UK bases in Cyprus ‘are bird-trapping hotspots’ By Victoria Gill Science reporter, BBC News
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KvpoLNEeDg
UK sovereign base areas (SBAs) in Cyprus have become illegal bird-trapping “hotspots”, according to research.
The RSPB and BirdLife Cyprus have been monitoring songbird-trapping operations on the island since 2002.
BirdLife Cyprus told BBC News that, in that time, the scale of bird-trapping had increased by 54%.
Illegal Bird Trapping
BirdLife Cyprus is continuing strong on its anti-trapping awareness campaign with the release of its new stickers and newspaper clippings in February 2014. These actions are funded by the MAVA Foundation.
According to article 9 of the European Birds Directive (2009/147/EC, formerly 79/409/EEC), trapping methods that are non-selective or are used for large-scale capture or killing of birds are prohibited in European Member States. Such forbidden methods include limesticks and mist nets which are detailed in Annex IV of the Birds Directive.
4,000 People Arrested during INTERPOL’s “Operation Cage” that Targeted the Illegal Trade in Birds
LYON, France – More than 8,700 birds and animals, including reptiles, mammals and insects have been seized and nearly 4,000 people arrested in an operation across 32 countries coordinated by INTERPOL against the illegal trade and exploitation of birds and their products.
Operation Cage, which included national wildlife enforcement authorities, police, customs and specialized units, also saw the seizure of trapping equipment, guns and ammunition during a series of interventions and raids conducted at sites including ports, airports, postal services, markets, pet stores and taxidermists in South and Central America and Europe.
