3 - To conduct a release and monitoring programme of captive-bred houbara bustards.
The ECWP has created specific rearing techniques and developed reliable release procedures that take
into account the behavioural, physiological and physical requirements of the captive -produced birds
destined for release. Particular attention is paid to the sanitary and genetic implications of releases.
Only small-scale releases have been conducted for the moment, in order to fine-tune the release
procedures. Since 1998, 348 birds were released, with 240 in 2002. The survival rate one year after
release is ranging from 30% to 80% according to the age of the birds at release and the period of the
release. Results are close to 0% with birds maintained 2 years or more in captivity, even if maintained
under specific pre-release procedures. The best results are achieved with the release of sub-adult birds
between October and March.