Wildlife trafficking bust in Iraq’s Diyala nets 31 falcons

2026-04-24T18:06:16+00:00

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Shafaq News- Diyala

Authorities seized 31 falcons during a surprise operation in
Diyala’s Baladruz district, northeastern Iraq, as part of efforts to curb
illegal wildlife trafficking.

In a statement, Diyala Environmental Police said the birds
were transferred to a specialized authority pending a decision from an
investigative judge, adding that organized crime units took part in the
operation.

Bird populations in Iraq are under growing pressure as
habitat loss, water scarcity, and illegal hunting disrupt one of the region’s
key migratory corridors linking Asia, Europe, and Africa. Species such as the
Basra reed warbler and marbled duck have already been affected by shrinking
wetlands and increased human activity.

Read more: Silent extinction: Iraq’s wildlife fades as water runs out