Newsroom
Authorities discovered more than 100 bird-snaring devices, known locally as "xoverga", on the property of a 68-year-old man in the Famagusta district, part of an ongoing effort to curb illegal poaching.
According to a statement from the Police Communications Branch, the search took place on the morning of Monday, October 13, in an open area near the man’s property. Officers found 23 snares placed in trees, as well as a device emitting wild bird calls. One snare had trapped a wild bird, which was promptly freed.
A subsequent inspection of a small building on the property revealed 88 additional snares stored in a basket. All items were confiscated as evidence.
The man is expected to receive a formal notice from the Game and Fauna Service, the agency responsible for wildlife protection. The Deryneia Police Station continues to investigate.
Poaching has long been a concern in Cyprus, where migratory birds are particularly vulnerable to illegal trapping during seasonal flights. Authorities have intensified enforcement efforts in recent years to protect local wildlife and comply with international conservation agreements.
