Filenews 20 December 2024
A serious threat to wildlife, pets and public health in Cyprus is the use of poison baits, according to a joint press release by BirdLife Cyprus and the Game and Fauna Service, which states that the Poison Bait Detection Teams (SAR) proceeded with the removal of 35 kg of poisoned baits in a total of 403 patrols in 2023.
The illegal use of poison baits continues to pose a serious threat to wildlife, pets and public health in Cyprus. However, the operation of the two Poison Bait Detection Teams (OADD), under the Game and Fauna Service, in the framework of the project "LIFE with Vultures", has proven to be catalytic in the fight against this crime and in the protection of endangered species, such as the Griffon Vulture and the Bonelli's Eagle.
The OADD, consisting of specially trained detection dogs and their gamekeeper handlers, carried out a total of 403 patrols in 2023, including 291 preventive checks and 112 searches in response to citizens' complaints, and removed 35kg of poisoned baits from the countryside.
It is added that a significant decrease in poisoning incidents was recorded during the period May – December 2023 (28 incidents), compared to the same period in 2022 (44 incidents).
"It seems that Cyprus has the lead compared to other countries in terms of the use of poison baits," the press release noted, adding that at the beginning of the hunting season (end of October – mid-November) incidents are recorded almost on a daily basis.
"In 2023, a total of 44 incidents involving findings of poisoned animals or baits were recorded, involving 54 dead animals from 8 different species, with dogs making up the majority (65%) of victims," it said.
It is also noted that the OADD found poisoned baits mainly in hunting zones and areas near livestock farms, highlighting the connection of poisoned baits with human activities such as hunting and protecting animals from predators. Data shows that, during the hunting season (September-February), the use of baits increases, often targeting hunting dogs or predators such as foxes. Outside the hunting season, incidents are mainly related to the reduction of predator attacks on livestock animals, especially during the fox breeding season.
It should be noted that the effectiveness of OADDs has been enhanced by cooperation with the public. Hunters, ranchers and rural dwellers provided critical information, with 65% of reports of poisoning coming from these groups of people. Trust in OADDs has increased, which contributes to better recording and investigating poisoning incidents.
It is also mentioned that the action of OADD is particularly important for the protection of species such as the Griffon Vulture, which is in danger of extinction. Evidence shows that the systematic presence of these groups in the countryside acts as a deterrent to the use of poison baits, while the information collected contributes to a targeted response to the problem.
Furthermore, it is also noted that OADDs are also an awareness raising tool through communication actions in local communities, hunting clubs and schools, as well as through social media.
It should be noted that the operation of OADDs is an important tool that simultaneously enhances the capacity of the relevant competent authorities to detect poisoned baits and animals, which contributes to a more effective investigation and fight against this wildlife crime. "Already two poisoning cases are before the courts," it said.
The Game and Fauna Service and BirdLife Cyprus call on the public to continue supporting this effort by reporting suspicious incidents to OADDs on 99267916 or 99255086 phones and local police stations.
It is noted that the project "LIFE with Vultures CY" aims at the recovery and conservation of the Griffon Vulture in Cyprus. Project partners are BirdLife Cyprus, the Game and Fauna Service, Terra Cypria – the Cyprus Environmental Protection Foundation and the international organization Vulture Conservation Foundation. The program has a budget of €1,375,861, duration 5 years (2019 – 2024) and is co-funded (60%) by the LIFE programme, the EU's financial instrument for the environment. More about the program can be found on the following website: www.lifewithvultures.eu
Finally, for more information, interested parties can contact Haris Hadjistyllis, Game and Fauna Service District Officer, 97889291, ~hhadjistyllis@hotmail.com and Melpo Apostolidou, Director, BirdLife Cyprus, 22455072, ~~melpo.apostolidou@birdlifecyprus.org.cy.
