Authorities in Sharjah have confiscated more than 1,000 devices used to attract birds in order to hunt them.
Intensive campaigns by Sharjah Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) traced and seized 1,460 devices in the emirate.
The illegal equipment was confiscated between February 28 and March 28.
Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, EPAA chairwoman, said the instruments make sounds resembling bird calls, meaning hunters can attract and catch the animals.
“More teams have been assigned to confiscate these devices and inspections were increased which resulted in an increase in the number of seized devices,” Ms Al Suwaidi said.
Awareness campaigns have also been instrumental in educating the public about the dangers of overhunting birds.
During the same period last year, 1,265 devices used to hunt curlews – a rare species of bird threatened with extinction – were confiscated.
“This is part of our efforts to end overhunting, preserve the environment, its biodiversity and sustainability,” said Ms Al Suwaidi.
“EPAA is keen to safeguard all species of birds that have migrated to the region."
An Executive Council Resolution issued in 2014 prohibits the possession and use of these devices.
All confiscated devices are destroyed, while violators face fines up to Dh10,000.
