While many Kazakh golden eagle hunters keep the tradition alive through shows for tourists, a handful use the animals to hunt for real.
On the hunt —
While many Kazakh golden eagle hunters keep the tradition alive through shows for tourists, a handful use the animals to hunt for real.
AFP/Getty Images
A Kazakh falconer holds his golden eagle during a festival of traditional sports in the East Kazakhstan's city of Ust-Kamenogorsk. Golden Eagles have been used in falconry since the Middle Ages.
Swooping to conquer —
A Kazakh falconer holds his golden eagle during a festival of traditional sports in the East Kazakhstan's city of Ust-Kamenogorsk. Golden Eagles have been used in falconry since the Middle Ages.
AFP/Getty Images
The golden eagle is one of the world's largest birds of prey and can dive at up to speeds of 120mph.
Hard to handle —
The golden eagle is one of the world's largest birds of prey and can dive at up to speeds of 120mph.
AFP/Getty Images
"Most of eagle handlers are happy to make a living posing for photographs for tourists," says eagle trainer Paul Pfander.
Showing their skill —
"Most of eagle handlers are happy to make a living posing for photographs for tourists," says eagle trainer Paul Pfander.
AFP/Getty Images
There are around 50 eagle hunters in Kazakhstan, where, like Kyrgyszstan, the practice originated.
Since Medieval times —
There are around 50 eagle hunters in Kazakhstan, where, like Kyrgyszstan, the practice originated.
AFP/Getty Images
While the golden eagle population remains stable in Kazakhstan, saker falcon numbers are rapidly declining because of the black market trade.
Decline in native falcons —
While the golden eagle population remains stable in Kazakhstan, saker falcon numbers are rapidly declining because of the black market trade.
AFP/Getty Images
"There are specialist teams operating that capture wild falcons. It's a very organized, it has its own hierarchy and everyone knows who they are -- it's a kind of Mafia," says Paul Pfander
Fight or flight? —
"There are specialist teams operating that capture wild falcons. It's a very organized, it has its own hierarchy and everyone knows who they are -- it's a kind of Mafia," says Paul Pfander
AFP/Getty Images
The training a golden eagle can present as much a danger to its handler as its prey, which means its numbers in Kazakhstan are presently stable.
Saving the golden eagle —
The training a golden eagle can present as much a danger to its handler as its prey, which means its numbers in Kazakhstan are presently stable.
AFP/Getty Images