ERA urges public to report illegal capture of migratory flamingos arriving in Maldives

The Environmental Regulatory Authority (ERA) has urged the public to report any cases of illegal capture of migratory flamingos arriving in the Maldives during the winter season.

Large numbers of seasonal bird species migrate to the Maldives at this time of year, and authorities say commercial and recreational poaching of flamingos has been repeatedly observed during this period.

Under the Protected and Conserved Wildlife Regulation, harming or capturing protected bird species, whether native or migratory, is an offence punishable by fines.

In a press statement issued Monday, the ERA noted that these birds arrive from foreign countries and that capturing them violates several international treaties to which the Maldives is a signatory. The authority said the Maldives is obligated under the Convention on Migratory Species to ensure the protection of such birds.

The ERA urged the public to refrain from harming or capturing migratory birds and to comply with relevant laws and regulations. Anyone with information about illegal bird catching is asked to report it immediately to the hotline 7980379.

Multiple migratory species visit the Maldives during this season. Flamingos have been recorded in the country since 2011 and continue to draw significant public attention.