Ornithologists are, in many ways, straightforward people. Give them a pair of binoculars and a landscape full of life, and they are content. So why would a bird conservationist ever find themselves turning to psychology? For researchers studying the Barn Owl (Tyto alba), the answer lies not in the bird itself, but in people. A […]
From fear to coexistence: Barn Owls in Cyprus Read More »
Κοινό Δελτίο Τύπου BirdLife Cyprus, Terra Cypria και Ομοσπονδίας Περιβαλλοντικών Οργανώσεων Κύπρου
Ακάμας: Δύο χρόνια αδράνειας, μη εφαρμογής αποφάσεων και πλήρους απουσίας λογοδοσίας Read More »
BirdLife Cyprus’ newly released autumn 2025 trapping report estimates that 726,000 birds were illegally killed within the organisation’s survey area during last year’s autumn trapping season. Overall, trapping levels with mist nets were 4% higher than autumn 2024. While this may appear marginal, the findings confirm that the level and consistency of enforcement directly influence
Autumn 2025: 726,000 birds estimated killed as enforcement gaps exposed Read More »
Η Παγκόσμια Ημέρα Υγροτόπων, που γιορτάζεται κάθε χρόνο στις 2 Φεβρουαρίου, αναδεικνύει τη ζωτική σημασία των υγροτόπων για τον πλανήτη και την ανθρώπινη ευημερία. Η ημερομηνία αυτή σηματοδοτεί την υπογραφή της Σύμβασης Ραμσάρ το 1971 και αποτελεί μια παγκόσμια υπενθύμιση της ανάγκης για προστασία, ορθολογική διαχείριση και αποκατάσταση αυτών των μοναδικών οικοσυστημάτων. Οι υγρότοποι συγκαταλέγονται
2 Φεβρουαρίου – Παγκόσμια Ημέρα Υγροτόπων Read More »
Cyprus was once home to two vulture species, the Cinereous Vulture Aegypius monachus, often characterised by locals as a more dominant and powerful vulture due to its larger size, and the Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus, a highly social species that numbered in hundreds of individuals and for which descriptions on the island even likened their
Three years of restocking Griffon Vultures in Cyprus: The results Read More »
2025 was a year of significant progress for BirdLife Cyprus, marked by decisive environmental wins, strong advocacy in the face of harmful developments, and important steps forward in species conservation and habitat protection. From the rejection of destructive projects in Akamas, to our landmark legal appeal for safeguarding the wild coastline of Pentakomo, the first
Our 2025 highlights Read More »
BirdLife Cyprus warns of a serious and ongoing ecological crisis in the Akrotiri wetlands and calls on the State to provide clear and immediate answers regarding the continued inflows of water and signs of pollution recorded in the area. The situation is not only an environmental issue, potentially violating European and international regulations, but also
Ένας Γύπας (Gyps fulvus) που είχε μεταφερθεί στην Κύπρο από την Ισπανία στο πλαίσιο του έργου «Ζωή με τους Γύπες», έχει αναρρώσει επιτυχώς και απελευθερώθηκε ξανά στη φύση. Το πουλί παρακολουθείται στενά μέσω του πομπού GPS που φέρει, επιτρέποντας την αξιολόγηση της προόδου του και τη διασφάλιση της ομαλής επανένταξής του στο φυσικό περιβάλλον. Ο
Η παγκύπρια συνεργασία εξασφαλίζει την ασφαλή επανένταξη Γύπα πίσω στη φύση Read More »
Elegant, distinctive, and unmistakably pink, the Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) is one of the most iconic birds to visit Cyprus each winter. Their arrival transforms the island’s salt lakes into vibrant wetlands full of movement and colour, drawing birdwatchers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts alike. A closer look Despite their graceful appearance, flamingos are surprisingly noisy. Their calls — a mix
When the Salt Lakes turn pink: The Greater Flamingos of Cyprus Read More »
Each autumn, as millions of migratory songbirds pass over Cyprus on their way to Africa, the island again finds itself at the centre of a long-standing conservation challenge: illegal bird trapping and consumption. For BirdLife Cyprus, this challenge has been central to our work for decades, driving our efforts to promote effective enforcement, informed policy and legislation,
Autumn 2025: A turning point in Cyprus’ fight against illegal bird trapping Read More »
Every year, hundreds of millions of birds die around the world from colliding with glass windows. What may sound like a random “thunk” on a window is, in fact, one of the leading human-caused sources of bird mortality. Recent research shows the problem is even worse than previously believed. In rapidly developing parts of Cyprus,
When windows become hazards: The hidden threat to birds Read More »
We are in the process of collecting photographs for our 2026 BirdLife Cyprus calendar, themed Wading Birds of Cyprus. If you have beautiful photos of wading birds taken in Cyprus, we invite you to contribute them for consideration. Please send your high-resolution images to info@birdlifecyprus.org.cy or share them via WeTransfer or Dropbox, providing the download
Call for photos – 2026 BirdLife Cyprus calendar Read More »
Εν αναμονή της απόφασης του Διοικητικού Δικαστηρίου σχετικά με την προσφυγή που κατέθεσαν BirdLife Cyprus και Φίλοι της Γης Κύπρου κατά του λιμανιού στο Πεντακώμο, από την ενδελεχή μελέτη όλων των σχετικών εγγράφων εγείρονται σημαντικά ερωτήματα για τη νομιμότητα και τη διαφάνεια γύρω από το έργο. Το BirdLife Cyprus έστειλε σήμερα δύο επιστολές, μία προς
Birds don’t sing just to fill our mornings with their lovely sounds. Their singing is a complex and essential communication system, serving multiple purposes related to their survival, social structure, and reproduction. The language of birds Bird communication is based on a highly evolved organ called the syrinx. Located where the trachea splits into the
Why do birds sing? Read More »
In early 2025, construction work began on the Pentakomo coastline for a new port for aquaculture purposes, directly threatening an important coastal habitat, used by the endangered Mediterranean Monk Seal, one of the rarest marine mammals in the world. Despite lack of an Appropriate Assessment and the publication of scientific evidence of its potentially devastating
Pentakomo case update: A landmark battle for Cyprus’ nature Read More »
Κοινό Δελτίο Τύπου από BirdLife Cyprus, Terra Cypria, Cyprus Wildlife Society και Πρωτοβουλία για την Διάσωση των Φυσικών Ακτών
The devastating wildfire in Limassol District has impacted human lives, highlighting the socio-economic dimension of climate change and nature degradation. While the state assesses material damages, the damage to ecosystems remains incalculable. The fire swept through landscapes and habitats of high ecological value, affecting three Natura 2000 protected areas: Limnatis Valley, Ha Potami, and Paramali
Limassol fire disaster: What burned, what’s at stake, and what must change Read More »
The coastline of Pentakomo is at a critical turning point. Despite scientifically documented objections and an initial temporary suspension of the works, construction on the port has resumed. The Administrative Court has scheduled the hearing for late August, recognising the urgency and importance of the case. The court’s decision will determine the future of one
Let’s make our voices heard for Pentakomo! Read More »
Martin Abbas Hellicar, our beloved Director, colleague, mentor, and friend, is no longer with us. Martin tragically passed away on 15 June 2024, following a car accident. He committed his life to the preservation of Cyprus’ natural heritage, and his influence has left an everlasting impression on the island’s environmental landscape. Martin was born on
Martin’s legacy: A life dedicated to nature conservation Read More »
The construction of a port to serve the aquaculture sector in Pentakomo raises serious concerns both for environmental protection and for transparency in the project licensing process. Despite months of pressure and calls upon the authorities from BirdLife Cyprus and other environmental organizations, and despite recommendations from the Audit Office and concerns from the Parliamentary
Stop the destruction at Pentakomo: Support our legal action Read More »
Spring in Cyprus is a time of transformation. The island comes alive with vibrant wildflowers, lush greenery, and the melodic symphony of birdsong. But there’s another, even more magical phenomenon taking place: the spring bird migration. Every year, hundreds of thousands of birds pass through Cyprus, making it one of the most exciting places in
Spring bird migration in Cyprus Read More »
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