An Algerian daily has attacked emirs from the Gulf states of arbitrary hunting of indigenous animals in the south desert leading to their extinction.
In an English commentary on its online edition, El Khabar said the emirs have “launched a real massacre against outards and gazelle, species protected by the Algerian laws,” while the authorities turned a blind eye to the violations.
“Everything started in 1999 when emirs from the Gulf started to visit the southern regions of Algeria. The emirs did not hesitate in launching a real massacre against outards and gazelle, species protected by the Algerian laws. The local authorities dealt with the issue as if nothing were happening. They saw nothing, and they heard nothing. So they would not do anything to stop the massacre,” charged the paper.
The NGOs concerned showed no concern, according to the report.
“When we asked a local NGO devoted to protect the environment, the president said, I can not say anything. I have supported Bouteflika’s program…”
“No comment,” concluded the daily.
Algeria enjoys a rich variety of wildlife, including jackals, wild boars, gazelles, panthers, leopards, cheetahs, Barbary macaques, and many species of birds. Rodents, snakes, monitor lizards, and other reptiles also live in semi-arid areas – Albawaba.com
