Alarm: Wild Predatory Bird in the Hands of 40-Year-Old Woman

EcoNews.am, in collaboration with the "Animal Lovers" initiative, continues to present images and details that indicate illegal hunting and cruel treatment of animals. This time, an alarm has been raised regarding a wild predatory bird found under "suspicious" conditions.

A 40-year-old resident of Ayrum, Tavush Province, Zhenya Ananyan, is holding a still-living predatory bird. Birdwatching expert Siranush Tumanyan told us in a conversation with Econews.am that the photo shows a juvenile kretaker (/Pernis apivorus/) and that the bird is still alive. In the photo taken on July 26, 2020, it can be seen that the bird's feet are tied with some rope.

The kretaker is a bird of the family Accipitridae and is rare and non-breeding. This species is listed in the IUCN Red List. They inhabit deciduous and mixed forests, as well as forest edges. It is noteworthy that the Law on Animal Life of the Republic of Armenia states: "The animal world in the Republic of Armenia is a national treasure. It is one of the most important elements ensuring the integrity of nature and a guarantee of its ecological balance and harmonious development. The animal world in the Republic of Armenia is the exclusive property of the state."

In addition to the numerous regulations and restrictions on the use of animal world objects specified in the aforementioned law, it should be noted that in recent years, hunting quotas and seasons set by the decree of the Minister of Environment of the Republic of Armenia do not permit hunting for this species.

This publication serves as a report of a crime, thus the environmental information website calls for the attention of the Inspection Body for the Protection of Nature and Subsoil, the Police of the Republic of Armenia, and other law enforcement agencies.

Notice: The suspect in the alleged crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the procedure established by the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Armenia with a legally binding court verdict.