Forest and Environment Police in Sulaimaniyah release captured porcupines back into the wild after arresting two individuals for illegal trapping. (Photo taken from a video published by Forest and Environment Police in Sulaimaniyah.)
Returned to habitat
Forest and environment police arrest two for capturing wild porcupines
SULAYMANIYAH — Forest and Environment Police in Sulaimaniyah arrested two individuals on Wednesday for illegally capturing six wild porcupines and subsequently returning the animals to their natural habitat, according to a police statement.
The Sulaimaniyah Forest and Environment Police Directorate said that Asayish forces in Chamchamal’s Bani Maqan arrested the suspects after discovering the porcupines in their vehicle.
“The Chamchamal Forest Police conducted an investigation into the two poachers, and the porcupines were safely released back into the wild in a suitable location,” the statement said.
The directorate also released a video showing the porcupines being returned to their natural habitat and noted that the animals will remain under monitoring by forest police units for a period to ensure their safety.
The 2008 Environmental Protection and Improvement Law in the Kurdistan Region prohibits the hunting, killing, capturing, possession, or trade of endangered species. Violators face penalties of up to one month in prison and fines ranging from 150,000 IQD ($100). Repeat offenders are subject to stricter punishments, with fines doubling for subsequent violations.