Nicosia, Cyprus. BirdLife Cyprus said on Wednesday that 726,000 birds were illegally killed in 2025, citing a survey that found enforcement can reduce trapping but that gains can be quickly reversed when deterrence weakens.
Autumn 2025 trapping report
BirdLife Cyprus said overall trapping levels with mist nets were 4 per cent higher than autumn 2024, adding that the findings confirmed the level and consistency of enforcement directly influence trapping intensity.
Increase reported in eastern British base areas
In the eastern British base areas, BirdLife Cyprus said trapping with mist nets increased by 55 per cent compared to last year.
The organisation said the rise followed a change in enforcement tactics by the SBA Police, who shifted from proactive night patrols throughout the trapping season to a more reactive approach based on targeted ambushes. It said the reduced visible presence in the field appeared to have been quickly exploited.
BirdLife Cyprus added that trapping activity was recorded again at Cape Pyla, which it described as a notorious hotspot where no trapping had been documented since 2019.
Decline reported in the Republic of Cyprus and raids in Larnaca district
BirdLife Cyprus said trapping with mist nets in the Republic of Cyprus fell by 47 per cent, and said it believed the decline was due to, but not only, targeted enforcement action against three major organised trapping sites in the Larnaca district.
After high-profile exposure of large-scale trapping by British journalist Chris Packham, Cyprus police carried out eight coordinated raids, issuing fines exceeding €157,000. BirdLife Cyprus said that in one case, nearly 1,000 dead birds were discovered packaged and ready for sale.
The organisation said drugs and weapons were also seized, which it said exposed clear links between illegal bird trapping and organised crime.
BirdLife Cyprus comments on enforcement
BirdLife Cyprus campaigns coordinator Tassos Shialis said the findings for autumn 2025 sent a clear message that consistent, visible and targeted enforcement works, and that when deterrent presence weakens, illegal trapping rebounds.
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