Abu Dhabi, October 24, 2025 — The Mohamed bin Zayed Raptor Conservation Fund (MBZRCF) is proud to announce that Dr. Andrew Dixon, our Director of Science & Conservation, has been awarded the Raptor Research Foundation’s (RRF) Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his decades-long leadership in raptor research, innovation, and global conservation partnerships.
Dr. Dixon’s work has helped redefine what scalable, evidence-based conservation can achieve—most notably across the Mongolian steppe, where a grid of 5,000 artificial nests transformed breeding opportunities for the endangered Saker Falcon, and through large-scale mitigation of dangerous power infrastructure that led to a 95% reduction in raptor electrocutions—saving an estimated 18,000 raptors each year. His career blends cutting-edge science, practical engineering solutions, policy influence, and deep mentorship that has empowered a new generation of conservation leaders across Asia and beyond.
Dr. Andrew Dixon — acceptance quote
“I am deeply honored to receive the RRF Lifetime Achievement Award. I dedicate this award to the falconers of Abu Dhabi, whose heritage and stewardship continue to inspire modern raptor conservation, and to the Mohamed bin Zayed Raptor Conservation Fund, whose unwavering support has enabled the research and partnerships that turn ideas into measurable impact. This recognition belongs to our colleagues, students, and field teams who work tirelessly so that raptors continue to soar.”
HE Mr. Abdulla Ahmed Qubaisi — Managing Director, MBZRCF
“Andrew’s award reflects the global mission of the MBZRCF: to deliver scalable, proven, and impactful conservation. From pioneering artificial nest networks to powerline retrofits that drastically cut raptor mortality, his work demonstrates how sound science and strong partnerships translate into outcomes at landscape scale. We are proud of Andrew and grateful to our many partners who make these results possible.”
About The Mohamed bin Zayed Raptor Conservation Fund’s impact in Mongolia
- Science to scale: A long-term artificial nest program delivering sustained increases in Saker Falcon productivity across the steppe.
- Engineering solutions that last: Co-developed and field-tested affordable powerline retrofits, now adopted across thousands of kilometers of distribution lines.
- Building capacity: Mentored emerging Mongolian and regional scientists, creating locally led programs and durable national strategies.
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