(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) The Sharjah Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA), has confiscated 155 birdcall-imitating devices this month, said a spokesperson.
Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, chairperson of the Environment and Protected Areas Authority, said that 252 birdcall-imitating devices had been confiscated in the first quarter of the year.
The devices are used illegally to attract birds who are then killed. "The authority is committed in preserving and protecting the environment in line with the directives of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. This includes preserving the rich biodiversity found in our national parks and surrounding areas. With this aim, our specialised task forces patrol the area, looking for poachers and other illegal activity," said Al Suwaidi.
"The use of such devices adversely affects wildlife and destroys our natural wealth, therefore the authority puts a great deal of effort into combating 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.
What is birdcall imitating device? Birdcall-imitating 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 such devices used for hunting birds to protect wildlife from poaching and to preserve the natural biodiversity of the area. The Curlew, as an endangered species, has been a target of poachers with the calling device - attracting them from long distances and making them an easy prey.
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