BirdLife CYPRUS - 726,000 BIRDS KILLED ILLEGALLY IN 2025 – WHAT THE DATA SHOWS - Filenews 4/3
BirdLife Cyprus' new report on bird trapping in autumn 2025 estimates that 726,000 birds were illegally killed within the agency's research area during last autumn season.
Overall, net-trapping levels were up 4% compared to autumn 2024. Although this increase may seem small, the results show that the strictness and consistency of enforcement directly affect the intensity of the phenomenon.
In the areas of the British Dhekelia Bases, net trapping increased by 55% compared to the previous year. This increase is due to the change in tactics of the Base Police, which stopped preventive night patrols during the trapping period and implemented a more reactive strategy with targeted ambushes. The limited presence of the authorities in the field seems to have been taken advantage of by the offenders. Alarming is the recording of trapping activity in Cape Pyla, a notorious area where no trapping had been recorded since 2019.
In contrast, in the Republic of Cyprus, net trapping decreased by 47%. BirdLife Cyprus estimates that this decrease is due, among other things, to targeted operations against three major points of organized trapping in the province of Larnaca. Following the international exposure of the problem by British journalist Chris Packham, the Cyprus Police carried out eight coordinated raids, imposing fines exceeding €157,000. In one case, almost 1,000 dead birds were found, packaged and ready for sale. Drugs and weapons were also seized, highlighting the link between illegal bird trapping and organized crime.
"Our findings for autumn 2025 send a clear message," said BirdLife Cyprus Campaigns Coordinator Tasos Shialis. "Consistent, visible and targeted enforcement of legislation brings results. When the deterrent presence of the authorities in the field decreases, illegal trapping increases. In addition, the recent arson of Game and Fauna Service vehicles is a clear indication that illegal trapping and poaching have become a lucrative activity, and offenders do not hesitate to attack gamekeepers and police officers."
This year's findings highlight two main points. First, the dramatic decline in the use of nets compared to the early 2000s is proof that sustained and targeted law enforcement is delivering meaningful results. Second, progress can be easily reversed: where the persecutory action weakens, the entrapment quickly reappears.
At the same time, limestick trapping remains at high levels. Reduced fines for offences involving the use of limesticks continue to undermine the deterrent effect of the legislation, allowing this illegal practice to continue largely unhindered.
BirdLife Cyprus calls for sustained, proactive enforcement in both jurisdictions, tougher penalties for the use of limesticks, and continued action against organised wildlife crime networks, with zero tolerance.
Overall, net-trapping levels were up 4% compared to autumn 2024. Although this increase may seem small, the results show that the strictness and consistency of enforcement directly affect the intensity of the phenomenon.
In the areas of the British Dhekelia Bases, net trapping increased by 55% compared to the previous year. This increase is due to the change in tactics of the Base Police, which stopped preventive night patrols during the trapping period and implemented a more reactive strategy with targeted ambushes. The limited presence of the authorities in the field seems to have been taken advantage of by the offenders. Alarming is the recording of trapping activity in Cape Pyla, a notorious area where no trapping had been recorded since 2019.
In contrast, in the Republic of Cyprus, net trapping decreased by 47%. BirdLife Cyprus estimates that this decrease is due, among other things, to targeted operations against three major points of organized trapping in the province of Larnaca. Following the international exposure of the problem by British journalist Chris Packham, the Cyprus Police carried out eight coordinated raids, imposing fines exceeding €157,000. In one case, almost 1,000 dead birds were found, packaged and ready for sale. Drugs and weapons were also seized, highlighting the link between illegal bird trapping and organized crime.
"Our findings for autumn 2025 send a clear message," said BirdLife Cyprus Campaigns Coordinator Tasos Shialis. "Consistent, visible and targeted enforcement of legislation brings results. When the deterrent presence of the authorities in the field decreases, illegal trapping increases. In addition, the recent arson of Game and Fauna Service vehicles is a clear indication that illegal trapping and poaching have become a lucrative activity, and offenders do not hesitate to attack gamekeepers and police officers."
This year's findings highlight two main points. First, the dramatic decline in the use of nets compared to the early 2000s is proof that sustained and targeted law enforcement is delivering meaningful results. Second, progress can be easily reversed: where the persecutory action weakens, the entrapment quickly reappears.
At the same time, limestick trapping remains at high levels. Reduced fines for offences involving the use of limesticks continue to undermine the deterrent effect of the legislation, allowing this illegal practice to continue largely unhindered.
BirdLife Cyprus calls for sustained, proactive enforcement in both jurisdictions, tougher penalties for the use of limesticks, and continued action against organised wildlife crime networks, with zero tolerance.
