This article was originally published on the website of BirdLife Cyprus here. Cover picture by Guy Shorrock.
BirdLife Cyprus’ newly released autumn 2025 trapping report estimates that 726,000 birds were illegally killed within the organisation’s survey area during last year’s autumn trapping season.
Overall, trapping levels with mist nets were 4% higher than autumn 2024. While this may appear marginal, the findings confirm that the level and consistency of enforcement directly influence trapping intensity.
In the Eastern Sovereign Base Areas, trapping with mist nets increased by 55% compared to last year. This rise followed a change in enforcement tactics by the SBA Police, who shifted from proactive night patrols throughout the trapping season to a more reactive approach based on targeted ambushes. The reduced visible presence in the field appears to have been quickly exploited. Most concerningly, trapping activity was recorded again at Cape Pyla, a notorious hotspot where no trapping had been documented since 2019.
In sharp contrast, trapping with mist nets in the Republic of Cyprus fell by 47%. BirdLife Cyprus believes the decline was due to, but not only, targeted enforcement action against three major organised trapping sites in the Larnaca district. After high-profile exposure of large-scale trapping by British journalist Chris Packham, Cyprus Police carried out eight coordinated raids, issuing fines exceeding €157,000. In one case, nearly 1,000 dead birds were discovered packaged and ready for sale. Drugs and weapons were also seized, exposing the clear links between illegal bird trapping and organised crime.
“Our findings for autumn 2025 send a very clear message,” BirdLife Cyprus’ Campaigns Coordinator, Tassos Shialis, stated. “Consistent, visible and targeted enforcement works. When that deterrent presence weakens, illegal trapping rebounds. Moreover, the recent arson attacks on cars of the Game and Fauna Service are a clear indication that illegal bird trapping and poaching have turned into a lucrative business, and the law breakers will not hesitate to carry out attacks against game wardens and police officers”.
This autumn’s findings highlight two key points. First, long-term monitoring still shows a dramatic reduction in mist net use compared to the early 2000s, proof that sustained and targeted enforcement delivers results. Second, progress can easily be reversed. Where deterrence weakens, trapping resurfaces quickly.
At the same time, trapping with limesticks remains persistently high. Reduced fines for limestick offences continue to undermine deterrence and allow this illegal practice to continue largely unabated.
BirdLife Cyprus is calling for sustained preventative enforcement in both jurisdictions, stronger penalties for limestick use, and continued action against organised wildlife crime networks with zero tolerance.
For more information about BirdLife Cyprus’ detailed findings from the autumn 2025 trapping report, please click here.
