Sharjah blows whistle on illegal bird-calling devices
Devices used to trap or shoot migrating birds
More than 200 birdcalling devices used by hunters have been confiscated during a sweep of several areas in Sharjah.
Teams from the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) confiscated 205 devices between September and October.
A total of 459 items, including 205 devices, 70 headsets, 181 batteries and three bags, were confiscated in Mesnad, Khedira, Meleiha, Al Dourah, Al Khatam, Akarib, Mkhafiz, Tawi Al Saman, Al Zubair and other areas.
Regular inspections
In a statement released yesterday, Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, EPAA chairperson, said: “Specialised teams visit different regions to detect illegal poaching, confiscate any tools or equipment, and raise awareness about the dangers of poaching.”
Al Suwaidi explained that EPAA teams visited different areas of Sharjah between September 23 and October 28 and confiscated equipment, tools and bird callers. Some hunters use these illegal devices to attract birds.
The items that were confiscated are banned throughout the UAE.
How it works
By mimicking the sound of curlews and other birds, bird callers are used to attract migrating birds so that hunters can shoot them or ensnare them in nets.
A decision has been issued banning the sale and possession of all bird callers for wild migratory birds and marine birds.
Al Suwaidi pointed out that the EPAA and its specialised teams are doing everything possible to combat the poaching of wild and marine migratory birds. Efforts to protect migratory birds are part of the larger effort to conserve biodiversity in the UAE.