Newsroom
In Cyprus, the battle against illegal bird trapping continues with determination and success, thanks to the tireless efforts of the Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS). Since late August, their teams have been working nonstop to protect migratory birds from harmful poaching practices, with recent weeks seeing several significant victories.
The Bird Guards, a specialized team from CABS, have recently helped convict three individuals engaged in bird trapping. Among these was a repeat offender first caught three years ago. This time, he had set a large net and 50 limesticks to ensnare birds. Acting on a tip-off from CABS, local game wardens apprehended him.
Two other trappers were also caught in the act, having set 20 and 44 limesticks respectively. One of these individuals had been under CABS' watch for two years before his arrest. His trapping site had been monitored almost daily throughout October, culminating in his capture over the weekend.
CABS isn't working alone. At two additional trapping sites, their teams partnered with game wardens and the British Sovereign Base Area police to dismantle seven enormous mist nets. These nets, a common trapping method, are designed to capture large numbers of birds. In this case, several freshly caught thrushes were freed unharmed and returned to the wild.
The fight against bird trapping in Cyprus is challenging, given the lengthy trapping season that runs from September to February. To address this, CABS is planning a winter operation to sustain their efforts into the new year. Additional teams will be deployed in January and February to continue the fight.
CABS’ operations rely on public support and awareness. Their work not only disrupts poaching but also saves countless migratory birds from cruel deaths. For those interested in contributing to this vital mission, more information about their campaigns and how to get involved can be found on their official website.
