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Police and environmental organizations teamed up last week to shut down an illegal bird-trapping site in Famagusta, arresting a suspect and seizing four nets and two devices that mimic bird calls.
The operation, part of ongoing monitoring efforts, reflects years of collaboration between local authorities and the British Bases Police. Since 2016, these joint efforts have led to dozens of arrests and convictions, dramatically reducing bird-trapping levels in the area.
Experts estimate that in 2016, roughly 880,000 birds were killed within the British Bases due to illegal trapping. By 2024, that number had dropped by 90% to about 92,000 birds, showing the effectiveness of consistent enforcement.
Environmental groups praised the continued cooperation but warned that vigilance must remain high. “If law enforcement relaxes, trapping could quickly return to dangerous levels,” they said, urging authorities across Cyprus to adopt similar strategies to end the illegal practice once and for all.
