12.06.2026

Montagu's harriers and marsh harriers build their nests in grain fields, where the young birds risk ending up in a combine harvester during the harvest. In the Zülpich Börde region between Cologne and Aachen, we search for the nests of these endangered migratory birds and protect them together with farmers - a nest protection zone is left standing during harvesting. 

With the hatching of the marsh harrier chicks, the next phase of our project has begun. During inspections of nests that had already been found, we have identified young birds between one and twelve days old over the past few days. Together with the region’s biological stations, the lower nature conservation authorities, and the affected farmers, the nests will be protected over the next two weeks so that the chicks are not accidentally killed during the harvest.

You can learn more about our harrier project in Germany here.

05.06.2026

Since February, around 100 volunteers and our team leaders have taken part in anti-poaching operations in Italy, Greece, Malta and Cyprus, Lebanon, and Germany. Altogether, we were able to identify and report 97 poachers. The authorities confiscated 58 mist-nets, 43 pairs of clap-nets, 362 limesticks, 107 other traps, 29 electronic decoys, 16 shotguns, 564 rounds of ammunition, and nearly 400 live birds. 

At first glance, these figures may seem alarming, but they actually demonstrate the significant decline in springtime poaching. We have never encountered so few traps in a spring season before!

You can read the CABS Spring Report 2026 in full in the downloads and reports section of our website here.

28.05.2026

The illegal persecution of birds of prey is still one of the biggest wildlife conservation problems in Germany. In most cases, the perpetrators are trying to protect chickens, pigeons, and pheasants. Committee members once again carried out inspections in nine federal states this year. Based on our information, the police identified 3 suspects using raptor traps. At the same time, our reporting center processed more than 100 suspected cases. In 20 of these cases, the suspicion was confirmed. These involved 7 cases of trapping protected species, 6 shootings, 3 poisonings, and 4 other methods of persecution. At least 17 birds were demonstrably injured or killed. Several animals with suspected poisoning are still under investigation, and we continue to monitor a whole series of trap locations where the capture devices are currently inactive.

22.05.2026

Montagu's harriers and marsh harriers build their nests in grain fields, where the young birds risk ending up in the combine harvester during the harvest. In the Zülpich Börde between Cologne and Aachen, we search for the nests of these endangered migratory birds and protect them together with the farmers — a nest protection zone is left standing during mowing. This “hot phase” of the harrier season normally only begins with the grain harvest in summer, but now we already had to secure a first clutch: Near Nörvenich (Düren district), a pair of marsh harriers had chosen a ryegrass field of all places to raise their young, and it was scheduled to be mowed as early as May 21. The nest protection zone was marked out and equipped with an electric pasture fence. We are currently monitoring a dozen more broods in grain fields — there is no danger there yet.

Watch a short video reel of the rescue here.

20.05.2026

Our bird protection camp in Malta has come to an end after 10 weeks. In total, we were able to catch and help convict 28 poachers: 24 of them were using clap-nets and bird traps, primarily to catch finches, but also other songbirds, quails and turtle doves. Four people were reported for illegal hunting. They had shot kestrels, turtle doves and waders; one was caught in a protected area where hunting is prohibited. 

The police seized a total of 42 pairs of clap-nets, one cage trap, 12 electronic decoys and 61 birds from the offenders. With the end of the bird migration, hunters and poachers are now taking a break – we will resume our operations in Malta in August with a campaign against the illegal trapping of waders.

30.04.2026

This spring, we are supporting our hard-working teams on the ground in their dangerous work with a protest campaign. Together with our partner organisation BirdLife Greece - Ornithologiki, we have sent over 10,000 protest postcards to the mayor of Zakynthos. Yesterday, we handed over some of the postcards at the mayor’s office to make it clear once again in person that we will not give in or let up.

Our call for greater support from the authorities is certainly falling on fertile ground: proof of this comes from the participants in the bird protection camp on the holiday island, who, together with the police and game wardens, have already caught 16 poachers engaging in illegal spring hunting since the beginning of April!

Read todays joint Press Release in full here. 

12.05.2026

The 2026 spring mission on Zakynthos concludes with a major victory for CABS, resulting in the conviction of 21 poachers, triple the amount from 2025 - and the seizure of 10 rifles and 514 rounds of ammunition. While fines ranging between 400€ - 1400€ and an increased police presence have successfully deterred many, illegal hunting of turtle doves and orioles continues in remote areas. 

Crucially, this year saw a total absence of the aggression that plagued previous camps, proving that consistent enforcement is shifting the tide. Our commitment to returning in Spring 2027 remains essential to finally ending these illegal practices and ensuring safe passage for protected migratory species.

Find out more about our Zakynthos campaign here. 

21.04.2026

As spring bird migration in Malta is reaching its seasonal peak illegal poaching has escalated in lockstep with the numbers of birds arriving. In breach of EU law, the Maltese government’s 2026 spring quail season continues to serve as a "smokescreen" for illegal turtle dove hunting. Monitoring teams estimate that two-thirds of shots target these endangered birds from hidden groves rather than quail in open fields. Recent CABS reports led to three arrests by the Environmental Protection Unit (EPU) - including poachers in Marsakala, Girgenti, and Mosta. Despite these enforcement successes, spring hunting in Malta remains largely out of control.

Read todays full Press Release here.

23.04.2026

The Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS) has struck a massive blow against organised poaching rings on the Vasilikos peninsula. Despite the use of sophisticated "spotter" networks, activists and game wardens successfully dismantled a major hilltop poaching site, seizing 5 hidden shotguns and nearly 500 rounds of ammunition.

This latest operation brings the total to 14 poachers caught red-handed or identified since the protection camp began on April 11th. With the European Turtle Dove currently facing a "massacre" during its peak migration, CABS is calling on the government for urgent reinforcements and better equipment to combat these organised crimes before this protected species is driven to extinction.

Read our full Press Release on the case here.