Global News - November 2007

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Saudi hunters on migratory bird 'killing spree'

Fri 30 November 2007 12:45 UK — Asia,Birds

A large number of small migratory birds, and pigeons in particular, are being illegally shot dead by amateur hunters in Saudi Arabia, the country's government has revealed.

While the shooting of migratory birds is illegal, even during the country's hunting season, large numbers of birds are being shot as they cross Saudi Arabia on their migratory routes from Asia to Africa, the Khaleej Times reported.

Hunters camp out in the central and north-eastern regions of the country, and claim to be unaware of any law preventing them from killing the birds.

A source from the government's National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development (NCWCD) told the newspaper: "Even during the hunting season, the ban remains in place. Hunting these birds is banned throughout the year."

Commenting on their success in killing the birds, one hunter said: "The number depends largely on how skilful in hunting you are and the number of hunters in every trip. We hunted around 1,000 birds over the weekend."

The Saudi NCWCD stressed to the newspaper that it is working with local authorities around the country to identify and arrest anyone breaking the hunting laws, claiming that those caught would face "severe punishments".

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