While falcons have been an integral part of Saudi Arabia, a rare falcon has made headlines in the kingdom that was sold at a record $71,994 (270,000 Saudi riyals).

During the second night of the direct auction held at the Saudi Falcons Club (SFC) in Malham, North of Riyadh, the rare breed of the falcon was sold.

According to the International Falcon Breeders Auction (IFBA), the falcon is considered the most expensive bred by Saudi breeders auctioned.

“The falcon, bred at Al-Aradi’s Farm in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has seen intense competition at the occasion. It weighs 1,105 grams, is 17 and a half inches long, and 16 and three-quarters inches wide,” the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The auction was won by Saudi falconer Moteb Munir Al-Ayafi for $71,994 (270,000 Saudi riyals). He shared that he would name the rare falcon ‘Raghwan’ and also aims to participate in (Al-Mazayen competitions for local breeding), a pageant for beautiful falcons wherein the most beautiful falcon wins a prize of SR 300,000.

He also shared that he inherited the profession of falconry from his family, adding that he has won championships in Horse Beauty contests, and seeks to compete in the 4th edition of the King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival.

Hunting with falcons or falconry has been an integral part of the kingdom and neighboring countries going back thousands of years. However, Falcons, whose flight speeds can exceed 300 km (186 miles) an hour, are now recognised internationally as endangered.

But with competitions like the Al-Mallouah race, Mazayin beauty competition, and Future Falconers, the kingdom aims to keep the tradition going and also create awareness regarding the ancient activity.