Dear CABS Friends and Supporters,
During the summer months, we handle significantly fewer cases of poaching; consequently, alongside preparations for our numerous large-scale bird protection camps in the autumn, we also have the time to dedicate ourselves to other projects—such as the protection of harriers in the “Zülpicher Börde” region between Aachen and Cologne. There is also news to report on the international front:
Harrier chicks saved from certain death by combine harvesters The Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS) harrier protection project has now quite literally entered its most intense phase. With record temperatures of up to 40°C, the barley harvest has already finished across the Zülpicher Börde. So far, we have located 16 nests of Western Marsh Harrier and Montagu's Harrier in cereal fields, around half of them in barley. In cooperation with the farmers, the nests were marked, and during harvesting a 20 × 20 metre protection zone is left uncut around each nest. To protect the chicks from predators, we also install an electric fence around the nest on the same day the field is harvested. So far, eight fences have been erected. After that, we can take a short breather, as the remaining nests are in wheat, spelt and triticale fields, which will be harvested later. Based on the current situation, the project has already saved 26 chicks of these highly endangered birds of prey from being killed by combine harvesters. A big thank you to the farmers, the Lower Nature Conservation Authorities of the districts of Euskirchen, Düren and Rhein-Erft, and the local biological stations for their invaluable support in such sweltering conditions! Expansion of migratory bird hunting approved in Italy The amendment of the Italian hunting law is almost a done deal. Despite a wave of protests with support from prominent figures including Pope Leo XIV, the Senate yesterday approved the bill put forward by the right-wing populist government in Rome. Under the proposed changes, in future hunting will be permitted in protected areas, songbirds may once again be shot on the most important Alpine passes, additional species will be brought under hunting regulations (for example, the previously protected greylag goose), and penalties for hunting offences will be reduced. Approval of bird trapping with nets is also not entirely off the table yet. The approval of the Chamber of Deputies, which must cast the final vote, is considered certain due to the governing majority. With this legislative initiative, Italy is reversing course and dismantling all conservation achievements that are not explicitly required by the EU. Prime Minister Meloni is, however, carefully staying within the limits of the EU Birds Directive, leaving Brussels with little room to intervene. Already now, more than 6 million migratory birds are shot in Italy each year, including around 3 million songbirds alone. Rarities as pets In Lebanon, a team from the Committee Against Bird Slaughter and our partner MECSHAP Anti-Poaching Unit found strictly protected birds during an inspection of pet shops in the city of Baalbek. In addition to black headed buntings, the dealer also had two Syrian serins on offer - an endemic that breeds in a tiny distribution area in the mountains on the Syrian-Lebanese border and in Jordan. The world population of the small finch is estimated at 4,000 individuals, and it is correspondingly coveted by animal collectors. Due to the extremely tense security situation in the remote region around Baalbek, it was not possible to inform the police. The dealer handed over the birds after we explained the legal situation to him and promised to abide by the laws in the future. All six birds were released unharmed at Deir El Ahmar in the Bekaa Teal. Raptor poacher caught in Germany Police in the Schaumburg district (Lower Saxony) seized a goshawk trap on the property of a pigeon breeder. Officers discovered the illegal bird trap in the immediate vicinity of the pigeon loft. The operation was prompted by a report from the Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS), which had alerted the authorities. Although the use of goshawk traps is strictly prohibited, the traps are freely available for purchase and can easily be ordered online from hunting suppliers and poultry-rearing retailers in Germany. Buyers are merely advised to comply with "legal regulations" when using the trap. Our statistics show that they frequently fail to do so: since 2005, we have documented 207 cases of illegal goshawk trap use in Germany! Best regards and stay safe during this hot time,
Alexander Heyd and Lloyd Scott |
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