New “Raptors for LIFE” project to protect Cyprus’s three key birds of prey

Local animal welfareAnimalsEACenvironmenteupolice New “Raptors for LIFE” project to protect Cyprus’s three key birds of prey New Raptors For Life Project To Protect Cyprus's Three Key Birds Of Prey Relevant News New “Raptors for LIFE” project to protect Cyprus’s three key birds of prey 4 August 2026 Wildfires ease in Greece as people return to gutted homes 4 August 2026 Cyprus Institute builds island’s first tree-level carbon inventory 4 August 2026 Newsroom 4 August 2026 FacebookXWhatsAppEmailPrintViber Six organisations and state bodies are joining forces to protect the griffon vulture, Bonelli’s eagle and long-legged buzzard, three important birds of prey in Cyprus that remain threatened by poisoned bait, electrocution, collisions with energy infrastructure, shootings and drowning in open water tanks. The Raptors for LIFE project will officially begin in October 2026 and will be co-funded by the European Union’s LIFE programme. BirdLife Cyprus is the lead partner, with the Game and Fauna Service, the Vulture Conservation Foundation, the State General Laboratory, Cyprus Police and the Electricity Authority of Cyprus also taking part. The main goal is the long-term conservation of the three species through targeted action to reduce the causes driving their mortality. Just 37 griffon vultures left in Cyprus The situation remains particularly critical for the griffon vulture, whose population in Cyprus numbers just 37 individuals. Poisoned bait and electrocution are considered the most significant threats to its survival today. Bonelli’s eagle, the only eagle species still nesting on the island, also faces persecution, poisoning and risks linked to energy infrastructure. The long-legged buzzard has expanded its presence in Cyprus in recent decades but remains threatened by shootings, electrocution, collisions and drowning. Scientists say the species and the risks it faces require further study. Building on previous successful projects The new programme draws on the experience and results of the recently completed LIFE with Vultures and LIFE Bonelli’s eastMed projects, which helped improve understanding of the causes of death among griffon vultures and Bonelli’s eagles. Previous action strengthened the griffon vulture population through the transfer and release of birds from Spain, while also improving cooperation between the relevant authorities on preventing and tackling the illegal use of poisoned bait. Raptors for LIFE expands these interventions to all three species, with particular emphasis on institutional cooperation and the involvement of state authorities as official partners. Planned actions The project will strengthen the ability to detect poison in bait by purchasing new equipment and providing specialised training. Analyses will also be carried out to identify new or unexpected poisons and to secure reliable scientific evidence that can be used in criminal proceedings. The project also plans to create an additional Poisoned Bait Detection Team using a specially trained dog, along with tagging and monitoring birds of prey using GPS transmitters. Interventions will also target dangerous points on the electricity transmission and distribution network to reduce electrocutions and collisions, alongside measures to prevent drowning in open water tanks. The programme further includes releasing additional griffon vultures, improving procedures for investigating and prosecuting wildlife crimes, and strengthening the expertise of participating bodies through training and cooperation with international organisations. Informing and involving local communities Particular emphasis will be placed on informing and actively involving hunters, livestock farmers, farmers, rural residents, schoolchildren and the wider public. The organisations behind the project note that protecting birds of prey depends not only on interventions in nature, but also on coordination between the relevant services, enforcement of legislation, scientific knowledge and the cooperation of people who live and work in rural areas. Raptors for LIFE aims to create safer conditions for Cyprus’s large birds of prey, while also contributing to the conservation of biodiversity and the protection of ecosystems and communities in the Cypriot countryside. Subscribe to our Newsletter Latest News Wildfires ease in Greece as people return to gutted homes Cyprus Institute builds island’s first tree-level carbon inventory Large fire in Limnatis, Limassol district contained Status of US-Iran talks uncertain as ship struck in Hormuz Europe’s wildfire season exposes climate insurance gap Protest against South Korea-US military drill in Seoul Alert couple saves Kornos forest as Brazilian pair charged Follow en.philenews on Google News and be the first to know all the news about Cyprus and the world.