History of SA Falconry
The earliest record of falconry in Southern Africa can be found at the museum of “The Great Zimbabwe” near the town of Masvingo in Zimbabwe, where a metal object is identified as an “Arab Falconry Bell”. Several soapstone birds found at the site show a remarkable similarity to a falcon perched on a block perch as used by falconers. The next record of falconry in Southern Africa is in the late 1930’s with Major W. Eustace Poles who settled in Zambia. Major Poles mentored several youngsters on the art of falconry.
Just prior to the Second World War (1939 – 1945) a German immigrant, Heinie Von Michaelis, is thought to be the first active falconer in South Africa. Besides falconry Von Michaelis was best known as a bird artist, but he also wrote well-informed text for this comprehensive works.
In terms of world history, falconry is a relatively young in South Africa. Traditionally in South African falconry, both falcons (referred to as longwings in falconry terms) and hawks (referred to as shortwings in falconry terms) are used as our variety of habitats lends itself to a variety of options for a falconer depending where he resides. Due to the variety of habitats a wide selection of quarry is available to hunt.
Currently there are about 150 active falconers in South Africa who are members of the various provincial falconry clubs. Although falconry is considered as a sport we prefer to practice it as an art.
