Salalah – Four citizens have been arrested in Dhofar governorate for violating wildlife protection laws, the Environment Authority (EA) announced.

The arrests were made in coordination with the Royal Oman Police (ROP) following the illegal hunting of wild animals in a nature conservation area. The suspects have been referred to the competent authorities for legal action.

In a statement, the EA reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the environment and urged the public to comply with environmental regulations. ‘We call on everyone to preserve the environment and its natural components and to adhere to environmental laws and legislation to avoid legal accountability,’ it said.

In a post on its official X account, EA stated, ‘These actions are in clear violation of the Law on Nature Reserves and Wildlife Conservation. The act is punishable by imprisonment and a fine for anyone who causes disruption in nature conservation areas.’

The authority added that it will not tolerate violations and urged the public to report any illegal activity through its hotline, 80071999.

According to Royal Decree No 6/2003, individuals convicted of intentionally killing, hunting, or smuggling protected species – including the Arabian oryx, Arabian leopard, Arabian tahr, Reem or Sand gazelle, Nubian ibex, striped hyena, Arabian gazelle, Houbara bustard, and caracal – or their genetic material, face imprisonment for a period of not less than six months and up to five years, and a fine ranging from RO1,000 to RO5,000, or both the penalties.