Filenews 19 October 2023
The extent and severity of the problem of the use of poison baits in the Cypriot countryside is revealed by the report for the first 8 months of operation of the two Poison Bait Detection Teams (OADD).
According to an announcement by BirdLife Cyprus, as part of the "LIFE with Vultures" programme, in May 2022 two Poison Bait Detection Teams with specially trained dogs Sofie and Dixie started operating under the Game and Fauna Service. The aim of the Griffon Vultures is to reduce the chances of poisoning the Griffon Vulture, which is imminently threatened with extinction. This is achieved through regular patrols, detection and removal from the countryside.
The action of HRDs also helps prevent poisoning of other wild animals, as well as domestic and domestic animals (such as hunting dogs, sheepdogs, etc.), which are equally vulnerable to poisoned baits. The functioning of HRDs also strengthens the capacity of relevant competent authorities to detect poisoned baits and animals; This contributes to a more effective investigation and fight against this wildlife crime.
More than 300 patrols
During the first 8 months of their operation (May 2022 – December 2022), the two HRDs patrolled the countryside, four to five times a week, checking more frequently areas in the main territory of Griffon Vulture (lowlands, semi-mountainous and mountainous areas of the districts of Limassol and Pafos), but also other areas of Cyprus. During this time, the two HRHRs carried out more than 300 preventive patrols and responded to 65 citizens' calls.
Over 350 baits
In five cases, baits were found during preventive patrols. From all patrols there were 44 incidents where a total of 31 dead animals were found with suspected poisoning. In these incidents, about 380 pieces of baits, equivalent to about 34 kilograms, were found, which appeared to contain poisonous substances. Samples from some cases were sent for toxicological analysis to the General Chemical State Laboratory where the use of illegal substances methomyl and/or carbofuran was confirmed.
Areas and incentives
More than half of the incidents were recorded within a permitted hunting area, while the rest were recorded within a radius within one kilometre of the nearest livestock farm. This may indicate that the most likely motive behind the use of PD for the reporting period is in the majority of incidents disputes between hunters or the extermination of foxes, followed by the motive of protecting livestock from predators such as dogs and stray dogs.
Victims of poisoning
Most victims were dogs (45.2%), while the remaining dead species recorded were fox (12.9%), vulture (9.7%), goat (9.7%), hedgehog (6.5%), lizard (3.2%), cat (3.2%), Bonelli's eagle (3.2%), thupi (3.2%) and magpie (3.2%). This demonstrates the seriousness of poisoning incidents, as the substances used are highly toxic and dangerous, and indiscriminately kill both wildlife and pets.
Increased risk of poisoning vultures
Regarding the Griffon Vulture, more than half of the cases were detected within the Griffon Vulture territory in areas recognized as critical for the survival of the species in Cyprus. A very serious poisoning incident that occurred in May 2022 resulted in the death of approximately 9 Griffon Vultures, almost half of the population of the species and the destruction of the active colony in Paphos. The continued use of PD in the countryside may lead to the extinction of the species from the island in the coming years if immediate measures are not taken. The two GPAs are an important tool in the fight against this illegal practice, while identifying perpetrators and imposing penalties is essential to prevent this wildlife crime. Two poisoning cases are already before the courts.
Complaints from the public
The contribution of rural people was very important, since most incidents would not have been noticed without information from citizens. Sources of information on possible poisoning incidents were mainly hunters (12), village dwellers (10) and livestock breeders (4). In case of suspicion of poisoned baits or animals in the countryside, citizens are requested to immediately call the HRHR at the 99267916 or 99255086 and, where necessary, to file a complaint at the local police station.
The team of the project "LIFE with Vultures" would like to thank all the people of the countryside, from all districts of Cyprus, who informed the Poison Bait Detection Teams about possible incidents of poisoning and the presence of poisoned baits in the countryside, and those who made a relevant complaint to the Police. The cooperation and significant contribution of the Cyprus Police and in particular the Department of Animal Police, the Veterinary Services, the General Chemical State Laboratory and the Department of Agriculture in the management of poisoning incidents is also recognized, especially with regard to the investigation of this crime against wildlife.
It is reminded that the placement of poisoned baits is illegal and is punishable by up to three years imprisonment and/or a fine amounting to €20,000 under the Protection and Management of Wild Birds and Game Law, while in case of substantial damage to a protected species such as the Griffon Vulture, the Environmental Protection through Criminal Law Law, It carries a penalty of up to ten years in prison and/or a fine of €500,000.
The OHRA report is available on the LIFE with Vultures project website at www.lifewithvultures.eu
