UPDATE on illegal bird trapping activity in Cyprus

The apparent increase in trapping noted in the Republic of Cyprus we believe can be attributed largely to the amalgamation of relaxations to the “Protection and Management of Wild Birds and Game Species law” approved by the Cyprus Parliament, the latest of which was voted in December 2020. [...] The apparent increase in trapping noted in the SBA areas, we believe is attributed to the reduction in the size of the SBA Police Anti-poaching unit leading into the Autumn 2021 season. [...] 8 BirdLife Cyprus calls upon the Government of Cyprus and the SBA Administration to implement the following recommendations: 1) The Cyprus Parliament to reverse amendments to the law "Protection and Management of Wild Birds and Game Species" and to restore the fine for the offenses of possession and use of limesticks and hunting of 14 protected, non-game species from 200 to 2000 euros. [...] During the program, the representative of the “Friends of the Limestick” claimed that it is possible for a derogation to be granted for the use of limesticks for bird trapping in Cyprus under the Birds Directive, under the so called ‘alternative plan’ that the Cyprus Government had approved back in 2015. [...] Recommendations In conclusion, BirdLife Cyprus stresses the following actions and measures as areas for action in 2022: 1) The Cyprus Parliament to reverse the relaxations to the law "Protection and Management of Wild Birds and Game Species" and to restore the fine for the offenses of possession and use of limesticks and hunting of all species from 200 to 2000 euros.