European Hunters Exploit Poor Law Enforcement to Slaughter Protected Birds in Egypt
In a shocking discovery, it has been reported that European hunters are taking advantage of lax law enforcement in Egypt to engage in a killing spree of protected birds. This revelation comes after a 15-month long investigation conducted by The New Arab, which uncovered how Maltese hunters are bypassing EU restrictions to poach in Egypt.
The hunters’ targets include endangered species such as the Egyptian Vulture, the Osprey, and the Lanner Falcon, all of which are protected by millions of euros in EU conservation funds. Additionally, they are also hunting the Northern Lapwing and the European Turtle Dove, both of which are classified as vulnerable in the EU.
The European Union has invested a staggering €36,451,669 million since 1996 to protect these bird species. However, it is disheartening to note that while European taxpayers are funding their protection in Europe, European hunters are paying to kill them in Egypt. This raises questions about the conflicting interests between tradition and conservation.
What is even more concerning is that in 2024, Egypt’s environment ministry expanded tourist hunting zones to new areas, including the New Valley and Sohag. This move has made it easier for hunters to target these protected birds.
The investigation, partially funded by the Journalism Fund Europe, was a collaboration between The Shift News and Conservation and environmental science news – Mongabay. The two media outlets have co-published edited versions of this investigation.
The full report can be read here, shedding light on the alarming situation of bird poaching in Egypt.
For media inquiries, please contact Andrea Glioti, Investigative Editor at andrea.glioti@newarab.com.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.