BIRD ACTIVISTS from Germany, Italy and the UK removed and destroyed 2,136 illegal lime sticks and more than 30 mist nets used for bird trapping on Cyprus over the past two weeks, they said yesterday.
In a statement, the German-based Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS), said numerous endangered species such as Golden Oriole, Hoopoe, Wryneck, Collared Flycatcher and even two owls were freed from traps.
In the Ayia Napa area alone official complaints were filed with the police against a total of 10 persons who had been involved in setting and operating nets and traps for protecte3d song birds,” CABS said.
The CABS team, consisting of eight experienced ornithologists were equipped with video cameras and spotting scopes in order to monitor and record illegal, and widespread trapping of migrant birds. T
he material gained is being evaluated and will be included in a comprehensive report to the European Commission and the Cyprus government.
“With its accession to the EU, Cyprus has committed itself to protect migrant birds. The trapping of millions of birds of protected species for the cooking pot is unparalleled in Europe and must be combated with political will and the full force of the law,” said CABS president Heinz Schwarze.
He said the conservationists were particularly shocked that many of the trapped song birds were being offered to tourists as a regional delicacy. “We have recorded these facts in detail, and they will form the basis of an international campaign against this unacceptable state of affairs,” Schwarze added.
CABS also announced their intention to send further teams to Cyprus in October to monitor the situation during autumn migration and, in cooperation with the police, bring “criminal poachers” to justice. The group will also send undercover ‘food tasters’ to restaurants.
“Premises illegally offering song birds for consumption, either openly or under the counter, will be reported by us to the police and can expect them to appear with a search warrant” Schwarze warned.
Commenting on the group yesterday Birdlife Cyprus executive manager Martin Hellicar said CABS were an independent group of activists. He said BirdLife supported what they did but not always the methods.
“Everything needs to be done within the law in cooperation with the enforcers who have the difficult job of taking on very dangerous criminals,” said Hellicar. “This makes it harder for the enforcers who often get shot at, and it makes it harder for us who are here all year round.”
Hellicar said there were a number of groups who do what CABS does every year “and we see eye-to-eye ninety per cent of the time,” he said, adding that the activists knew the risks involved.
World Migratory Bird Day is being celebrated worldwide this weekend.
“It reminds us yet again of Cyprus’ obligations to protect these international travellers – some of whom come to our island to breed, while others pass through on their way to their European breeding grounds,” said a BirdLife statement to mark the day. “Birds know no political boundaries”.
