The trapping of birds in the British Bases shows a decrease, the Cyprus Bird Association claims in a written announcement.
It is added that "the latest report of Ptinologiko, for the autumn trapping of birds in 2019, shows a further reduction in the British Bases, while for the first time no trapping was recorded in Cape Pyla. At the same time, the developments in the Republic of Cyprus continue to be disappointing, as the levels of trapping have increased, as the big trappers continue to be largely undisturbed, while the Police Poaching Squad is closed ".
It is noted that "the example of the British Bases shows that the problem of trapping can be solved, if the right approach is adopted and the law is effectively enforced. The Association has been closely monitoring the problem of bird trapping for two decades ”, while there was a decrease in the levels of trapping with nets by 89% last Autumn compared to the percentages of 2002.
This positive development, the statement said, "is mainly due to the progress made at the British Bases in Dhekelia over the last three years, effectively tackling the very high levels of trapping in the area. "Close co-operation between the Base Police and environmental NGOs, covert surveillance with the help of the RSPB (BirdLife in the UK) and a series of deterrents against trapping have paid off within the UK Bases."
Autumn 2019 was the first time during the field research where no trapping activity was recorded in Kavo Pyla, which used to be one of the largest "black spots" inside the Bases. Trapping activity increased in the autumn of 2019 for the second consecutive year in the regions of the Republic, undermining the progress made until 2017, a worrying development that we believe is related to the reduced law enforcement action - especially against large organized trappers - since Cigarette Fighting Ladder of the Cyprus Police ”.
According to the Bird Association, the involvement of Klimaki against illegal trapping had significantly decreased in the last two years, while last November the Cyprus Police decided to close Klimaki under the pretext of its "meager results". Ptinologikos disagrees with the closure of Klimaki, since this unit played a key role in dealing with large organized trappers, who now continue their operations almost undisturbed ".
After stating that the Association "recognizes the measures taken by the Game and Fauna Service in the Republic" notes that during the fall of 2019, the Game and Fauna Service imposed more extrajudicial fines for illegal bird trapping compared to previous years ", Something that has discouraged many trappers.
However, "indicative figures provided by the Game and Fauna Service show that the higher the extrajudicial fine, the less likely it is to be paid, with the result that offenders are taken to court for prosecution, where they often receive much lower fines" which is considered "Worrying, as it undermines the viability of the out-of-court settlement".
The Director of the Bird Association, Martin Hellikar, said: "It is encouraging to see a 'black spot' like Cape Pyla turning into a safe haven for birds in a relatively short time. "This is a testament to the effectiveness of the British Base authorities."
He added that "it is time for the competent authorities of the Republic of Cyprus to adopt a similar approach, restoring and strengthening for the beginning the Poaching Squad of the Cyprus Police for more effective enforcement of the law against large, organized trappers".
Source: KYPE