Sharjah seizes over 1,200 bird-call devices used by hunters

Sharjah - The sounds from these devices catch the birds' attention, helping hunters in shooting them down.

Some 1,265 devices that were all used to attract birds - and hunt them down - have been seized in Sharjah, authorities said on Monday. 
After several intensive campaigns, the Sharjah Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) was able to trace all these devices that emit bird sounds resembling the calls of curlews, a rare bird species threatened with extinction. The sounds from these devices catch the birds' attention, helping hunters in shooting them down.
Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, chairperson of the EPAA, said: "Teams have been assigned to confiscate these devices which are being used as a means to carry out poaching."
The EPAA has been striving to put an end to overhunting, prohibiting the use of devices and equipment that deceive birds for the purpose of hunting, she added. 
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 like the curlews.
According to the Executive Council Resolution No. 12 of 2014, it is prohibited to possess, circulate or use such devices to carry out hunting operations.
Violators shall be penalised with up to Dh10,000 in fines, and all devices will be seized and destroyed. Fines are also expected to double in case the violation has been repeated.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com
 

• Sharjah