The Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission announces for the information of the general public, this year’s ’’CLOSE SEASON 2015” begins from August 1st to December 1st.
Close Season is one of the measures put in place by the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission to regulate over hunting which according to them has reached a point where the dwindling number of animals is threatening the food security of both rural and urban communities, survival of the species and the integrity of Ghana as a signatory to international conventions.
A statement signed by the Executive Director, Wildlife Division of the forestry Commission Nana Kofi Adu Nsiah noted that the state of affairs is mainly due to the non-observation of the rules and regulations governing hunting of wildlife animals coupled with inadequate support from the law enforcement agencies to assure sustainable users of wildlife.
The statement continued that it is during this period that most wild animals, particularly mammals, such as Duiker, Bush pig, Honey badger, Pangolin, Porcupines and Royal antelope to mention but a few, are being followed by their young ones.
“It is therefore, imperative that the animals are given a respite from hunting to wean their young for a successful recruitment into the next generation. Non-observance of the close season therefore, undermines the very existence of wild animal population and deprives Ghanaians of a valuable resource for sustainable development. Only grasscutters are exempt from the Close Season but license has to be obtained to hunt it”. The statement said:
Ahenkan Yeboah
ritefmonline.org
