Using devices to lure this desert bird will invite fine
dubai — The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) has issued a warning against using electronic devices that mimic bird calls to lure stonecurlews in the UAE.
The stone-curlew (karawan in Arabic) is a desert bird and a winter migrant that appears in the UAE during March and October.
The move follows the increase in hunting of the rare bird species during its winter migration through the country that poses a threat to its reproduction. The UAE has adopted legislations and launched several initiatives for the conservation of rare and endangered bird species.
Sultan Alwan, assistant undersecretary for the regions sector at MoCCAE, said: “The ministry has recently noticed that some people use electronic devices that imitate the voice of the stone-curlew to attract large numbers of these birds over long distances in order to catch them easily.”
Alwan pointed out that hunting stone-curlews is punishable by imprisonment for a maximum period of six months and a fine of up to Dh20,000.
The illegal act also affects the UAE’s high ranking on the Global Environmental Competitiveness Index. In 2017, the country placed 16th on the Environmental Legislation Implementation Index and the Index of Legislation Effectiveness and Strictness, as compared to the 19th and 18th ranks respectively on each index in 2014.
“The UAE will not allow such random individual misdemeanors to affect the unified efforts of government agencies, private sector and other segments of society.”
Alwan added that the ban on the hunting of threatened species is part of the ministry’s sustained efforts to preserve the rich biodiversity of the country that comprises a range of terrestrial and marine ecosystems.
The official added: “Article 12 of Federal Law No. 24 of 1999 for the protection and development of the environment, as amended by Federal Law No. 11 of 2006, prohibits hunting, killing or capturing of wild and marine birds and animals identified in Lists 1, 2 and 3 annexed to this law. It also bans the possession, transport or sale of live or dead birds and animals without obtaining permission from the concerned authorities.”
The three lists divide the species according to the degree of importance and risk of extinction, and the stone-curlew features on List 1.
Know the bird
The stone-curlew appears in semiarid areas, on gravelly land and farms. Its greyish brown plumage provides effective camouflage, with distinctive white spots on the underside of the wings that are visible when flying. The 22-cm-long bird has a relatively large head with a pointed beak and round white-rimmed eyes, long legs with thick joints, and a short tail.
The stone-curlew is largely nocturnal and produces a characteristic wailing cry. During the day, it cannot be seen easily, as it sleeps in groups on the ground between shrubs and rocks, with legs folded under its body, and neck and head outstretched.
The bird starts the migration journey from its home in Central Asia between late August and early November, and returns between early March and May. During this period, it often spends a few days in the UAE in search of the right climate, food and mating partners.— Wam