Like many large birds of prey, Griffon Vultures get ready to breed long before the first signs of spring. As early as mid-December, they begin pairing and copulating. By January, the nest is ready to welcome a pair’s one and only egg. Following this natural rhythm, and however wintery the weather might be, our monitoring […]
Four Griffon Vulture pairs already active this breeding season Read More »
BirdLife Cyprus reports a worrying increase in bird trapping levels for autumn 2021. This sadly comes as no surprise, following a shameful relaxation of the relevant Cyprus bird protection law in December 2020.
Bird trapping levels up in 2021 Read More »
This year marks the 40th anniversary since BirdLife Cyprus began contributing with data from Cyprus to the International Waterbird Census (IWC).
Mid-winter count 2022: 24,000 waterbirds recorded island-wide Read More »
Since the time of writing of this article, another Flamingo was found in distress at Paralimni Lake. The bird was taken to a vet, and despite all efforts, it died shortly after. X-rays showed presence of shotgun pellets in the stomach and throat.
How many more Flamingos must we lose before we do something about lead pollution? Read More »
As we look to set up our own dog units as part of the LIFE with Vultures project, we talk to the handlers of Greece’s canine heroes. Covering more than 500 kilometers in patrols since their units’ creation, Kouki and Ioli, two four-legged detectives, and their handlers, Dimitris and Victoria respectively, have found and removed from the Greek countryside 119 poisoned animals and 122 poison baits. In the interview that follows, Dimitris Vavylis and Victoria Saravia, handlers of two Anti-Poison Dog Units run by HOS (BirdLife in Greece), share their experience. (Interview date: February 2020)
Snouts on a mission against poison Read More »
Martin Harper, Regional Director for BirdLife Europe & Central Asia, writes about key nature conservation challenges in Cyprus after his recent visit to our island. Martin Harper visited at the invitation of BirdLife Cyprus, the local BirdLife partner. The focus for Martin’s visit was on environmental issues in the British Bases, both due to the urgency of the challenges there and because of Martin’s previous role as Head of International division at the RSPB (BirdLife in the UK).
Lessons from Cyprus Read More »
Overhead power lines can often have negative impacts for wildlife – especially birds. Collisions with these structures are responsible for the death of millions of birds throughout the world, especially raptors and other large birds, and have the potential to negatively affect their populations. With a continuously expanding power line network, it is becoming increasingly
How dangerous power lines can be made safer for birds Read More »
The first 15 Griffon Vultures to support the extremely threatened population of the species on the island arrived in Cyprus in mid-November 2021. This restocking action took place as part of the “LIFE with Vultures” project, which aims to prevent the extinction the Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus from the island and at the same time strengthen its population and preserve it for the long-term.
Cyprus welcomes 15 Griffon Vultures from Spain Read More »
On 30 November 2021, BirdLife Cyprus handed the President of the House of Representatives, Ms Annita Demetriou, the signatures of more than 13,700 citizens who are calling for the annulment of the relaxation of the bird protection law.
13,700 citizens demand deterrent fines for bird trapping Read More »
Τις ερχόμενες μέρες καταφθάνουν αεροπορικώς, από την Ισπανία, οι πρώτοι Γύπες που θα ενισχύσουν τον εξαιρετικά μειωμένο πληθυσμό του είδους στην Κύπρο. Η εισαγωγή Γυπών γίνεται στο πλαίσιο του προγράμματος «Ζωή με τους Γύπες» που έχει στόχο να αποτρέψει την εξαφάνιση του Πυρόχρου Γύπα Gyps fulvus από το νησί και παράλληλα να ενισχύσει τον πληθυσμό του και να τον διατηρήσει μακροχρόνια.
Καταφθάνουν οι πρώτοι γύπες από την Ισπανία Read More »
There was a time when lead was used in many household items, like paint. It wasn’t so long ago that it was phased out of gasoline. As with any big change, there must have been reactions back then, when unleaded gas was being discussed. Such big, but necessary, switchovers need decisive action on the highest
Myth-busting the lead discussion Read More »
We all know that spending time in nature is enjoyable, but there’s increasing evidence that watching wildlife – and birds in particular – has a profound positive impact on our mental wellbeing. Here we delve into the latest discoveries from the fields of biology, economics and psychology.
Can time in nature really improve our mental health? The science says yes Read More »
In September, more than 1100 citizens have emailed the letter below to the Ministers of the Interior and Environment, expressing their concerns about the future of Akamas and demanding answers to specific questions. This e-mail action was coordinated by BirdLife Cyprus, who are publishing this open letter, asking from the Ministers to be accountable and to tell us how they will ensure the protection and management of the entire Akamas Peninsula.
Open letter to the Minister of the Interior and the Minister of Environment Read More »
In July, during an intense heatwave, Cyprus suffered a deadly forest fire that was the worst to hit the island in decades, killing four people and burning an area of around 55 sq km. Cyprus was not alone in suffering from extreme weather events this summer. In fact, the summer of 2021 was one of
IPCC: Climate change widespread, rapid, and intensifying Read More »
At BirdLife Cyprus, we are very selective when it comes to offering volunteer opportunities, as we always want to ensure it works (and ‘gives’) both ways. Artemis, a 16-year-old student who spent a month volunteering with us this summer, shares her experiences and what she learnt along the way. Thank you, Artemis, for your interest and your passion and for all the valuable help!
A month of volunteering for BirdLife Cyprus Read More »
The beginning of the Lady’s Mile redevelopment project has recently been announced. This precious area is definitely in need of both upgrading and management. The issue now lies in how this will be done, given that it is a very important and protected natural area.
Lady’s Mile: upgrade with nature in mind? Read More »
Every summer the discussion about “nuisance” insects and ways to get rid of them comes to the fore.
Wetlands and mosquitoes: On the road to sustainable solutions Read More »
Over recent decades, around 40-50 Griffon Vultures have died of poisoning, leaving Cyprus with an extremely low population of just 20 birds. These are losses that could have been avoided or at least, if even one of the perpetrators had been brought to justice, could have contributed in preventing further wildlife poisoning. Poisoning, poaching, trapping,
Wildlife Crime Academy – bringing the knowledge home Read More »
In recent years, there has been a discussion regarding the Turtle dove and what measures can be taken to help its recovery. But what is the current population status of the species, what are the reasons that have led to its significant decrease and what discussions are taking place at a European level in order to help it?
Turtle Doves are sending out an SOS Read More »
We all know of the importance of the Akamas Peninsula as one of the last remaining natural coastal areas in Cyprus, and of the development threat it faces. We bring you the latest developments, answering the ‘most frequently asked’ questions of recent months.
What is happening with Akamas? The latest developments Read More »
As we saw in the last episode, from the moment they hatch, Common Kestrel chicks need around a month in order to fully develop their wings and tail feathers. The eggs were laid towards the end of April, and hatched at the beginning of May. Unfortunately, one of the chicks did not make it, and
Nest box series: Episode 4 – “Barn Owl vs Kestrel” Read More »
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