UPDATE on illegal bird trapping activity in Cyprus

We believe that this can be attributed to relaxations in the law approved by the Cyprus parliament, and especially the on- the-spot fine amendment which means a fine of only 200 euro being issued for the offences of illegal trapping with limesticks or the killing with shotgun of up to 50 birds from a list of 14 specific bird species. [...] Moreover, in 1988 Cyprus ratified the 1979 Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats, adopting a long list of birds as protected, including the Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla), hence prohibiting the killing (hunting) and consumption of Blackcaps (Blackcaps are the main target species of illegal bird trapping in autumn in Cyprus). [...] The surveillance programme follows a ‘Bird Trapping Monitoring Protocol’ that was developed by BirdLife Cyprus and the RSPB, in consultation with the Cyprus Game & Fauna Service and the British Sovereign Base Area (SBA) police at the start of the programme. [...] We believe this can be attributed to relaxations in the law approved by the Cyprus parliament, and especially changes to the on- the-spot fine amendment which mean a fine of only 200 euro being issued for the offences of illegal trapping with limesticks or the killing with shotgun of up to 50 birds from a list of 14 specific bird species. [...] Position paper presented at the Committee of Environment of the Cyprus House of Parliament during a discussion to change the legislation on the protection and management of wild birds and game species.