Houbara Bustard

Acrylic on Pakistan 5 Rupee banknote

71 x 126 mm

All the bustard species of the world are under serious threat, many close to extinction. Houbara are hunted in Pakistan as their flesh is considered an aphrodisiac. They are also a favourite of Arabian falconers, who fly their prized peregrines on private jets to the hunt. All bustards have spectacular courtship displays, inflating throat sacs and revealing fabulous plumage as they leap into the air.