Bird trapping is a common practice in Cyprus that has drawn controversy in recent years. Though illegal under European Union law, an estimated 2.3 million birds are still trapped in Cyprus annually. This article will examine the history and reasons behind the trapping of birds on the Mediterranean island.
What kinds of birds are trapped in Cyprus?
A wide variety of migratory birds pass over Cyprus during their seasonal migrations between Europe and Africa. Some of the most commonly trapped species include:
- Ambelopoulia birds – Small songbirds like blackcaps, robins, and finches are targeted for use in traditional Cypriot delicacies that use the birds in dishes like salads, stews, and kebabs. These are known locally as “ambelopoulia.”
- Thrushes – Species such as song thrushes, redwings, and fieldfares are trapped as game birds for food.
- Quail – Trapped as game birds.
- Golden orioles – Trapped for taxidermy trade.
- Larks – Trapped for food.
- Geese and ducks – Trapped for food.
In total, over 150 different species, mainly songbirds, have been documented as caught in the traps.
How are birds trapped in Cyprus?
There are two main trapping methods used:
- Mist nets – These fine, almost invisible nets are strung up between two poles or trees. Birds fly into the net and become entangled. Trappers will then collect the trapped birds.
- Limesticks – These are small branches covered in heavy glue or lime. The sticks are arranged among plants and brush. Birds attempting to land on the sticks get stuck. Trappers will later retrieve the glued birds.
Both mist netting and limesticks are non-selective trapping methods that capture large numbers of small songbirds indiscriminately. The methods also leave many birds injured and killed. Though outlawed, these techniques continue being used widely in Cyprus.
What are the reasons behind bird trapping in Cyprus?
Though illegal, bird trapping persists in Cyprus for both cultural and economic factors:
- Traditional cuisine – Game birds and ambelopoulia songbirds are considered delicacies in traditional Cypriot cuisine dating back centuries. Trapping birds for meat and dishes like pickled Ambelopoulia remains part of the culture.
- Sport – Bird trapping is considered a pastime and sport by some on the island. There are even trapping competitions to see who can catch the most birds.
- Taxidermy trade – Beautiful and rare birds like orioles can fetch high prices from illegal taxidermists stuffing the birds.
- Restaurant demand – Many restaurants discreetly offer ambelopoulia dishes to patrons. Trappers supply birds to meet this commercial demand.
- Economic gain – Trapped birds provide income for trappers. A dozen ambelopoulia can sell for around €40-50 at restaurants.
These cultural and economic factors make enforcement of bird protection laws challenging in Cyprus despite the practice being illegal.
Why is bird trapping banned in Cyprus?
Bird trapping, especially using non-selective methods like limesticks and mist nets, has been outlawed for the following reasons:
- Many trapped bird species like song thrushes are protected under the EU Birds Directive. Their trapping and killing violates pan-European conservation laws.
- Indiscriminate trapping techniques devastate native bird populations, threatening ecosystems.
- Widespread illegal trapping and illegal trade networks undermine the rule of law.
- Bird trapping conflicts with principles of sustainable development and ecotourism.
- Limesticks and mist nets are cruel trapping methods that lead to immense bird suffering.
- Cyprus is a critical migration bottleneck where trapping leads to population declines across entire flyways.
- Rare species can become locally extinct, harming biodiversity.
Though still culturally ingrained, perspectives are starting to shift as the ecological impacts become more apparent.
What are the ecological impacts of bird trapping in Cyprus?
The large-scale trapping of migratory birds in Cyprus has devastating ecological consequences including:
- Population declines – The scale of trapping causes substantial population reductions in many bird species like blackcaps. This threatens the future survival of various species.
- Disrupted migration – Trapping pressures alter the natural migratory behavior of birds. Some species now take alternative routes to avoid Cyprus entirely.
- Collapsed food chains – Reduced bird numbers impact other species, especially raptors like hawks that prey on small birds. This can collapse entire local food chains.
- Strained breeding – Lower numbers of birds return to breeding grounds, putting additional pressure on reproduction and future generations.
Rebuilding bird populations trapped annually in Cyprus will be challenging even with increased enforcement and shifting attitudes.
What is being done to combat bird trapping in Cyprus?
Efforts to reduce bird trapping and enforce the EU ban in Cyprus include:
- Conservation organizations monitoring trapping activity and advocating for birds.
- Financial support for enforcement provided by EU LIFE funding and partnerships.
- Increased penalties for bird trapping imposed by the Cypriot government.
- Ongoing seizure of mist nets and limesticks by Cypriot and British police.
- Raising public awareness about ecological impacts and animal suffering.
- Promoting birdwatching tourism as an alternative income source.
- Initiatives certifying bird-friendly businesses.
- Environmental education campaigns in schools.
Gradually shifting cultural attitudes, particularly among younger generations, has also helped reduce trapping activity. But ongoing efforts will be needed to effectively enforce EU regulations and support populations of migratory birds passing through Cyprus.
What does the future hold for combating bird trapping in Cyprus?
Eliminating all bird trapping in Cyprus will likely take many years given the cultural roots of the practice. However, the following actions could support this goal in the future:
- Continuing shifts in cultural perspectives as the ecology, animal welfare, and rule of law implications become more widely understood.
- Building sustainable alternative livelihoods for trappers like ecotourism jobs.
- Spot checks and fines for restaurants serving ambelopoulia dishes.
- Cracking down on taxidermy businesses illegally trading in rare birds.
- Using technologies like surveillance cameras to aid enforcement of protected areas.
- Engaging religious leaders who can influence community attitudes.
- Cooperation among all Mediterranean countries traversed by migratory flyways.
With persistence and education, bird trapping could fade from Cypriot culture and help conserve threatened migratory species for the future. But it will take a collaborative effort between officials, conservationists, businesses, and local communities to make progress against such an entrenched practice. The State’s resolve to enforce EU environmental laws will be continually tested against traditional cultural norms.
Conclusion
Bird trapping remains a difficult challenge in Cyprus, rooted in centuries-old traditions but increasingly at odds with modern conservation ethics. Stopping the illegal annual slaughter of millions of protected migratory birds will require patience and comprehensive solutions that offer alternatives to communities reliant on trapping for income and custom. But the ecological importance of places like Cyprus underscores why resolving these conflicts between culture and conservation is so critical for Europe’s shared natural heritage. With persistence and goodwill on all sides, a solution can be found that respects both traditional practices and our global responsibility to safeguard threatened species for future generations.
