Imam Turki Royal Reserve warns against harassing wildlife

The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve has cautioned against harassing wildlife after footage emerged showing a hyena being chased within its premises. The reserve's authority has emphasized the crucial need to follow guidelines designed to protect wildlife, prohibiting any actions that could pursue, harm, or endanger wild animals. This advice comes after the video's dissemination, highlighting the reserve's commitment to safeguarding its natural inhabitants from any form of abuse or threat.

The authority clarified that wildlife protection extends far beyond merely prohibiting hunting. It encompasses the preservation of animals in their natural habitats and the avoidance of activities that could cause them harm or endanger their well-being. Such actions include chasing animals with vehicles, frightening them, or employing any form of abuse.

Violations of these environmental regulations will be met with legal consequences, as stipulated by the relevant laws. The striped hyena, known for its distinctive striped coat, is one such species that falls under this hunting ban. Under the reserve's executive regulations for hunting terrestrial wildlife, a fine of 80,000 riyals (SAR) per animal is imposed for hunting violations.

Moreover, the authority stressed the importance of discerning between hunting offenses and other practices that might constitute separate offenses, each with its own set of penalties. This distinction is vital in ensuring the appropriate legal response to various forms of wildlife misconduct.

The striped hyena plays a pivotal role in the reserve's ecosystem, serving as a key species that contributes to ecological balance. By disposing of animal carcasses and recycling natural nutrients, it supports the sustainability and biodiversity of the reserve's environment. Recognizing this, the authority remains vigilant in its monitoring and field efforts to protect wildlife and their habitats, actively addressing any practices that could threaten their safety in line with applicable regulations.

The reserve authority reiterated that the preservation of wildlife is a collective responsibility, one that necessitates public awareness and a commitment to environmentally sound behavior. It urged citizens, residents, and visitors to the reserve to refrain from pursuing, disturbing, or harming wildlife. Any instances of violations should be reported immediately through the authority's unified number (920022077) to ensure a swift response and the appropriate legal action.