Lilla Barabas, Flyways Conservation Officer at BirdLife Europe & Central Asia, reflects on the lessons learned and experiences from her visit to Cyprus in October 2025, where she joined a group of experts invited by BirdLife Cyprus to witness first-hand the organisation’s work to end the illegal killing of birds.
As the first light of dawn spills over Cape Greco in Cyprus, our group of bird lovers admires a flock of swallows flying above us, their tiny silhouettes against the golden sky. As if waving a farewell to us and to the land, they head out above the Mediterranean Sea southward toward Africa. Without words, we wish them good luck.
The grim reality of illegal killing of birds
Every autumn, millions of migratory birds cross Cyprus as part of the African-Eurasian Flyway, a vast migratory corridor stretching from the Arctic tundra to the southern tip of Africa. Cyprus is located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, and is a critical stopover site for migratory birds to rest and refuel along their kilometre-long, epic journey. But migration is a perilous quest. For many birds, Cyprus may not be just a stopover, but a deadly trap.
Illegal bird trapping with mist nets and limesticks remains a widespread problem on the island, particularly in the Larnaca and Famagusta districts. What was once a subsistence practice among rural communities has grown into a lucrative black-market business, driven by local demand for the illegal dish ‘ambelopoulia’, small songbirds served as a delicacy. This trade generates millions of euros annually for criminal networks, with devastating consequences for wildlife.
Just a decade ago, it was estimated that around 2.5 million birds were killed illegally in Cyprus every year. Even though stricter laws and coordinated enforcement helped reduce trapping significantly, the problem is once again on the rise. The most recent update report “The Killing 3.0” , published by BirdLife and EuroNatur, highlights that Cyprus remains one of the Mediterranean’s most severe hotspots for illegal bird killing (IKB).
Collaboration across borders
In October, I travelled to Cyprus with a team from BirdLife International and EuroNatur, to learn first-hand how BirdLife Cyprus is working to address this issue. Their systematic field monitoring and data collection guide enforcement actions, while their tireless advocacy keeps the issue on the national agenda. They seek collaboration with other stakeholders and work with a long-term strategy to influence new generations. Their campaigns blend data-driven advocacy with creative public engagement, from art exhibitions like “Kochinohoma – Red Soil” to school outreach and outdoor educational initiatives, that connect cultural identity with nature protection.
Our team was invited to join the Sovereign Base Areas (SBA) Police on an exciting night patrol. The SBA Police have played a major role in achieving remarkable success against poachers on the British Sovereign Base Areas. The delegation also met with volunteers of the Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS), a Germany-based international NGO that carries out activist work against the illegal killing of birds in several countries.
Courage and commitment on the front line
Efforts to tackle wildlife crime are not without risk. BirdLife Cyprus staff, CABS volunteers, and Police officers have been physically assaulted during field surveys on several occasions. Their outdoor learning space, Thkio Mosfilies, was targeted in an arson attack twice in the past years. Yet, these dedicated people remain undeterred.
Despite threats and setbacks, the BirdLife Cyprus team continues to monitor trapping sites, support police operations, and raise awareness with unwavering determination. Their resilience is a testament to the power of collective action, proving that even small teams can make a big difference when backed by allies and community trust.
Progress worth protecting
The combined efforts of BirdLife Cyprus, local authorities, and international allies already brought remarkable results. Fewer nets hang between the acacia trees of the Famagusta plains, and as a result more birds are making it safely across the island and back to their breeding grounds in Europe.
But conservation victories are rarely permanent. The lure of profit in the illegal trade motivates trappers to constantly adapt, using new techniques and shifting to different areas to continue pursuing their crimes. In this context, continued vigilance and international cooperation remain vital to keep the conservation successes.
That’s why BirdLife Cyprus is working to sustain momentum, calling for stronger penalties, better surveillance, and, most importantly, ongoing public engagement. Ending the illegal killing of birds is not just about protecting birds it’s about safeguarding our shared natural heritage.
Growing the next generation of nature champions
Ultimately, the future of conservation lies with the next generation. BirdLife Cyprus is investing in education to nurture empathy for wildlife and a sense of pride in local biodiversity. At Thkio Mosfilies, children learn outdoors, surrounded by birdsongs and olive trees, discovering how their actions can make a difference.
By engaging schools, organising guided bird tours, and showcasing the economic benefits of eco-tourism, BirdLife Cyprus is shifting perceptions. The goal is to replace the old culture of trapping with one of coexistence and appreciation.
Lasting change will come when young hearts learn to treasure the song of a living bird more than the silence of the ones that are gone.
You can learn more about the work of BirdLife Cyprus here: https://birdlifecyprus.org/
