As part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal hunting and protect biodiversity in Lebanon, and based on complaints submitted by sustainable hunters and environmental activists, the Anti-Poaching Unit (APU), with support from its Investigation and Follow-up Division and the Electronic Tracking Team, pursued a number of documented violations across the country.
Following verification of the facts, complete violation files were prepared and submitted to the Operations Room of the Gendarmerie Command, which in turn mobilized the relevant units to apprehend offenders and take legal action in accordance with the nature of each violation.
Arrests and Legal Measures by Area
Akkar
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A. Saoud: Night hunting of birds and displaying the catch on social media.
The Halba Gendarmerie Unit, Beino Police Station, drafted an information report, sealed it, and referred it to the Government Commissioner before the Military Court via the Military Police in Andaqat. -
B. Al-Dali: Illegal hunting in large numbers, hunting between residential areas, and promoting illegal hunting on social media.
The Mishmish Gendarmerie Unit in Akkar took the appropriate legal measures. -
M. Hussein: Use of prohibited hunting tools, hunting prohibited species, use of electronic calling devices, and promoting illegal hunting on social media.
The Halba Gendarmerie Unit, Qobayat Police Station, took the appropriate legal measures.
Central Bekaa
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A. Kawkab: Night hunting in large numbers, use of prohibited means, displaying prey, and encouraging illegal hunting through social media.
The Chtoura Gendarmerie Unit, Masnaa Police Station, issued a violation report and obtained a written undertaking to delete all hunting-related images from social media accounts.
Batroun
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I. Khoury: Use and trade of prohibited hunting tools, displaying prey, and encouraging illegal hunting via social media.
The Amioun Confidential Operations Room and the Batroun Gendarmerie Unit prepared an information report and referred it to the Public Prosecution.
Hadath
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S. A. Ghanem: Setting birdlime traps.
The Hadath Gendarmerie Unit took the necessary legal measures, obtained a pledge not to repeat the violation, and released the offender on a residence bond.
Arida
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R. Ismail (whose real name was found to be T. G.): Hunting large quantities, hunting a prohibited species, night hunting, and displaying prey via WhatsApp.
The Abdeh Gendarmerie Unit, Arida Police Station, took the appropriate legal measures.
Qaa – Ras Baalbek
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Owner of the account “Basha Hunting Kaa”: Use of prohibited hunting tools, night hunting in large numbers, displaying prey, promoting illegal hunting on social media, and selling large quantities of fig birds.
The Ras Baalbek Gendarmerie Unit, Qaa Police Station, issued a violation report and referred the offender to the Assistant Government Commissioner before the Military Court via the Bekaa Regional Police.
Dbayeh
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Al-Sakhour Shooting Club: Organizing shooting competitions targeting collared doves.
The Antelias Gendarmerie Unit took the appropriate legal measures and obtained a written undertaking not to repeat the violation and to comply with applicable laws.
Framework and Partnerships
The Anti-Poaching Unit (APU), operating under the Middle East Sustainable Hunting Center and the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon, continues to implement the Illegal Hunting Control Project with support from the Foundation Hans Wilsdorf, in cooperation with BirdLife International, and in partnership with CABS.
This work is carried out in close coordination with the Operations Room of the Internal Security Forces, as well as the Information and Investigation Branch and Military Intelligence.
APU reiterates its call on citizens and hunters to comply with applicable laws and to adopt sustainable hunting practices that safeguard wildlife and preserve Lebanon’s natural heritage for future generations. The Unit stresses that public reporting and community cooperation remain essential pillars in combating illegal hunting and putting an end to environmental violations nationwide.
