As "travelling bird conservationists", we are particularly affected by the precautions taken to contain the coronavirus pandemic.
Due to entry bans, flight cancellations, hotel closures and movement restrictions, we unfortunately have to suspend until further notice our regular volunteer-based bird protection camps.
In doing so, we are not only keeping an eye on the legal regulations - we also want to show the urgent need for solidarity by not travelling which enables the virus to spread quickly, thereby bringing our health systems to breaking point.
Despite the cancellation of the large bird protection camps, we will of course ensure a minimum presence in all areas of operation.
Our local partners, members and affiliates remain active within the framework of the circumstances made possible by the authorities.
Police units and game wardens specialising in poaching are also continuing to work independently in many countries to monitor compliance with nature conservation laws.
However, it is not only bird conservationists who have to adapt to restrictions - hunters and poachers cannot move freely either.
We therefore do not expect uncontrolled bird hunting in the important areas for bird migration. The following actions are currently underway:
Malta: On the Mediterranean island only one team is deployed instead of three as planned. In the last few days 10 active trapping sites with clap nets for finches were found. One poacher was convicted. The environmental police is pre-occupied with coronavirus operations and can therefore hardly help. Therefore, we will document all cases thoroughly and report them ourselves.
Italy: Our action to protect the endangered Bonelli's Eagle in Sicily is essentially running as normal - local bird conservationists, with police authorisation, are on duty to guard the nests and deter nest robbers. For the other areas (mainly Brescia, Ischia and Ponza) we are currently working on permits for smaller actions.
Lebanon: Our partners in Lebanon are deployed in the most important bottleneck areas and mainly focus on the roosting sites' white storks. With their presence they provide a significant calming effect in the areas being monitored.
Germany: Last week a CABS team in North Rhine-Westphalia searched for illegal traps and found numerous violations of the state hunting law. If travel restrictions allow, there will be further actions in various states in the coming weeks.
Cyprus: In Cyprus, poaching with nets and limesticks will not start for two to three weeks. We still have some hope that we can then deploy more than just a local team. If foreigners are still not allowed to enter the country, an emergency plan has been agreed with the local colleagues.
For the stability of our society, but of course also for the sake of the migratory birds, we hope that the current crisis will calm down quickly and will not have any significant consequences.
Many greetings from Bonn and stay healthy!
The CABS Team
Malta: On the Mediterranean island only one team is deployed instead of three as planned. In the last few days 10 active trapping sites with clap nets for finches were found. One poacher was convicted. The environmental police is pre-occupied with coronavirus operations and can therefore hardly help. Therefore, we will document all cases thoroughly and report them ourselves.
Italy: Our action to protect the endangered Bonelli's Eagle in Sicily is essentially running as normal - local bird conservationists, with police authorisation, are on duty to guard the nests and deter nest robbers. For the other areas (mainly Brescia, Ischia and Ponza) we are currently working on permits for smaller actions.
Lebanon: Our partners in Lebanon are deployed in the most important bottleneck areas and mainly focus on the roosting sites' white storks. With their presence they provide a significant calming effect in the areas being monitored.
Germany: Last week a CABS team in North Rhine-Westphalia searched for illegal traps and found numerous violations of the state hunting law. If travel restrictions allow, there will be further actions in various states in the coming weeks.
Cyprus: In Cyprus, poaching with nets and limesticks will not start for two to three weeks. We still have some hope that we can then deploy more than just a local team. If foreigners are still not allowed to enter the country, an emergency plan has been agreed with the local colleagues.
For the stability of our society, but of course also for the sake of the migratory birds, we hope that the current crisis will calm down quickly and will not have any significant consequences.
Many greetings from Bonn and stay healthy!
The CABS Team
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