BirdLife Cyprus’ autumn 2024 trapping report reveals an increase in bird trapping within the Republic of Cyprus, highlighting the failure of the Cyprus Police Anti-Poaching Unit to tackle organized trapping groups. The latest survey estimates that 620,000 birds were trapped and killed within the survey area in autumn 2024 alone.
While overall trapping levels across Cyprus remained similar to previous years, there are stark differences between jurisdictions. The Republic of Cyprus saw a 76% increase in trapping with nets compared to autumn 2023, primarily due to unchecked activity by organized trapping groups operating with apparent impunity.
In marked contrast, the Sovereign Base Areas (SBAs) achieved a 22% reduction in trapping with nets through effective enforcement. The SBA Police strengthened their Anti-Poaching Unit with additional personnel, demonstrating how sufficient resources can achieve significant results. BirdLife Cyprus acknowledges the commitment of zero tolerance by SBA Police and Administration, as well as their continued partnership approach with NGOs in tackling illegal bird trapping.
Tassos Shialis, Campaign Coordinator of BirdLife Cyprus, states: “The situation in the Republic of Cyprus is deeply concerning. While we see exemplary enforcement and cooperation in the SBAs leading to real progress, organized trappers in the Republic continue their illegal activities largely unchallenged. Despite the Memorandum of Cooperation signed between the Game and Fauna Service and the Cyprus Police in July 2023 to tackle this issue, the Cyprus enforcement authorities have been failing to effectively tackle these criminal groups. In particular, the Cyprus Police Anti-Poaching unit has showed very little enforcement action against bird trapping since its formation back in June 2023, which is highly disappointing”.
The problem is further compounded by continued high levels of trapping with limesticks in the Republic, reflecting the non-deterrent nature of current fines and enforcement measures.
BirdLife Cyprus calls for:
- The immediate engagement and enforcement action of the Cyprus Police Anti-poaching unit on all sorts of wildlife crime, including illegal bird trapping.
- The Cyprus Police Anti-poaching unit to fully support the Game and Fauna Service and to develop jointly a comprehensive strategy to tackle organized trappers as part of their Memorandum of Cooperation.
- Introduction of deterrent penalties for all forms of bird trapping, particularly on limesticks
- Adoption of the successful enforcement approach demonstrated by the SBA Police
For more information about BirdLife Cyprus’ detailed findings from the autumn 2024 trapping report, please click here.
Article by BirdLife Cyprus
