Fewer birds killed for dinner table

The number of songbirds being illegally killed on a UK military base in Cyprus to supply restaurants fell by 70% last year, wildlife experts said.

More than 260,000 birds such as black caps and robins were trapped and killed last autumn at the British territory, the RSPB said.

But the figure is down 70% on the previous year’s estimate of 880,000 songbirds illegally killed to provide restaurants with the main ingredient for the local delicacy ambelopoulia – a plate of cooked songbirds.

The illegal activity is being driven by organised crime gangs who make millions from selling the birds to restaurants via the black market, the RSPB said.

The reduction in trapping is the result of work by RSPB Investigations and the Sovereign Base Area Police using covert surveillance methods such as filming to catch trappers and secure stronger court sentences, the charity said.

Increased patrols coupled with heavier sentences mean hunters now face a double deterrent.

In 2016, 19 trappers were covertly filmed at seven sites and all were prosecuted with fines of up to 6,600 euro and several received suspended jail sentences. More cases are ongoing from 2017.

The RSPB called on the UK Government to ensure the removal of non-native Australian acacia trees, which are planted to lure the birds.