Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has warned action will be taken against those who capture and torture birds which migrate to the Maldives.
In a statement released on October 21, EPA noted this is a migratory season for several species of birds from around the world. EPA said it has received complaints of people laying traps and capturing migratory birds. Noting migratory birds are protected species in the Maldives, EPA said capturing such birds is prohibited under the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act.
EPA warned action will be taken against individuals who capture and torture these birds in accordance to the regulations formed under the aforementioned Act. As such, EPA noted a fine between USD 32 and USD 3,245 can be imposed on anybody who captures the birds, its eggs or uses its parts for business or any other purpose.
Several species of birds migrate to the Maldives during the Northeast Monsoon. Capturing such birds is prohibited unless permitted by EPA for research purposes.