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Poacher Apprehended in Moroccan Wildlife Reserve

Wednesday 03 January 2024 - 11:03

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On the early morning of January 2nd, 2024, officers from Morocco's National Water and Forest Agency (ANEF) promptly responded to a tip from a hunting association reporting illegal night hunting activity near the Sidi Btach area of the Skhirat-Témara Prefecture. Accompanied by supporting Royal Gendarmerie officers, the local ANEF district chief arrived at the scene, uncovering a poacher in the act of hunting with an unauthorized traditional firearm and other prohibited equipment.

The authorities swiftly apprehended the perpetrator, seizing his illegal hunting implements to aid in the ongoing investigation. While in custody, the detained individual confessed to the crime of illegally hunting protected wildlife under the cover of night.

In a statement addressing the incident, ANEF emphasized the collaborative efforts with partners such as the Royal Gendarmerie, Customs, and conservation associations. This concerted approach is crucial in combating the persistent threat of poaching, which annually results in an estimated 300 infractions related to the illegal exploitation of wild animals.

The incident underscores the necessity for continuous vigilance and deterrence measures to safeguard Morocco's rich biodiversity. These measures aim to protect vulnerable species from the dangers of unsustainable and unlawful hunting practices that persistently pose a genuine menace to the nation's wildlife.