RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture on Monday implemented executive regulations to protect wildlife in the Kingdom.

The new regulations prohibit hunting wild fungi organisms, endangered species, and overfishing. The new laws aim to regulate hunting activities in the Kingdom and provide hunters outlets to enjoy the sport in a safe and secure environment without harming the balance of the natural ecosystem.

By providing hunting venues, the new laws will also encourage investments in the sector.

The ministry said the executive regulations also include fines for violations. Fines will be imposed for hunting without permits, harming endangered species, and using prohibited weapons and hunting tools.

The National Center for Wildlife Development supervises programs related to the protection and development of wildlife and biological diversity in Saudi Arabia.

It is also responsible for the planning and managing protected areas and managing centers for the breeding and resettlement of endangered animals.

Earlier, the ministry emphasized the prohibition of hunting of all kinds of animals or birds within the boundaries of cities, villages, towns, farms and rest houses, or any inhabited places, or near cities and military, industrial and vital installations.

It also instructed that hunting can only be done with air guns licensed in the name of their users. The ministry stressed that it is forbidden to use any other means that lead to catching more than one animal or bird, whether with spray guns, fishing nets, or hunting in unauthorized ways such as using gases, car exhaust, drowning in water, or using similar means.

SPA