Scores of white storks flying from Central Europe are being shot while wintering in Lebanon and Syria.

Taking pot-shots at the animals has become a customary blood sport for entire families, children included, in the Middle East, even though the practice is outlawed in countries such as Lebanon.

Images featuring armed men holding up their trophies -- dead storks -- can be found online.

"We must act now, or soon it will be too late," said environmentalist Krzysztof Wojciechowski, from the Civilisation Action Foundation.

"It is estimated that in recent years the population of Polish white storks has dropped by 20 percent," he added.

"It's time for the [Polish] government to take decisive action," Wojciechowski said.

In 2015, the Polish Ministry for the Environment intervened to have the Lebanese police instructed not to turn a blind eye to the shootings. Also, educational programmes were carried out in Lebanese schools to raise awareness about the plight of white storks in the country. (aba)

Source: Super Express