Komitee gegen den Vogelmord e.V. Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS)

Komitee gegen den Vogelmord e. V.
Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS)

  • deutsch
  • english
  • italiano
Spenden-Button

Our bird protection camps

CABS bird guards at work in Malta
CABS bird guards at work in Malta

Actions against poaching 

Bird protection camps are a central part of CABS' work. In collaboration with local partner NGOs, our members and volunteers conduct field investigations to search for for illegal wild bird traps and hunting equipment in the poaching hotspots of the Mediterranean. Our teams also monitor migration bottlenecks and roosting areas, where migratory birds are targeted by poachers. We aim to gather evidence to facilitate the apprehension of poachers by the police. 

However, the plan of action varies depending on the area of operation. For example, in Brescia, northern Italy, CABS teams search for active traps and bring police officers to the sites. Poachers are apprehended during the control of these devices. On Malta, CABS teams take position to monitor and film known hunting hotspots; their visible presence suffice to prevent poaching of migratory birds, especially raptors. If anyone attempts to kill a protected bird, they will immediately be reported to the police. 


The most important operations

Bird trapping and hunting occurs all over Europe. However, along the three migratory routes there are well known and established hotspots. 

Our current 26 operations take place here:

Dangerous work

CABS car damaged by poachers in Malta
CABS car damaged by poachers in Malta

Our actions are not without danger. Poachers are usually armed and they often have criminal intent. Although very few of them are dangerous, if their lucrative business or "old tradition" is at risk, some individuals may lose control. We face insults and threats on a daily basis during bird protection camps.

It becomes particularly dangerous when poachers call for other individuals' support. In Malta and Cyprus, we had many incidents arising from group dynamics. CABS members have been assaulted and our vehicles are frequently damaged.

Video "The Bird Guards" - WATCH our anti-poaching operations in Lebanon

To view videos via YouTube, "External Media" must be allowed.
You can go to the privacy settings again here and allow External Media.

Volunteers wanted!

Our bird protection camps are only possible with the help of our many Bird Guard volunteers. Each year, between 250 and 300 nature and animal lovers from all over Europe take part in our operations. Anyone who is physically fit, courageous, with a good team spirit and able to speak English, can take part. Other requirements vary from camp to camp. For example, you have to be very fit physically to join the bird protection camp in Northern Italy, good bird identification skills are necessary in Malta and a good dose of courage in Cyprus. 

You can find more information about the conditions of participation here.