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, and public awareness. Complementing this work, field-based organisations such as CABS have also documented the cruel efficiency of this wildlife crime: mistnets stretching across orchards, electronic lures echoing through the night, and thousands of birds killed daily for profit. But this autumn, something changed.  

Welcomed police action 

After repeated calls and advocacy from BirdLife Cyprus, as well as CABS, highlighting the lack of enforcement in previous seasons, this autumn saw a much-needed shift. 
Following sustained advocacy and the sharing of monitoring data by BirdLife Cyprus, the Cyprus Police Anti-Poaching Unit and the Game and Fauna Service launched targeted operations against organized trappers operating mainly in the Larnaca and Famagusta districts, areas long identified through our systematic monitoring programme as key trapping hotspots. These operations led to arrests, confiscations of equipment, and significant fines. The actions demonstrate that when there is political will and coordinated effort, Cyprus can uphold the law and protect its migratory birds. 

Law enforcement update: A season of decisive action 

This autumn saw one of the most determined crackdowns on organized bird trapping in recent years by Cyprus’ enforcement agencies. Between late September and late October, a series of targeted raids were carried out against major trapping operations in Larnaca and Famagusta districts, uncovering large-scale evidence of organized criminal activity. 

The first breakthrough came in late September and early October, when multiple raids linked to Trapper no. 1 revealed 15 mistnets and 8 electronic calling devices, as well as 64 dead and 349 live birds. Three individuals were arrested. (Fine imposed: €37,000) 

Soon after, operations targeting Trapper no. 2 uncovered one of the most extensive trapping setups recorded in recent years: 46 mistnets, 8 calling devices, 1,238 dead and 377 live birds, together with cannabis, a shotgun, and knives. Five arrests followed. (Fine imposed: €117,000) 

Finally, in mid-October, enforcement officers moved in on Trapper no. 3, seizing a calling device, and 165 dead birds, along with knives used on site. Three individuals were detained. (Fine imposed: €3,600) 

Altogether, the raids resulted in the dismantling of more than 60 mistnets and more than 15 electronic devices, the release of over 700 live birds, and the exposure of links to other illegal activities. 

These operations, long called for by BirdLife Cyprus and other conservation partners, have revealed the extensive and lucrative aspect of large-scale trapping undertaken by these organised trappers, and send a clear message that organized bird trapping should no longer be met with silence or inaction. 

Total fines imposed: €157,600 

The renewed enforcement effort did not happen in isolation. It was supported by ongoing collaboration between BirdLife Cyprus, the Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS), and international partners, all united in bringing attention to the issue and advocating for action. 

A major catalyst this autumn was the visit of British naturalist and broadcaster Chris Packham, who joined CABS in the field to document and expose the raw realities of bird trapping. Through live broadcasts and international media coverage, Packham’s presence helped amplify years of advocacy work, making the issue visible to audiences in Cyprus and abroad. 

While CABS’ field investigations and real-time documentation once again revealed the scale of the problem, BirdLife Cyprus’ long-term monitoring, policy dialogue, and media exposure ensured that this attention translated into concrete enforcement results.  

Looking ahead 

The success of this autumn shows what is possible when civil society and authorities work hand in hand, guided by science, transparency, and a shared commitment to protect Cyprus’ natural heritage. 

 To maintain this positive momentum, BirdLife Cyprus will continue to: 

• Work closely with enforcement agencies to ensure consistent and effective policing throughout the trapping season. 

• Provide data and evidence through systematic monitoring, helping authorities use resources efficiently. 

• Strengthen public education campaigns to reduce demand for ambelopoulia and promote respect for wildlife. 

• Advocate for policy improvements and stronger penalties for songbird killing with limesticks and shotguns. 

Autumn 2025 may prove a decisive moment in Cyprus’ long struggle against bird trapping. The combination of enhanced police action, BirdLife Cyprus’ sustained advocacy, international attention, and improved collaboration between authorities has yielded real, measurable results. 

As Chris Packham’s visit reminded the world, the plight of migratory birds resonates far beyond our shores. This autumn’s developments show that progress is possible when awareness, political willingness, and enforcement align, but sustained effort will be essential to ensure that this leads to lasting change.