Sharjah – Authorities seized 755 devices used to attract and hunt birds in Sharjah. Sharjah’s Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) said that all 10 migratory birds were rescued. The authority imposed fines of Dh40,000 for four violations during the 2023 bird migration season.
Poachers use illegal devices that make noise to attract wild birds. Then they spread nets to catch the birds. Some release birds of prey like falcons to hunt. It is illegal in Sharjah. Hunting of wild animals and migratory birds was banned by the Executive Council. The sale, possession, use and import of bird noise making devices is also prohibited.
The EPAA said it cooperated with the police to make the first arrest in the Khedira region on March 2 and impose a Dh10,000 fine. On March 8, EPA seized bird attractants in the Al Blyda area. The authority imposed a fine of Dh10,000 for violation of the law. On March 21, police and EPAA raided a farm in Suhaila region and seized equipment to attract more birds. On the same day, authorities rescued endangered migratory birds in Al Qudaira region. A fine of Dh10,000 was imposed for both offences. EPAA Chairperson Hana Saif Al Suwaidi said that she is keen to carry out her duties to protect the environment and spread awareness about it. Awareness campaigns about the dangers of hunting migratory birds and the need to avoid it are ongoing.