LOC12:05
09:05 GMT
By Montaha Al-Fadhli
KUWAIT, Oct 25 (KUNA) -- Kuwait's location at the tip of the Arabian Gulf
is a passage for many migrating birds whose numbers have decreased in recent
years.
Official and voluntary efforts are needed in order to study the reasons
behind this decrease as well as their habitat and migration patterns.
On Kuwait's voluntary efforts Isa Ramadan, a weather forecaster and member
of the Monitoring and Protection of Birds team operating under the Kuwait
Environment Protection Society (KEPS) said that the birds migrate through
Kuwait during the seasons of spring and autumn.
There are a total of 374 birds of different species currently found in
Kuwait.
The main reason behind the decrease of their numbers is human invasion of
water resources with the expansion of infrastructure and development, but it
is not the only one.
Al-Jadaliyat north of Kuwait is an important location for the gathering of
birds, due to its size and the presence of fresh water resources all year
long, despite the lake being man made. The area also contains a large amount
of vegetation and insects.
The area is a safehaven for over 300 bird species but this amount as of
lately has lessened due to the arrival of shepherds and hunting parties.
There is no law to protect these birds in this location which is why it is
acceptable for these groups of people to hunt them for amusement.
Ramadan said that most of these groups included young men and that there
were no laws again the purchase of rifles, unlike the past 30 years.
They travel in huge groups and kill or injure large numbers of the birds
and just leave them laying.
Species targeted are Seagulls, Herons, Swallows, Hoopoes, Vultures,
Saturday birds and the list goes on.
Ramadan recalled a quote by the prophet Muhammad that condemned the
torturing and killing of birds.
He said that many researchers from western Europe flock to the area to
study the migration patterns but are shocked to find so many birds killed.
Most of these researchers have expressed to Ramadan that they felt
disgusted, judging that these incidents have increased recently in comparison
to neighbouring countries in the region.
He said that the Kuwaiti environmental body, KEPS demands government bodies
including the Municipality to interfere and turn the area into a protected
bird habitat.
He also urged the Ministry of Interior to cooperate with KEPS in order to
put a stop to trespassers. (end)
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KUNA 251205 Oct 08NNNN