11 rescued houbara bustards to be released into the wild
Dh50 Fine for convicted smugglers of endangered animals
abu dhabi — The 11 Asian houbara bustards, which were rescued by customs officials in Ras Al Khaimah, are recovering well and will soon be on their way back into the wild, the International Fund for Houbara Conservation (IFHC) said.
Twelve houbara bustards were originally seized by customs officials as they foiled a smuggling attempt on the Al Darah border checkpoint with Oman on January 22.
The birds were found stuffed in plastic bags with their wings taped up and placed in a spare tyre.
Upon the inspection of the IFHC, which oversees one of the world’s largest multi-region conservation projects for houbara species, one of the 12 bustards was extremely sick and had to be euthanised.
A post-mortem examination revealed that the female bustard had suffered severe damages to its wings and internal organs, including its liver, pancreas, kidneys and thyroid glands.
Findings also showed a clump of mould in its lungs, and microbiology reports came back positive for E. coli bacteria.
Smuggled houbara bustards typically carry diseases and suffer tremendous stress from the capture and illicit transportation.
With only one in 10 wild houbara surviving being smuggled across the UAE border, such a trade has become not only a significant factor in the houbara population decline, but also a major threat to traditional Arabian falconry.
“Had the infected smuggled houbara been eaten by a falcon, it may have proven fatal to the raptor, so we thank our customs and quarantine colleagues in Ras Al Khaimah and Dubai for the diligent and professional care they showed these vulnerable creatures,” said Majid Ali Al Mansouri, managing director of the IFHC.
Cleared of contagious diseases, the recovering flock is responding well to rehabilitation and treatment ahead of their future release into the wild.
“Our plan is to release the birds following the completion of their rehabilitation,” said Al Mansouri. “If we release them in the UAE, we are giving them a chance to complete their migration back to their breeding ground. All birds will be fitted with satellite transmitters to monitor their movement and future migration,” Al Mansouri said.
Under UAE Law No. 11 of 2002, which relates to the smuggling of endangered animals, convicted smugglers face a potential fine of Dh20,000 to Dh50,000 and imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months.
“Smuggling animals is a deplorable act and the IFHC condemns the actions of the individuals in this case. Falconers need to understand they are putting their prized raptors at risk by exposing them to smuggled houbara which often carry diseases,” added Al Mansouri.
Smuggling animals is a deplorable act and the IFHC condemns the actions of the individuals in this case. Falconers need to understand they are putting their prized raptors at risk by exposing them to smuggled houbara.” Majid Ali Al Mansouri, managing
director, IFHC