RIYADH, 17 May 2004 — The Kingdom has diversified its hunting seasons from the previous single combined season (December-March) to six species-specific periods, the National Commission For Wildlife Conservation and Development (NCWCD) announced.

Dr. Abdul Aziz Abu Zinada, secretary-general of the NCWCD, said the new regulation should conserve species during their breeding seasons and also to give ample opportunities for hunters to practice their sport during the different periods. The six seasons are: large desert lizard (Aug. 1-Oct. 21), doves and turtledoves (September), falcons (October), houbara bustard (Nov. 11-Feb. 15), curlew (Feb. 11-March 1).

Hunting permits can be obtained at the local offices of the Ministry of Interior in the respective towns. Hunters are not allowed in the 16 protected areas in the Kingdom, the Empty Quarter and close to settlements. Hunting is strictly forbidden from dusk to dawn, Abu Zinada said.