120 illegal hunters in Erzurum fined 2 million 265 thousand liras

A total of 2 million 265 thousand 315 TL in compensation and administrative fines was imposed on 120 hunters in Erzurum who were found to have engaged in activities contrary to regulations during the hunting season.

Erzurum Governor Aydın Baruş visited the 13th Regional Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks and received a briefing from Regional Director Akif Ümüzer regarding the institution's work and ongoing activities. The meeting addressed conservation efforts carried out in national parks, natural monuments, wetlands, and wildlife development areas in the province.

During the briefing, information was presented regarding activities in Nene Hatun Historical National Park, Sarıkamış Allahuekber Mountains National Park, Kop Mountain Historical National Park, and Kaçkar Mountains National Park, as well as the Narman Fairy Chimneys Natural Monument, Tortum Lake, and the wetlands of the Erzurum Plain.

CONSERVATION AND INSPECTION EFFORTS

It was stated that environmental arrangements, the organization of martyrs' cemeteries, security camera systems, a culture street, entrance units, a weapons exhibition area, a cinevision room, a prayer room, the Nene Hatun Monument Tomb, parking lots, and observation terraces in Nene Hatun Historical National Park have been implemented in stages following its declaration as a national park.

It was reported that the restoration project for the Aziziye 1 Bastion was tendered in 2026 and has reached the contract stage, and that Governor Baruş gave instructions for the restoration work to begin immediately.

Regarding the Narman Fairy Chimneys Natural Monument, it was reported that infrastructure work within the scope of the observation terrace project is continuing in cooperation with the Narman District Governorate and relevant institutions. It was stated that the project aims to enable visitors to benefit more effectively from the region while observing the balance of protection and use, as well as promoting the area.

It was noted that wild goats in Wildlife Development Areas are regularly monitored using camera traps, digital collars, and drone-supported systems, and that protection activities are carried out throughout the year in coordination with law enforcement agencies. Inventory studies identified 2,722 wild goats and 92 chamois in Erzurum.

It was also shared that 3,610 kilograms of feed were left in nature to support wild animals during harsh winter conditions. It was stated that a total of 3 million 332 thousand 950 TL in support was provided to municipalities for animal shelters, natural habitats, and sterilization activities within the scope of protecting stray animals and improving their living conditions.

It was reported that the 13th Regional Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks continues its inspections regarding the placement of stray animals into shelters and natural habitats, as well as animal welfare, in coordination with district governorships, municipalities, and relevant institutions.