Iran: A Slaughterhouse for Migratory Birds

Fars News Agency reported on the rampant hunting of migratory birds in the Hoor al-Azim wetlands, citing environmental activists in Khuzestan province who noted a significant decline in the population of these birds over the past decade, raising alarms about the potential extinction of other bird species. The report mentioned unconventional methods of hunting these birds, such as using poisoned seeds as a deadly technique. The migratory birds include internationally protected and endangered species like the Baikal teal, marble teal, and the flamingo crest duck. Fars News attributed this issue to the 'irresponsibility of some managers in the Environmental Protection Organization.' Radio Farda discussed this issue with Javid Al Davood, director of the Animal Protection Association of Iran in Tehran, regarding the fight against illegal hunting. He suggested that the transfer of these birds to urban markets could be monitored by the veterinary organization. Al Davood stated that the necessary permits for selling them in cities should be reviewed and controlled by municipal authorities. He emphasized that law enforcement agencies, as law enforcers, can play a role in this matter, but a combination of negligence among various entities contributes to the issue, stemming from either a lack of public awareness about environmental issues or the significant economic profits from hunting and selling these animals. Hassan Agha Shirmohammadi, commander of the Environmental Protection Unit in Khuzestan, told Fars News that they are considering strict enforcement measures and promised that violations would significantly decrease in the future. Strict law enforcement could temporarily create changes, provided the Environmental Protection Organization has the capacity to implement it, given their limited resources. Even if an officer confronts an offender, they risk punishment themselves, especially since many environmental officers are in prison or awaiting execution, which discourages them from taking action against offenders. The association's approach to this issue is relatively new. However, in northern Iran, the hunting of migratory birds occurs regularly using various methods, and they are sold in northern city markets without any intervention. In cases where confrontations have occurred, protests have forced the Environmental Protection Organization to provide new nets for the hunters. International laws exist, and Iran has signed most of them, but there is no complainant in this regard. Especially as endangered and migratory animals come from northern countries like Siberia, Iran is the only country that welcomes these animals in this manner. Many of these birds seem to have changed their migration routes, as specialists suggest, and many no longer come to Iran, as migration is essential for their survival. If they go to places where they could perish, they naturally avoid those areas. There may be an international complaint regarding this issue, which could potentially condemn Iran for its treatment of migratory and endangered animals.