Exploring differences in stakeholders’ perceptions of illegal bird trapping in Cyprus

Abstract

BackgroundCyprus is recognised as a hotspot for illegal bird trapping in the Mediterranean basin. A consumer demand for the Eurasian blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla) is driving the use of non-selective trapping methods, resulting in the indiscriminate killing of millions of migratory birds. Efforts to tackle the issue have so far been characterised mostly by a top-down approach, focusing on legislation and enforcement. However, trapping levels are not decreasing and conflict between stakeholder groups is intensifying.MethodsTo understand why efforts to stop illegal bird trapping have not been effective, we used semi-structured interviews to interview 18 local bird trappers and nine representatives from the pertinent environmental non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the governmental agencies responsible for enforcing the legislation.ResultsWe found distinct differences between the views of the local trapping community and the environmental NGOs, particularly on why trapping is occurring and its impact on the avifauna. This disparity has contributed to misrepresentations of both sides and a high degree of conflict, which is potentially proving counterproductive to conservation interventions. In addition, it appears that trappers are a heterogeneous group, likely driven by various motivations besides profit.ConclusionWe argue that stakeholders interested in reducing illegal bird trapping need to develop anti-poaching strategies that aim at minimising the disparity in the views, and subsequently the conflict, acknowledging also that trappers are not a homogenous group, as often treated.

Incorporating local stakeholders’ voices and knowledge into conservation decisions: a case study on the Chinese Hwamei (Garrulax canorus Linnaeus, 1758) in Taijiang, Guizhou, China

“…Although all the bird-keepers may harvest and keep Chinese Hwamei, it seems that they are a heterogeneous group with different motivations. Such differences among the harvesters and bird-keepers have also been reported in several other studies and require conservation efforts that acknowledge this distinction [ 69 , 70 ]. The bird-keepers have proposed several measures to lower the harvesting and captivity rates of the Chinese Hwamei.…”

Tape lures swell bycatch on a Mediterranean island harbouring illegal bird trapping

“…Humans have long exploited this sudden, seasonal abundance of food resources through hunting [11,12]. The need to supplement what historically was a low-protein diet has made such habits widespread and important culturally in several Mediterranean countries [2,13,14].…”

“…Relative to its size, no other country has greater hunting pressure in the Mediterranean basin [2]. Poaching in Cyprus involves killing mostly passerines, and is a common practice rooted in Cypriot culture [13] that has received widespread condemnation in mainstream media [11,12,18]. Birds are trapped for food [2,19] and because of high demand, it is a lucrative business [11,12].…”