Griffon Vulture Virtually Extinct In Cyprus

4/14/2023 4:02:32 AM

(MENAFN- Famagusta Gazette) The abundant use of poison bait has made the Griffon vulture virtually extinct in Cyprus, according to the guardian newspaper.

“Island-wide, we had just eight,” says Melpo Apostolidou at BirdLife Cyprus, which is coordinating the EU-funded life with vultures project to boost what was once a thriving population.“That's the lowest number of any country in Europe.”

The Griffon Vulture, Gyps Vulvus, is the largest bird in Cyprus with a wingspan that can reach 2.8 meters.

Last week eight Griffons, imported to Cyprus from Spain, were released into the wild.“Restocking is vital,” Apostolidou told the Guardian.

“We released 15 in September and will be bringing in another 15 next month before releasing them as well in the spring.”

According to the report, the use of banned poisons to reduce perceived pests, especially foxes and dogs, is one of the main causes of the Griffon becoming endangered.

TRAPPING MENACE

Meanwhile, efforts to protect birds from poachers and trappers continues.

Last week, the Sovereign Base Area Police's said their efforts to combat bird trapping continued at pace after making seven arrests in the space of a week in September.

The police's dedicated Community Action Team has been out on the ground in the Eastern SBAs working alongside Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS) officers and on September 14, they swooped on an open field in the Pyla area, making one arrest and seizing mistnets, bird imitating devices.

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famagusta gazette

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