Trapping techniques and lure (Bait) used in capturing of falcons in Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

In this study, different trapping techniques and lure used in capturing of falcons were documented in various districts of Punjab, Pakistan where falcons are commonly captured and traded. Total eight falcon capturing techniques i.e. bal-chatri, dho-Gaza, piddam, jacket, socks-ball, nest-net, adda and laggar falcon (Falco jugger)/white eyed buzzard (Butastur teesa) as bait technique were recorded. Out of these eight techniques two i.e. sock-ball and laggar falcon (F. jugger) /white eyed buzzard (B. teesa) as bait technique were documented for the first time. The size of sock ball is about 7-8cm in diameter having noose traps of 7-8cm in size used to install on the surface. Laggar falcon (F. jugger) and white eyed buzzard (B. teesa) also used as technique to capture superior (migratory) falcons. Animals used as lure in biological traps were pigeon (Columba livia), quail (Coturnix coturnix), sparrow (Passer domesticus), myna (Acridotheres tristis), dove (Streptopelia senegalensis) and mice (Mus musculus). While the percentage use of quill, mice, dove, sparrow and myna has been calculated as 66.67%, 46.24%, 46.24%, 34.41% and 21.51%, respectively. Further it was observed that falcon trapping was a teamwork and each team used multiple techniques at the same time during capturing in the field.