UPDATE on illegal bird trapping activity in Cyprus

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, whereas in winter the main target s. [...] 3 Game and Fauna Service (17th March 2010), 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 4 The study can be found here. [...] 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. [...] A series of relaxations made to the "Protection and Management of Wild Birds and Game Species” law over the years, the last of which was passed by the Cyprus Parliament in December 2020, have sent a message of “decriminalisation” and tolerance with regards to trapping with limesticks and the illegal shooting. [...] 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.