An estimated 726,000 migratory songbirds were illegally trapped and killed in Cyprus during autumn 2025, according to a new report published by BirdLife Cyprus.

Species affected included Blackcap, Common Redstart, Common Whitethroat and Willow Warbler, many caught using mistnets and limesticks across survey areas that included land within the Sovereign Base Areas. 

Cyprus lies on a crucial migration route between Europe and Africa, making it particularly vulnerable to large-scale illegal trapping. Criminal groups use electronic calling devices to lure birds into trapping sites, with the carcasses sold illegally to restaurants in the Republic of Cyprus for the traditional dish ambelopoulia, or for private consumption. The Cyprus Game and Fauna Service estimates the trade is worth around €10 million annually.

Masses of Blackcaps are killed in Cyprus every autumn (Guy Shorrock).

 

Ups and downs

While overall mistnet use rose by only 4% compared with autumn 2024, the report revealed sharp regional contrasts. In the Eastern Sovereign Base Areas, mistnet trapping increased by 55%, following a shift by police from regular night patrols to more reactive enforcement.

Most concerning was renewed activity at Cape Pyla, a long-standing hot-spot where trapping had not been recorded since 2019.

By contrast, mistnet trapping in the Republic of Cyprus fell by 47%. BirdLife Cyprus attributed this decline partly to targeted police action against three organised trapping sites in the Larnaca district after international attention brought by Chris Packham working with Committee Against Bird Slaughter.

Cypriot police carried out eight co-ordinated raids, issuing fines exceeding €157,000. In one case, some 1,000 dead birds were found packaged for sale, alongside drugs and weapons.

Targeted enforcement working

BirdLife Cyprus’s Campaigns Co-ordinator, Tassos Shialis, stated: “Our findings for autumn 2025 send a very clear message. Consistent, visible and targeted enforcement works. When that deterrent presence weakens, illegal trapping rebounds.

“Moreover, the recent arson attacks on cars of the Game and Fauna Service are a clear indication that illegal bird trapping and poaching have turned into a lucrative business, and the lawbreakers will not hesitate to carry out attacks against game wardens and police officers.”

The RSPB said the findings demonstrate that consistent, visible enforcement remains the most effective deterrent against illegal bird trapping. Jake Zarins, Head of UK Overseas Territories programmes at the RSPB, commented: “The ongoing monitoring of illegal bird trapping carried out by BirdLife Cyprus clearly illustrates the most effective ways of preventing such criminality is through persistent and visible deterrents.

“The efforts of the Sovereign Base Areas police force over many years have helped drastically reduce the incidence of bird trapping within the SBAs and the RSPB, while appreciate of this work, is keen to ensure that policing of these illegal activities remains a priority alongside other growing demands for policing resources.”

Illegal trapping kills more than 700,000 songbirds in Cyprus in autumn 2025 – BirdGuides