7th MAVIR Bird Conservation Conference |7-8 November 2016, Budapest Birds & Poisons
Konstantina Ntemiri Antipoison Task Force Coordinator Hellenic Ornithological Society
Number 1 threat in Greece
Most important conservation problem for vultures in Greece POISON BAITS
Dramatic population decline of vultures
Wildlife poisoning in Greece LIFE10 NAT/BG/000152
The mass poisoning of Griffon vultures and Golden eagles in Nestos Straits (February 2012)
•
Led EC to launch an infringement case against Greece (Reasoned Opinion)
•
Creation of Anti-poison Task Force (6 NGOs and NHMC)
The case of Lazaros LIFE10 NAT/BG/000152
Early April 2012
2/4/2013
25/4/2012
29/4/2012
Origins of the practice LIFE10 NAT/BG/000152
1900 Common Practice in the Balkans
1969 Strychnine
1981 Potassium cyanide
1993 BAN
2016 Still a common practice
Since the beginning of the 20th century and especially after the World War II, the use of PB evolved into a common practice in the Greek countryside. Strychnine used by the Forestry Service. Until the early 90's only the Forestry Service was allowed to use cyanide for the control of “vermins” (wolf and fox). Since 1993 the use of cyanide is clearly prohibited. However, the use of PB is still a wide-spread practice.
Reasons & drivers of poisoning LIFE10 NAT/BG/000152
• To kill predators (mainly large carnivores but not only) that have an impact on livestock, beehives or crops • To kill dogs (shepherd, hunting and feral) • To control fox populations Predates on game Creates problems during hunting dog training
• Personal disputes
‌a few numbers LIFE10 NAT/BG/000152
163 incidents: only the tip of the iceberg!
Reporting period: 2012 -2015
‌a few numbers LIFE10 NAT/BG/000152
Poison baits are non-selective
Species
# ind.
Bear
6
Wolf
4
Cinereous vulture
1
Golden eagle
6
Griffon vulture
31
Egyptian vulture
6
…a few numbers LIFE10 NAT/BG/000152
Wildlife poisoning Environmental crime of low priority
‌a few numbers LIFE10 NAT/BG/000152
Black market of banned pesticides!
‌what hides behind the motives LIFE10 NAT/BG/000152
Inefficient compensation system for damages in livestock and crops from large carnivores. Lack of prevention measures especially in areas where large carnivores are coming back after several years. Insufficient enforcement of regulations controlling feral dogs. Mentality!!!
Š WWF Greece
Anti-poison work limitations LIFE10 NAT/BG/000152
× Not identified as an important conservation problem -> Low position in the crime agenda. Lack of political will and commitment.
× Lack of a targeted and coherent legal framework tackling the illegal use of PB -> Unclear responsibilities -> ineffective enforcement of the law.
× Lack of general infrastructure & expertise: protocols, specialized law enforcement officers, toxicological laboratories etc.
× Understaffed forestry and vet service with limited resources. × Lack of public awareness.
Complex issue LIFE10 NAT/BG/000152
The use of poison baits is a complex socioeconomic problem
Requires a wide range of actions to tackle it!
Actions against poison baits Mainly through LIFE+ projects and NGOs work: Networking with stakeholders Seminars for local authorities Distribution of electric fences & shepherd dogs Increase of awareness Antipoison Task Force: Lobbying national authorities for changes in legal
framework (National Strategy)
Antipoison Dog Units LIFE10 NAT/BG/000152
Antipoison Dog Units LIFE10 NAT/BG/000152
After three years, we have achieved important results: So far 89 poisoned animals and 71 poison baits found (mainly working dogs) â–ş Intense use of banned pesticides (Endosulfan, Carbofuran) â–ş
Antipoison Dog Units LIFE10 NAT/BG/000152
Thank you!
www.LifeNeophron.eu