Waterbird trapping and hunting in Lake Manzala, Egypt, with an outline of its economic significance

In the winters of 1978/79 and 1979/80, and in September and October 1980, the authors investigated the trapping and hunting of waterbirds in Lake Manzala (Egypt). It has been calculated that 98 000–162 000 waterbirds are killed annually. The number of people practising these activities is estimated at less than 2000 in a population of 35 000–40 000 fishermen. The majority of the birds are, however, taken by less than 100 men. Compared with 1930 about 30–50% fewer duck and coot are sold. This decrease is mainly caused by the decrease in numbers of pochard and tufted duck. Hunting pressure on waders was found to be extremely high. The contribution of these activities to the regional economy is reviewed and found to be insignificant. A number of conservation measures are recommended.