Residents report nighttime partridge poaching in Qandil region despite wildlife protection laws

SULAYMANIYAH — Residents of the Qandil region, a mountainous area near the Iran-Iraq border within the Raparin independent administration in Sulaymaniyah governorate, have reported ongoing nocturnal poaching activities. Hunters are allegedly entering villages along the Qandil Mountains under the cover of darkness to capture partridges, which are then sold during the day at unregulated markets in Raparin.

Shaho Ali, a resident of a village in the Qandil region, told 964media: “As night falls, these poachers routinely pass through a border checkpoint near the Sangasar sub-district and head to the villages. Using lights, they easily catch the birds, which become immobilized once exposed to the glare.”

He added that poachers frequently target villages such as Surede, Bole, Bokriskan, Leuzhe, and Endze, making their activities a persistent issue for locals.

Captured partridges are reportedly sold at markets in Qaladze, Hajiawa, and Rania. “Each bird is sold for about 10,000 dinars (approximately $6.65 USD),” a local resident noted.

Nahro Abdullah, head of the Sangasar sub-district, acknowledged the issue but highlighted the unique challenges of the region. “The presence of the PKK in the Qandil area creates a complicated situation, preventing police and forestry teams from effectively monitoring the villages,” Abdullah said.

He added: “We have an official checkpoint in the village of Darawkotur to investigate any suspicions, but so far, we haven’t encountered any direct cases of these poachers.”

The Qandil Mountains, a remote and rugged area along the Iraq-Iran border, serve as the headquarters of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK. The PKK, an armed Kurdish separatist group fighting Turkey has long used the area as a strategic stronghold. Its challenging terrain offers natural protection, hosting training camps and administrative facilities. This presence has also made the Qandil Mountains a regular target of Turkish military operations, including airstrikes and cross-border incursions.

Authorities in the Raparin independent administration have pledged stricter monitoring of local markets, warning of legal consequences for those caught selling captured birds. “We are committed to taking strict measures against anyone engaging in the illegal sale of wildlife,” Abdullah said.

Hunting in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq is governed by strict regulations aimed at preserving wildlife and maintaining ecological balance. The Kurdistan Regional Government enacted wildlife protection laws between 2008 and 2010. Forestry police and environmental forces are authorized to enforce these laws and prosecute individuals involved in illegal hunting or wildlife trafficking.