08 October 2018
08.10.2018- The Kosovo Environmental Protection Agency, through the Institute for Nature Protection and the Directorates for the Management of National Parks, has been following with concern the reports in recent days about the hunting of wild species in the territory of the “Sharri” National Park.
Reports from Klan Kosova, which are based on statements from various individuals and some non-governmental organizations regarding illegal hunting in the territory of Sharri NP, are speculative and are not based on concrete facts and arguments.
DAPK "Sharri" and the Institute for Nature Protection continue to monitor the state of wildlife through regular field visits and camera traps. Reports and information from the field and from camera trap recordings indicate a good status of wildlife, particularly of endangered mammal species, whose presence in the territory of the National Parks has been observed in greater numbers than in previous years.
In addition to monitoring the state, the Environmental Protection Agency of Kosovo, through the Institute for Nature Protection and the Directorates for the Management of National Parks, continues to maintain regular contacts and meetings with hunting associations in the municipalities located within the territory of the National Parks, with the aim of preventing illegal hunting, raising awareness, and ensuring compliance with legal provisions.
From the field visits conducted and from meetings with hunting associations and local residents, there is information about interventions by irresponsible illegal individuals from Albania and Macedonia who operate as an organized group and mainly target the hunting of wild goat (Rupicapra rupicapra) and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus).
To prevent illegal hunting in these areas, DAPK Sharri has intensified field control and monitoring, and assistance and cooperation have also been requested from the Kosovo Police and Hunting Associations.
For clarification and correct information for the public, AMMK reminds that hunting of rare mammal species, regardless of where it occurs, is prohibited by law and punishable. Hunting is only allowed during the hunting season and only in hunting grounds designated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development. On this occasion, AMMK calls on the Hunting Inspectors of the Kosovo Forestry Agency, the Environmental Inspectorate of the MAFRD, the Hunting Federation of Kosovo, and other Hunting Associations to monitor hunting and comply with the legislation protecting rare fauna species. Furthermore, AMMK also called on investigative authorities, especially the Environmental Crime Unit of the Kosovo Police, to investigate reported cases and take action in cases where legal violations have occurred.
We also urge all citizens who have information based on the hunting of endangered species of fauna in the territory of the National Parks, to report it to the Park Directorates, to the AFM, or to other relevant institutions such as the Kosovo Police and investigative bodies.