Zypern – 22. 04. 2022

Strike against illegal bird trapping in Cyprus

Fines for more than 8000 euros following CABS reports.

Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS)

+++ PRESS RELEASE – 22 April 2022 +++

PR: Strike against illegal bird trapping in Cyprus – Fines for more than 8000 euros following CABS reports.

Cyprus: In just the last few days, as a result of field investigations by teams from the Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS), four poachers are expected to receive hefty fines of >8000€ for the illegal trapping of protected wild birds. All four suspects were identified during ongoing anti-poaching operations regarding the use of limesticks to catch and kill migratory songbirds as they stop to rest on the island. The illegalities were documented by the environmentalists and reported to the Game and Fauna Service. The last operation involved a well-known trapper who was previously sanctioned just last September at the same site in Protaras. Yesterday morning she was caught ‘red-handed’ while collecting the limesticks in her garden.

“Following 17 prosecutions as a direct result of CABS investigations in spring 2021, we are yet again finding a significant number of active trapping sites with limesticks, especially in the Famagusta District; it’s clear that these cases are just the tip of the iceberg” said Bostjan Debersek, CABS Wildlife crime officer. The NGO reported that during the investigations, the game wardens seized 155 limesticks and released 12 birds, mainly blackcaps and also a rarer barred warbler.

Trapping in spring is particularly concerning, as the birds that survive the winter are caught along the journey towards their breeding areas in continental Europe. This can have a serious impact on the populations of each species as every bird caught is a potential breeder. “In the Republic of Cyprus, contrary to the ridiculously low fines imposed in autumn and winter, in spring wildlife poachers are sanctioned with more than 8000 euros when caught with limesticks.” comments Debersek. “We hope that these recent cases with fines amounting to thousands of euros will serve as a deterrent to those who still believe that they can’t enjoy a seasonal lunch without the forbidden ambelopoulia.” The NGO ensures that its teams will remain on the island until the end of bird migration to locate and report any further wildlife crimes. 

ENDS —

Attached images :

1, A rare Barred warbler found caught and injured on a limestick during CABS anti-poaching operations in Protaras  

Contact for more information: CABS Investigations Officer Andrea Rutigliano, +39 346 9484460 or Email to CABS@komitee.de