What must happen if a falconer uses a raptor as a captive breeding bird for over eight months?

If a falconer uses a raptor as a captive breeding bird for over eight months, it must be permanently transferred as a propagation bird. This requirement ensures that the raptor is classified and managed in a way that aligns with its role in breeding rather than in falconry activities. The transition to a propagation bird helps in maintaining proper breeding practices and ensures that the falconer adheres to regulations governing the captivity and management of birds of prey.

Using a raptor in breeding for an extended period signifies that its primary purpose has shifted from hunting and training in falconry to reproduction, which requires a change in its status. This regulation reflects an understanding of the biological and ecological considerations necessary for the raptor’s welfare and the successful continuation of its species in captivity.