Saudi sounds warning for truffle hunters; SR100,000 fines for cutting fences of protected areas

Cairo: Saudi environment police have warned truffle hunters against trespassing into nature reserves while seeking the fungus delicacy.

The Special Forces for Environmental Security (SFES) issued a warning to picnickers and truffle seekers against violating the environmental system, especially illegal entry into reserves.

Entering reserves without a licence is punishable by a fine of SR5,000, according to SFES. The penalty for cutting or damaging the fences of protected areas is SR100,000, with the violator obligated to repair the damage resulting from the violation and pay compensation.

Collection of truffles is a favourite hobby for picnickers in Saudi Arabia. Truffle hunting seasonally gets underway in January in rain-hit sites mainly in the Northern Borders and H’ail in north-western Saudi Arabia.

Hunters have also to be attentive and careful while searching for the ripe fungus to ensure its pieces will not be ruined during harvesting.

Truffles are usually in high demand in Saudi Arabia following rainfall and are nicknamed the “daughter of thunder” because they grow after heavy rains.

The fungus market traditionally experiences a brisk business in several regions in the kingdom, mainly in the Northern Borders. Prized as a desert fungus delicacy, several types of truffles are available at the Saudi market. Truffles retail for SR250 to SR600 per kilo, depending on the type and size.

In recent years, local festivals were held in several Saudi areas to promote the truffles with the aim of highlighting the link between the popular delicacy and the national heritage in the kingdom.