Filenews 6 March 2024
The report by BirdLife Cyprus and the RSPB (BirdLife in the UK) and the CABS (Committee Against Bird Slaughter) report on bird trapping for autumn 2023 show an increase in trapping levels within their research area compared to the encouraging decrease recorded in recent years.
BirdLife Cyprus estimates that around 435,000 birds (including migratory and endangered species) were illegally trapped and killed in mist nets and limesticks last autumn alone.
The three organisations consider that this increase is mainly due to three factors:
Organised bird trapping: Although the use of nets in the Republic of Cyprus has been at the same level as last year, there has nevertheless been increased activity by organised trapping groups that essentially continue unhindered to trap birds on a large scale and at the level of organised crime. On several occasions environmental organizations were attacked by these organized trappers in the field. This raises questions about the role of the Cyprus Police Anti-Trapping Unit, after the re-establishment of which (June 2023) one would expect to have a more active involvement against trapping and a noticeable decrease in trapping levels and especially in the action of large trappers. The three organizations call on the Anti-Poaching Unit to draw up an action plan in cooperation with the Game and Fauna Service to make effective the fight against large and organized trappers. The three environmental organizations say they are ready to support the prosecution action of the Cypriot authorities against trapping, as they have been doing for years now with the SBA Police.
Relaxations in the law: The reduction of the fine from €2000 euros to €200 euros for killing up to 50 birds using limesticks (last modified December 2020), which is neither deterrent nor punitive, has indirectly decriminalized this method of trapping, resulting in the use of limesticks remaining increased. The three organizations call on the House of Representatives to repeal this relaxation of the law and increase fines to €2,000 euros for all birds, regardless of killing method or species.
Understaffing of the SBA Police: In autumn 2023, an increase in net trapping was recorded in some locations within the SBAs in Dhekelia. We believe this is related to the understaffing of the SBA Police team responsible for cracking down on poaching and bird trapping within their jurisdiction. The three organizations call on the SBA Police to keep the team adequately staffed so that it can continue to be a deterrent and effective unit, thus maintaining the low levels of entrapment recorded in recent years.
The BirdLife Cyprus and RSPB report on autumn 2023 trapping levels is available here. The CABS report on autumn 2023 trap levels is available here
