Nicosia: Six organisations are joining forces and resources to protect and conserve three iconic birds of prey of Cyprus: the Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus), the Bonelli's Eagle (Aquila fasciata), and the Common Buzzard (Buteo rufinus).
According to Cyprus News Agency, the project officially starts next October with co-funding from the EU LIFE programme and is implemented by BirdLife Cyprus as lead partner, together with the Game and Fauna Service, the Vulture Conservation Foundation, the General State Chemical Laboratory, the Cyprus Police, and the Cyprus Electricity Authority.
The project aims at the long-term conservation of these species, addressing the main threats that increase their mortality rates, such as the use of poisoned baits, electrocution, and collision with electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure, shooting, and drowning in open water reservoirs.
In Cyprus, the Griffon Vulture is in a particularly critical situation, with its population numbering only 37 birds. In recent years, the placement of poisoned baits and electrocution have emerged as the most significant threats to its survival.
The Bonelli's Eagle, the only eagle that still nests in Cyprus, remains vulnerable to persecution, poisoning, and risks from energy infrastructure.
The Egyptian Vulture, although it has expanded its presence on the island in recent decades, still faces serious threats such as shooting, electrocution, collisions, and drowning, which require further and in-depth study of the species, the press release reads.
The project builds on and extends the important results of two previous projects, 'LIFE with Vultures' and 'LIFE Bonelli's eastMed' which have contributed significantly to strengthening the protection of the Griffon Vulture and the Bonelli's Eagle.
In particular, with regard to the Griffon Vulture, a significant population increase was achieved through the transport and release of birds from Spain, while at the same time, the cooperation of the competent authorities was strengthened to prevent and address the illegal use of poisoned baits.
The new project builds on this experience and the valuable knowledge acquired, expanding the knowledge for the three species of birds of prey and further strengthening the actions to reduce the threats they face.
Through 'Raptors for LIFE', targeted actions will be implemented such as providing reliable scientific evidence through analyses to effectively support criminal proceedings in wildlife poisoning cases, improving the investigation and prosecution procedures for crimes against wildlife, and strengthening expertise in the detection of poisons in baits through the purchase of new equipment and specialized training, it is noted.