Arakkha Government Enforces Ban on Capturing and Selling Winter Migratory Birds in the Region

News

Global Arakan Network December 20, 2025

Migratory Birds in Arakan

It has been learned that, starting from this winter season, the Arakan People's Revolutionary Government is taking measures to prevent the capture and sale of winter migratory birds in townships and villages across the Rakhine (Arakan) region.

In the townships controlled by the Arakan Army (AA), the Arakan People's Revolutionary Government is implementing actions to ensure that winter migratory birds are not captured or resold in markets.

Those who capture or resell winter migratory birds in the Rakhine region will be arrested and prosecuted by the relevant District and Township Departments of Law Enforcement and Public Security (DLEPS). Additionally, announcements and regulations prohibiting such activities will be issued in villages and markets, according to sources.

Data from environmental conservation groups indicate that in previous years, more than 50 species of winter migratory birds visited the Rakhine region to feed. However, due to ongoing capture and killing, species such as the Spoon-billed Sandpiper, Nordmann's Greenshank, and Long-billed/Short-billed Dowitchers, among others, have become nearly extinct.

Therefore, a youth from the Mrauk-U area welcomed the Arakan People's Revolutionary Government's current efforts to prevent the capture, killing, and sale of winter migratory birds, stating that public cooperation is also essential.

"I really appreciate and welcome the fact that they are now banning the capture and sale of these winter migratory birds. It would be even better if they could raise public awareness by explaining the reasons for the ban so that people fully understand. The public should also participate in conserving rare bird species and protecting the natural environment," he said.

Birds from the world's colder regions tend to temporarily migrate to warmer areas during the winter season when it becomes extremely cold, and all such bird species are collectively known as winter migratory birds.

These winter migratory birds are commonly found feeding in large numbers on Nantha Island in Sittwe Township and along the Mayu River in the Rakhine region.

source@onenationnews