With the arrival of autumn, the Syrian desert, stretching across vast areas from the east to the centre of the country, transforms into a living stage for the migration of birds travelling from the north to warmer southern regions. In this wide, arid land, which remains still for most of the year under the whisper of the wind and the silence of the sands, life suddenly awakens with the start of the migration season. The skies fill with the wings of passing birds, and the desert becomes a temporary station on their long journey south to Africa. Yet in recent years, this season has carried a dual meaning: it brings the joy of nature and seasonal change, but also environmental and commercial threats.
This year, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of hunters arriving in the Syrian desert from various regions, especially from the Gulf countries. With stricter environmental laws at home, many Gulf hunters have found in the Syrian desert a space to practise their traditional pursuit of rare birds, particularly falcons, which form a significant part of Gulf cultural heritage. Meanwhile, local environmental experts in Syria have expressed growing concern over the rise in unregulated hunting, which threatens ecological balance and pushes some bird species to the brink of extinction.
The Desert Becomes a Temporary Hub of Life
From Palmyra to Deir Ezzor and through the rural areas of Homs, the desert landscape transforms each year into something resembling a living painting. Where silence once reigned, suddenly tents, four-wheel-drive vehicles, and modern hunting equipment appear. The sands become temporary camps that mimic small towns, filled with hunters, traders, and local workers serving the visitors. This lively activity lasts roughly three months, from mid-September to late December, combining a sense of adventure with a link to heritage.
Khalil Al-Hussein, a hunter from Al-Bukamal in eastern Deir Ezzor, told +963: “Since my childhood, I have accompanied my father and uncles to the desert during the hunting season. We considered these days sacred for learning and enjoyment. I learned to track birds, identify their species, and hunt rare falcons that can bring significant profits. Some falcons sell for thousands of dollars, but above all, they are part of our heritage that we protect.”
Khalil speaks passionately about the profession passed down from his ancestors and recalls the pride of catching his first wild bird, which he later sold in Palmyra for seven thousand dollars. He views hunting as a blend of adventure, livelihood, and connection to nature. “Every time I go out into the desert, I feel that I return to myself. It is not just a hobby but part of our culture and identity, and a way to connect with the land we live on,” he said.
Gulf Hunters in the Heart of the Syrian Desert
On the other side, Abdullah Al-Qahtani, a hunter from Saudi Arabia, describes his annual journey to take part in the season with a passion that transcends restrictions at home. “The Syrian desert is one of the best places to hunt falcons and rare birds. The nature is diverse, the climate suitable, and the numbers impressive. Many Gulf hunters come every year because hunting is now limited by strict laws in our countries. For us, hunting is not a luxury but part of an ancient cultural heritage that we practice with pride,” he told +963.
Al-Qahtani talks about the experience as a spiritual adventure more than a commercial one, despite the high costs that can reach thousands of dollars for travel, accommodation, and equipment. He adds that desert life gives them “a sense of purity and freedom, far from the noise of the cities.” However, these expeditions raise concerns among environmentalists, who see them as a serious threat to wildlife.
A Thriving Trade at the Expense of Nature
In Palmyra, a historic city on the edge of the desert, the informal bird trade flourishes during migration season. Muhammad Al-Hawi, a leading trader, explained that the season represents the peak period of activity for him and dozens of local merchants. “We buy birds from hunters through agents in Deir Ezzor, Palmyra, and Homs. Prices vary depending on type, size, and rarity. Some birds sell for a hundred dollars, others for up to twenty thousand, especially wild and saker falcons,” he said.
Al-Hawi confirmed that demand has risen in recent years due to the growing number of Gulf hunters, which has increased prices while reducing the numbers of rare species. “Profits have increased, but birds have become scarce. Some species that were once common are hardly seen today,” he said. Most buyers are wealthy individuals who acquire birds for prestige or to train them for hunting, a practice rooted in centuries of Arabian desert history.
Environmental Concerns and Expert Warnings
Environmentalists view the situation with concern. Ahmad Nasser, a bird specialist, told +963: “Migratory birds passing through the Syrian desert are part of a global ecosystem, and their protection is a shared responsibility. Overhunting and the use of traps have led to a sharp decline in some rare species, including falcons and owls, with decreases reaching 80% in some areas.”
Nasser added that cross-border smuggling is another serious challenge, as live birds are illegally transported abroad, deepening the environmental crisis and undermining international efforts to protect endangered species. Studies indicate that the disappearance of these birds threatens not just natural beauty or economic resources but the balance of the ecosystem itself. Falcons and eagles play a vital role in the food chain, controlling populations of rodents and small animals, thus maintaining fragile desert environments. Their absence triggers a cascade effect impacting biodiversity across the desert.
Balancing Heritage and Sustainability
The current dilemma in the Syrian desert lies in the complex intersection of cultural heritage, livelihoods, and environmental protection. For many local families, hunting is not merely a pastime but a critical source of income in a country facing economic hardship. At the same time, continued unregulated hunting depletes a natural resource that is difficult to replace.
Experts suggest a balance must be achieved between preserving heritage and ensuring environmental sustainability. This could include regulated hunting seasons with permits, designated areas for hunting, training for hunters in non-harmful methods, and the establishment of nature reserves to monitor migration and protect rare species. Awareness campaigns involving local communities could also help transform a passion for hunting into a passion for conservation.
Between Passion and Threat
Amid the endless golden sands, human stories intersect: hunters seeking livelihood, traders chasing profit, and environmentalists trying to protect voiceless creatures. In the Syrian desert, people and nature meet in a scene where the desire to possess conflicts with the call to protect. Migration season is more than a seasonal ecological event; it reflects humanity’s relationship with its environment, caught between seeing it as a temporary treasure and recognising it as a responsibility for future generations.
