A large haul of smuggled birds was detected and seized in Bushehr Province on early this week by the protection unit of the Department of Environment.
According to Hossein Delshab, head of the provincial DOE, a total of 83 endangered birds of prey, including Barbary and saker falcons as well as various other species of the falcon family were captured by smugglers, ILNA reported.
"The arrested offenders intended to ship the load to the Arab states of the Persian Gulf, in which such rare birds are sold for big money," Delshab said.
The poor birds have been reportedly kept and moved in such appalling condition that they need urgent veterinary care. "Special physicians have been deployed to take care of the health conditions of the flying predators," he added.
The value of the smuggled birds has been estimated at around 50 billion rials ($0.5 million), making it a lucrative business, Delshab noted.
Fine, Jail Await Offenders
Ali Teymouri, DOE's director of the Hunting and Fishing Office, noted that according to the rules on illegal wildlife trade, the offenders will be fined an amount equal to the value of the bird load, plus up to 3 years of imprisonment.
"The cash fine is subject to an increase if the animal's conservation status is threatened or endangered," he said.
The birds will be released into their habitats immediately after veterinary care is performed, he added.
According to environment officials, although there are still numerous cases of illegal animal trade and poaching, hopefully invasions of the environment will decrease with the sympathetic contribution of environmentalists and relevant authorities.
