Nicosia, Cyprus. The population of turtle doves in Cyprus is diminishing, prompting the Game Fund to monitor the species’ migratory habits through a tracking programme launched in 2025.
Decline and monitoring programme
The Game Fund said the turtle dove (Streptopelia turtur) is a characteristic migratory bird of Cyprus’ countryside with ecological, cultural and hunting value. It said the species’ population has shown a worrying decline at a European level in recent years, leading to additional protection measures.
In 2025, the Game Fund began implementing a programme to monitor turtle dove movements and gather information about threats the birds face. Tracking tags have so far been attached to 11 turtle doves, four in 2025 and seven in 2026, allowing real-time tracing of routes, rest stops and wintering grounds.
The Game Fund said daily data could contribute to drafting policies aimed at encouraging breeding and ensuring sustainable hunting. It also said it has been providing water and seeds for turtle doves and raising awareness among hunters about EU protection guidelines.
Initial tracking results from 2025
Data is currently available for turtle doves fitted with tracking devices in 2025. The Game Fund found that some birds flew to northern Europe, one appeared in southwest Turkey, and another was in Paphos before sending a signal from Sudan.
Two turtle doves flew northwest through south Turkey, with stops in western Turkey. The length of stay indicated the stops were used for breeding. One of the two probably died, while the other flew south at the end of August, remained on Turkey’s southern coast, and migrated to the coast of Egypt in October.
Another turtle dove flew to southwest Turkey and continued moving from one area to another, probably in search of suitable food, before its tracker stopped sending signals for unknown reasons.
What measures do you think should be prioritised to protect turtle doves while ensuring sustainable hunting?