A shocking wildlife crime has taken place in Greece, where our Partner Hellenic Ornithological Society (HOS) reports that 12 Cinereous Vultures were poisoned in Dadia National Park, with 9 of them found dead.
This is one of the most serious poisoning incidents affecting this iconic species in recent years and a devastating blow to ongoing conservation efforts.
The Cinereous Vulture is a scavenging bird and the symbol of the Dadia Forest. Losing so many individuals at once is not only a tragedy for biodiversity but also a serious setback for the recovery of the species in the region.
Poisoning occurs when toxic substances are deliberately placed in the environment, often in bait intended to kill animals such as foxes, wolves, or stray dogs. These poisons do not stay targeted and end up killing vultures and other wildlife that feed on the contaminated carcasses. This makes poisoning one of the most serious threats to birds of prey across Europe.
Despite the use of poisoned baits being banned in Greece since 1993 and prohibited under EU legislation, this incident happened inside a protected national park.
Our Partner calls on the Greek authorities to fully investigate this crime and use all available means to identify and prosecute those responsible. Without accountability, such incidents will continue to threaten Europe’s most vulnerable species.
