In the spring of 2021, 57,000 migratory birds were killed by poacher shrapnel above the Ionian. This results from the results of a recent scientific publication based on data collected by the Forestry Research Institute of ELGO-Dimitra in collaboration with the Hellenic Poultry Society, using sound recording sensors.

The poachers’ main target is the globally threatened white-tailed tern, whose populations have declined rapidly in recent decades. While spring hunting has been banned in our country for decades, in the spring, terns and other migratory birds migrate from sub-Saharan Africa to their breeding grounds in Europe, with the westernmost parts of our country being necessary – and critical for survival them- rest and supply station.

According to Ornithologia, “despite the ban, neither the Ministry of Environment and Energy nor the local competent authorities have so far managed to eliminate or even limit this abominable practice, with the acoustic data confirming that the “spring hunting ” as it is often called, it continues unabated on five Ionian islands, namely Zakynthos, Paxos, Antipaxos, Mathraki and Othonou”.

ORNITHOLOGIKI started a pilot from 2019 the acoustic monitoring of areas of Zakynthos that are notorious for the “traditional” activity of extermination of blackbirds during the spring, while in 2021 the action was extended to five more islands, within the framework of the cross-border LIFE Against Crime Program Against Wild Birds.

That year alone, the network’s nine acoustic sensors recorded a total of 20,905 shots at the points they had been placed in. However, according to the Forestry Research Institute of ELGO Dimitra, which processed the data, the actual numbers for the entire surface of the islands are significantly higher, while it is estimated that in less than three months (March – May 2021) more than 57,000 birds were shot illegally in these areas, with the main target species being the White-tailed Godwit.

According to Ornithology: “It therefore becomes clear that spring poaching lives and reigns, tolerated by the authorities, even during periods when movements were supposed to be restricted due to the coronavirus emergency.”

“We cannot close our eyes talking about isolated incidents, when it is now scientifically proven that spring poaching is not the exception, but the rule. “Tens of thousands of ‘isolated incidents’ require action now.” underlines the Organization in its announcement, calling on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to take initiatives to establish measures.