103 birds freed from mist nets in Larnaca, 12 more found dead

Seven mist nets containing 115 wild birds were found in an area of Larnaca where hunting is prohibited. Of these, 103 birds were found alive — they were released into their natural habitat at the scene, while 12 more were found dead, Cyprus police said.

The raid was carried out by officers from the Game and Fauna Service’s anti-poaching unit. In addition to the nets, three working electronic bird callers were seized at the site — devices that imitate the calls of wild birds and lure them into traps.

Police are investigating who was in charge of the site. The investigation is being conducted by the Kofinou police station.

Catching songbirds with nets and electronic callers is prohibited in Cyprus: the birds are caught for ambelopoulia, a dish made from small birds. A week ago, on 13 September, a 36-year-old man from the same Larnaca area was issued an out-of-court fine of €13,500: 17 live birds, five nets and one electronic caller were found in his possession.