UPDATE on illegal bird trapping activity in Cyprus

One amendment was for the reduction of the fine for the killing of migratory birds on a list of 14 protected, non-game species, either with the use of limesticks or with shooting. [...] 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. [...] One amendment was for the reduction of the fine for the killing of migratory birds on a list of 14 protected, non-game species, either with the use of limesticks or with 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.