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Oriental Honey-buzzard Released in Wadi Wurayah After 90 Days of Intensive Care

Female Oriental honey-buzzard perched on a branch in Nagarahole National Park, India
Conservation · Management

An Oriental honey-buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus) found in very poor condition inside Wadi Wurayah National Park in Fujairah was returned to the wild after 90 days of intensive veterinary care. The release was reported on 5 February 2026 after the bird had regained the ability to feed and fly independently.

The case began in the final quarter of 2025, when a resident reported a large raptor trapped on a farm within the biosphere reserve. Fujairah Environment Authority’s biodiversity team responded and identified the bird as an Oriental honey-buzzard. Clinical examinations found that it was severely weakened and unable to feed itself.

Ninety days of treatment and rehabilitation

The authority worked with a veterinary clinic specialising in birds of prey. During a 90-day hospital stay, the honey-buzzard received intensive care and remained under veterinary supervision until its condition improved sufficiently for independent feeding and flight.

Before release, the biodiversity team recorded physical measurements and body weight and fitted the bird with an official identification ring. The marking is intended to support future monitoring of raptors passing through Wadi Wurayah.

Released back into the same protected landscape

After veterinary approval, the honey-buzzard was released back into Wadi Wurayah in connection with World Wetlands Day.

The authority describes Wadi Wurayah as an important stop for migratory birds of prey. Oriental honey-buzzards pass through the United Arab Emirates during seasonal movements between breeding and non-breeding areas.

Sources and image credit

  1. Ali, A. (2026, February 5). Oriental Honey Buzzard rescued and released in Fujairah's Wadi Wurayah. Gulf News.Report based on Fujairah Environment Authority information. Documents the bird's rescue in late 2025, 90 days of veterinary rehabilitation, recovery of independent feeding and flight, ringing and release back into Wadi Wurayah after veterinary approval.
  2. Balasubramanian, S. (2026, February 5). Video: Protected bird of prey rescued from trap by Fujairah authorities. Khaleej Times.Independent report based on the same Fujairah Environment Authority rescue and release information.

Image: UdayKiran28 / Wikimedia Commons — female Oriental honey-buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus) in Nagarahole National Park, India, photographed 6 June 2015. Illustrative photograph, not the rehabilitated bird from Wadi Wurayah. · CC BY-SA 4.0 — https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ · Source

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