Tunisian activists call for an end to the hunting of endangered Saharan species

Tunisian environment activists have called on the government to put an end to the hunting of endangered Saharan species, such as the bustard and gazelle, by rich Gulf tourists, the official press agency TAP reported on Saturday.

Chairman of the Tunisian Hunting Federation Faouzi Belhadj revealed on Friday that rich Qataris had set up some high-standing tents that were guarded by the Tunisian army, a sign of VIP presence, some 197 km away from Tataouine in the south, according to TAP.

"Preparations are underway in other Tunisian regions too to welcome Gulf guests to hunting parties", Belhadj said.

The chairman warned that thousands of hunters and environment activists were to stage a protest against what he termed as " transgression of the law."

Abdeljabbar Boukhris, a member of Friend of Birds, was quoted by TAP as saying that rich Gulf emirs are using GPS-equipped four- wheel-drive cars, snipers' rifles and detailed maps to hunt in Tunisia's desert.

According to Friend of Birds Chairman Hichem Azafzaf, wealthy Gulf tourists started hunting bustards and gazelles, which are protected by the Tunisian laws, in 1979, and the number of bustards decreased from about 1,250 in 1982 to about 300 in 2004.

Boukhris and Azafzaf said legal actions should be launched against those who issue hunting permits in the first place.