As the hunting season for wild birds and animals started Sunday, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) has urged hunting fans to strictly abide by the regulations and rules to maintain the local wildlife in the country.
A post on X explained that the hunting season, running until February 15, 2025, is mainly dedicated to hunting migratory birds, mostly through traditional means and falcons.
In particular, the Houbara Bustard birds should only be hunted with falcons. The use of non-traditional, electronic or electric devices, electronic bird caller for instance is completely banned and will be considered as an environmental violation when spotted.
Other regulations include a ban on hunting at the protected areas and natural reserves or within public gardens and parks as well as the boundaries of the cities. The endangered and protected local species should not be hunted.
The ministerial decision no 24 for 2023 regulating the hunting season for some birds and wild animals, bans the hunting or keeping of the endangered animals, birds and reptiles whether local or migratory species in all areas for two years. These include the wild hare, ostrich, gazelles, honey badger, Jerboa, hedgehog, shrike birds, agama lizard, black-eared wheatear, little grebe, rufous-tailed scrub robin (bird), spiny-tailed lizard and the monitor lizard.
Falconers have made the necessary preparations for the hunting season by training their birds and preparing the tools and equipment. Some have bought new falcons at the falcon market at Souq Waqif. Some of the falcons are imported, either farm hatched in captivity or hunted from the wild, which is more in demand and command higher prices. There are also some from the local supply of farm-bred falcons. The hunting tools and the necessary gear and accessories for falconry are mainly manufactured locally.
Some environmental experts have stressed that sustainable and regulated hunting reflects positively on the environment and its various natural components. It further strengthens the bond between man and his surrounding nature, and fosters the love of nature and maintains it among young people.
