Environmental security forces arrest citizens on charges of hunting endangered gazelles

In a new blow against those who tamper with the environment and wildlife, the Special Forces for Environmental Security announced that their field patrols apprehended two citizens, Hamad Turki Hamad Al-Yami and Turki Masoud Hamad Al-Yami, after they committed the offense of hunting two endangered wildlife species within the boundaries of the Uruq Bani Ma'arid Nature Reserve. The forces explained that the violators were apprehended in possession of a firearm and 57 rounds of live ammunition, in addition to the two animals they had hunted: a Arabian oryx and a gazelle.

The Kingdom's efforts to protect biodiversity

This operation comes within the framework of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts, as part of its Vision 2030 objectives, to preserve its unique biodiversity and rehabilitate damaged ecosystems. Recent years have witnessed a significant tightening of environmental regulations and laws, and the establishment of specialized agencies such as the Special Forces for Environmental Security, which operate around the clock to enforce the law, deter violators, and protect the nation's natural resources.

The importance of the Uruq Bani Ma'arid Reserve

This incident is particularly significant because it occurred in the Uruq Bani Ma'aridh Reserve, Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. The reserve is home to ambitious reintroduction programs for species that were once extinct in the wild, such as the Arabian oryx, the sand gazelle, and the Arabian gazelle. Therefore, poaching in this area is not only illegal but also undermines decades of national and international efforts and poses a direct threat to the future of these rare species.

Deterrent penalties for violators

The Special Forces for Environmental Security emphasized that violators will face strict legal measures. The two individuals were apprehended and referred to the competent authority to complete the legal procedures against them. According to the Environmental Law and its implementing regulations, the penalty for hunting endangered wildlife can reach imprisonment for up to (10) years and a fine of up to (10) million riyals, or one of these two penalties. In addition, specific fines are imposed for the violations committed, including:

• The fine for using firearms in hunting without a license is 80,000 riyals.
• The fine for hunting the Edam gazelle is 35,000 riyals.
• The fine for hunting a gazelle is 25,000 riyals.
• The fine for entering nature reserves without a permit is 5,000 riyals.

A call for social responsibility

The authorities reiterated their call to all citizens and residents to abide by environmental regulations, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in reporting any violations against the environment or wildlife. Violations can be reported by calling 911 in the Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, or 999 and 996 in the rest of the Kingdom, with a guarantee of complete confidentiality for the reporter.