The Ministry of Interior stated that thanks to the Government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' keenness to preserve wildlife in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, it has definitely banned hunting of all migratory wildlife birds of all kinds by whatever means in fear of transmission of bird flu to humans and poultry through hunting these birds and dealing with them.
In this regard, the Ministry banned hunting deer, mule deer, Oryx, and predators such as the Arabian leopard, lynx, wolf and hyena and prey birds in different times of the year, as well as banning the use of spray guns, shotguns, any firearms or use of any other means leading to hunting more than one animal, in addition to the prohibition of hunting lizard using car exhaust, or by dumping water.
It has also banned night fishing, and hunting of all kinds of animals or birds within the boundaries of cities and villages in protected areas identified by the Saudi Wildlife Commission as follows: Island of Um Al-Qamari, Ridah cliff, Al-Wawool, Mhazat Al-Sayid, Firsan islands, Al-Tabik, Horat El-Horah, Al-khanfah, Majamia Al-Hadab, Aroud bani Maridh, Al-Tesah, Al-Gandaliyah, Nfod Areed El-Dasam, Jubail, Mont of Shada Al-Ala, and the protected reserve of Saja and Um Al-Ramth.
The Ministry also banned hunting in all its forms and methods in the Empty Quarter area.
It called on everyone exercises hunting or fishing near the areas referred to report the nearest province or any government center to avoid subjected to legal penalties.