in falconry remains, today as then, the incredible relationship between man and rapacious, based on deep feelings of trust and respect, with a single finalization: hunting. All other fans who approach birds of prey should be baptized as falcophyles. It is a fundamental distinction, to fully understand what you are talking about ».
In short, the Falconiere is those who actively practice falconry, or the art of train birds of prey (such as hawks, astori or bitters) for hunting or for fauna control activities. The falcophilic lemma, on the other hand, is used – in a completely informal way, since this term is not officially recognized – to indicate a person passionate about hawks and birds of prey in general, so much so that it can refer to a simple observer, a naturalist photographer but also to those who own birds from prey but do not use them for hunting.
Central is then another element: over the centuries, falconry has evolved, keeping traditional through clubs, associations and cultural events alive. The same that still support this art which is regulated in a very precise way. Today a hunting license is needed to practice falconry, and the use of birds of prey is allowed only if born in captivity and equipped with regular CITES certification.
In addition, each specimen must be identified via an immovable ring or microchip, and detention is subject to specific authorizations.
It is an increasingly popular world, also for potential economic repercussions for those who practice it. It is no coincidence, the courses are increased. In Lecce, for example, “the Falconiere Court” offers different opportunities: we start from the introductory course of one hour to 40 euros, in which the history of falconry, the necessary materials, the different types of birds of prey and the conclusion with the “baptism of gloves” is explained during which it is possible to keep a bird of prey on the hand and attend its flight, to get to more structured appointments, which allow you to approach the great vultures («Expert training», 4 hours and cost of 300 euros). So it also happens in the rest of Italy. The “ancient Tuscan falconry”, a sports-cultural association that aims to bring the most closer to falconer art, is one of the reference points on the topic. “We are a group of falconers” explains the president, as well as the teacher of this ancient art, Andrea Frizzi “who have decided to devote themselves to the formation of young levers by sharing as many knowledge possible. We continually do teaching activities for schools with free flight demonstrations, medieval shows, and obviously courses. People of all kinds and all ages participate. There are never even very young boys, who learn to manage, grow and confront animals. Many, then, approach falconry because it can become a job ». A job that passes through cultural events and fairs, but not only. «In addition to the hunting tradition, falconry today finds applications in different areas. For example, it is necessary to control the AVIFAUNA. The birds of prey are used to remove unwanted birds in airports, landfills and urban areas, “comments Andrea Frizzi.
With birds of prey, educational activities and demonstrations are also carried out to raise awareness of the public on biodiversity and conservation, and guided experiences are held that allow participants to approach falconry in natural contexts. In short, a world. Yet, says Frizzi, “we must not forget that these splendid specimens are first of all of the” predators “, and they are not as domesticable as one could erroneously believed. The relationship that is created between them and the falconer is only a relationship of mutual respect and therefore never emotional esteem, because the instinct overwhelms everything “.
The square point of view is different. «Contrary to what is said, when the animal is treated correctly and brought to specific situations, it becomes attached. If abandoned or mistreated he suffers, just as it happens with dogs and cats. The cure, correct diet and well -being are essential to establish a bond with the bird of prey. Respect is the key word »it thinks square.
Unfortunately, however, these animals are often managed by people who are unable to take care of it, so much from the point of view of nutrition (rather complicated, given that the birds of prey mostly feed on topolini or other living beings) as well as the management between foxes and the possibility of taking flight. «Young specimens must be fed several times a day. Adults, on the other hand, eat only once a day. The rules for correct training are many. One above all: it is necessary to wait for the animal to have digested completely before feeding it again the next day. But they consume large quantities of food: a bird of prey of a kilo, for example, eats the equivalent of 10 percent of its body weight. The diet also varies according to the season and the fact that it is made to fly or resides in the aviary »continues Piazza. “Precisely for this reason it is necessary to form well who will take care of these wonderful animals, who need preparation and a lot of time.”
Furthermore, the exercise by people who are not adequately trained has often underestimated consequences. “The birds of prey that are sometimes lost, because after being launched in flight they do not go back”, explains an insider of the environment, which asks for anonymity, “have a double appearance: they can be predicting the wildlife they meet, and genetically polluting the native species, modifying the balance of wild populations”.
Finally there is the theme of illegal trade. “Some subjects, in order to buy wild birds of prey, are willing to pay dizzying figures,” says the anonymous source. In this case, therefore, it would be the business to animate the falconry. A barbagianni can cost from 200 to 500 euros, while for a fail from one thousand to 3 thousand. But there are specimens, like the eagles, which do not rarely exceed 10 thousand euros. Because, once again, it is always and only the question that dictates the market. Falconeria included.
