Thousands of Protected Birds Suspectedly Hunted and Sold for Consumption

An undercover investigation by the YAMAR Erez unit of the Border Police in Northern Israel, in cooperation with the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, has led to the arrest of two suspects in a large-scale illegal hunting and trafficking operation. The investigation, which began several months ago following intelligence received by the YAMAR HOF unit, focused on suspicions of hunting protected wild animals, smuggling protected natural assets, and harming protected wildlife, allegedly for consumption and distribution across Israel.

During the investigation, detectives and intelligence officers from YAMAR Erez, alongside Nature and Parks Authority inspectors, gathered evidence against those involved. It is suspected that the two individuals traded thousands of protected birds, selling them to customers nationwide in violation of the law and for profit.

The investigation moved to its overt stage yesterday, October 26th, when detectives and intelligence officers from YAMAR Erez, along with Border Police officers from Judea and Samaria and other forces, raided the homes of the two suspects. The suspects, residents of Umm al-Fahm and the village of Anin in the Jenin area, were arrested.

During searches and the collection of investigative materials, hundreds of frozen specimens of the Black-capped Warbler, a protected bird species, were seized. One suspect appeared in court yesterday, and his detention was extended until Wednesday. The second suspect is scheduled to appear in court today for a hearing on extending his detention.

The Nature and Parks Authority stated that the Black-capped Warbler is a migratory songbird common in Europe, Asia, and North Africa, and winters in Israel. The male is distinguished by a black cap on its head, while the female has a brown cap. Like all songbirds, it is a protected species, and hunting or consuming it is illegal.