SHARJAHÂ 28 October 2017: A specialised task force set up by the Sharjah Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA), has confiscated 155 birdcall-imitating devices this month alone, in an effort to combat poaching of endangered species, a spokesperson said.
Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairman of Environment and Protected Areas Authority, said that 252 birdcall-imitating devices had been confiscated in the Q1 of 2017, as they are used illegally to attract birds, who are then being killed, said Wam.
“The authority is committed preserving and protecting the environment in line with the directives of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. This includes preserving the rich biodiversity found in our national parks and surrounding areas. With this aim our specialised taskforces patrol the area looking for poachers and other illegal activity,” said Al Suwaidi.
Birdcall devices imitate the sounds of birds to entice them to come together in large numbers where hunters have placed traps or where they will be targeted by pump action rifles. The EPAA has banned the use of such devices used for hunting birds to protect wildlife from poaching and to preserve the natural biodiversity of the area. Specifically, the curlew, as an endangered species, has been target by poachers with a device that makes a sound to attract them from long distances and make them an easy prey.
“The use of such devices adversely affects wildlife and destroys our natural wealth, therefore the authority puts a great effort in combatting poaching. This is why a resolution was passed to ban the sale and possession of any device imitating birdcalls of all kinds, in addition to banning the sale and possession of wild or migratory birds,” added Al Suwaidi.