Sharjah eco body seizes 1,265 bird callers

Sharjah Environment and Protected Areas Authority recently confiscated 1,265 devices for issuing bird sounds from across several areas in the Emirate. This move was implemented through the help of several intensive campaigns.

The campaign helped trace devices that emit sounds that resemble the voices of curlews, helping catch their attention and to be hunted down since they entered the season until its end in April 2020.

Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the Environment and Protected Areas Authority, said: “The Authority is implementing several measures according to the directives of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to preserve the environment and biological diversity. Teams have been assigned to confiscate these devices which are being used as a means to carry out poaching.”

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She added that the Authority is striving to combat overhunting and prohibiting the use of devices and equipment that mislead and deceive birds for the purpose of hunting. One of the strategic objectives of the Authority is to safeguard all species of birds that have migrated to the region, especially those threatened to be extinct such as the curlew.

According to the Executive Council Resolution No. 12 of 2014, it is prohibited to possess, circulate or use such devices for carrying out hunting operations. The curlews in particular are rare species, therefore the Authority confiscates these devices, with the aim of protecting wildlife from overhunting, and preserving natural resources from depletion.

The fifth article of the resolution states that the Authority must take care of the environmental affairs and wildlife in Sharjah, and fine all users indulging in activities that could potentially violate environmental balance and threaten species.

Violators will be fined Dhs10,000 and all devices will be seized and destroyed. Fines are expected to double in case the violation has been repeated.

The Environment and Protected Areas Authority seeks to protect the environment, natural reserves, wildlife and their biological diversity by conducting scientific studies and research and implementing measures for pollution control. In addition the Authority seeks to increase awareness by educational individuals on the principles of sustainable development that could help preserve natural environmental resources, beneficial for the use and purpose of study among future generations.