Tuesday 29 November 2016

SLAUGHTER OF THE BLACKCAPS (NOT TO MENTION SCORES OF DOVES AND ORIOLES)


Shocking toll of bird destruction along Kingdom of Jordan migration route

Eurasian Golden Orioles (Oriolus oriolus) ©RSCN
Golden orioles - victims of unlawful hunting
  ALMOST 7,000 dead birds have been seized following a hunting violation  almost breathtaking in its scale.

The birds included no fewer than 6,800 blackcaps, 40 golden orioles  and 45 laughing doves.

According to the wildlife protection authorities in the Kingdom of Jordan, the birds were in the possession of a single unlicensed  hunter who was arrested last month..

In a statement, the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature said  most of the birds discovered were migrant species that had been hunted during the year in different private areas during their movement through desert.

A spokesperson declined to identify the individual responsible,  but he said  : “The the birds had been  frozen and packaged

"He was planning either to export the dead birds to another country in the region - possibly for them to be sold to upscale restaurants to be served  as a high-price delicacy.”

It  is illegal to hunt down wild birds and animals without obtaining a licence and in areas  where  hunting is not permitted during migration periods.

It is also illegal to kill, possess, transport, sell or display for selling wild birds and animals.

The RSCN has a team of rangers, and it also works closely with police.

It is intensifying inspection patrols in areas through  which birds are known to migrate  and setting up checkpoints to inspect  vehicles.

It is not known what penalties can be imposed on hunters convicted of  of offences.    

The Kingdom of Jordan's  tourist board was represented at the   Birdwatching Fair at Rutland Water, near Stamford, in July as part of the country's push to encourage more visits from birders.                            
                                                              
Sinai rosefinch - national bird of Jordan

"Our country is at the junction of Asia, Europe and Africa," said one of its stand representatives. "More than 430 different species have been recorded.

"The Rift Valley margins hold a superb range of raptors, including  Bonelli's eagle and Barbary falcon while the rocky valleys and deserts are home to long-billed pipit, thick-billed larks, streaked scrub warbler and red-rumped wheatear."

Another great site, located on the coast, is Aqaba, home to a bird observatory  where, in spring and autumn,  visitors can look forward to seeing countless migrant wagtails, warblers, shrikes, flycatchers, chats and buntings.

Between them, the range of habitats have attracted almost 500 different species
                                    
                                                                                             

The Jordan Tourism Board is keen to attract more birders from the UK
                                                                      

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