Guarding the Bonelli's Eagle Nests in Sicily
The populations of Bonelli's eagles, Lanner falcons and other birds of prey in Sicily are threatened by illegal extermination. Animal collectors and falconers pay maximum prices for the rare birds of prey. The Bonelli's Eagle in particular - already rare anyway - has thus reached the brink of extinction in Italy.
In order to counteract this worrying development, the group "Coordinamento Tutela Rapaci Sicilia" was formed in 2012 from various ornithological associations and nature conservation associations. Its aim is to monitor all endangered nests. During the breeding season - from the start of laying in April until the young fly out in June - the guards will be positioned at all birds of prey nesting sites. Above all, their task is to maintain a strong visual presence. The nest robbers quickly find out which nests are guarded so that they are not bothered.
The number of nests which have been plundered has significantly decreased since the start of the action. CABS participates in the action with a financial subsidy and with honorary committee members from different European countries.