Shocking toll of bird destruction along Kingdom of Jordan migration route
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| 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.
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.
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| 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.
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| Between them, the range of habitats have attracted almost 500 different species |
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| The Jordan Tourism Board is keen to attract more birders from the UK |
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