A number of migrating birds have been spotted inhabiting in Qatar thanks to the environmental projects of the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME) and regulations for hunting which help migrating birds find essential elements such as food, water, shelter, said an official.
Qatar exerted great efforts to protect all types of migrating birds which pass through the country during the season. More parks, green areas and natural reserves were built allowing migrating birds to stay for a longer time.
Many new birds are being spotted every year due to the protection provided by the environmental laws of the country. The list of birds in Qatar recorded 280 species of known birds including 65 rare species, according to a report issued by the MME in 2016.
Al Karaana Lagoon emerged as a major wildlife habitat with diverse species of birds and fish, which provides a green rest stop with clean water for migratory birds flocking over the country, is a best example of environmental project of the country apart from a number of natural reserves and protected areas which were declared to protect rear species of animals like Arabian Oryx and gazelles located in Al Sheehaniya and other places of the country.
“New species of birds have been spotted adopting habitats in Qatari environment, making nests and reproducing which indicates the success of environmental projects,” said Director of Protection and Wildlife Department at MME, Talib Khalid Al Shahwani, while talking in a Qatar Radio Programme recently.
He said that first migrating bird that reaches Qatar is Hoopoe (Hudhud) with declining temperature in September followed by another migrating bird locally called Al Lafu in August. Al Shahwani said that gradually a number of other birds come in winter season like Houbara bustard. “Laws and ministerial decisions for regulating hunting practice helped in curbing the practice of over-hunting as they allow only hunting certain types of birds and animals during specific timing using traditional ways.”
Al Shahwani also explained the recent ministerial decision issued by the Minister of Municipality and Environment, H E Eng. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, to regulate the hunting season of birds and wild animals. “The laws and regulations were enacted keeping hunting hobby into consideration allowing hunting of birds and animals for limited period to avoid overhunting or affecting to the biodiversity at all,” said Al Shahwani.
He said that the ministerial decision specified hunting season for the migrating bird ‘Al Lafu’ from September 1, 2020, to May 1, 2021, banning hunting of this bird in the remaining months of the year. “The hunting of Houbara bustard bird is allowed only by falcon and uses of other non-traditional tools of hunting especially bird-calling whistle is prohibited.”
“According to the decision, hunting season of rabbits is from November 1, 2020, to December 15, 2020, banning hunting in other months of the year. Hunting of rabbits is allowed only by falcons and dogs.”
Al Shahwani said that the decision prohibited hunting of any other species of birds and wild animals throughout the year, especially those found in Qatar like Al Asrad, Al Qaobiya, Suwaida Bat, Al Hamra, Al Adraj, ostriches and gazelles.
Regarding hunting tools, he said that traditional ways of hunting – falcon and dogs – helped reduce the numbers of preys as the main purpose is to serve the purpose of hunting sport hobby not to kill the animals and birds.
He said that the violation of hunting rules invites severe punishment which is a jail sentence of a maximum one year or a fine of QR10,000. Speaking about the monitoring system to curb the violation, Al Shahwani said: “Inspector with judicial powers from the Department of Protection and Wildlife and Department of Natural Reserve make inspection visit throughout the year across the country to ensure the adherence of the people to hunting rules.”
He said that the law aims at protecting the sustainability of wildlife as social legacy, providing sport amusement, reducing the infectious diseases between human being and animals, strengthening the concept of tourism of wildlife and curbing on overhunting.
“Most of reptiles, birds and wild animals were needed to be protected in Qatar like other countries therefore effective measures were taken in this regard. The measures gave very positive results in terms of increasing number of birds and wild animals for example wild rabbits which are being spotted now running and jumping at many places,” said Al Shahwani.
SOURCE: THEPENINSULAQATAR