Exploring differences in stakeholders' perceptions of illegal bird trapping in Cyprus

Area of Science:

• Conservation Biology
• Wildlife Management
• Environmental Policy

Background:

• Cyprus is a Mediterranean hotspot for illegal bird trapping, primarily targeting the Eurasian blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla).
• Non-selective trapping methods result in the deaths of millions of migratory birds annually.
• Current top-down conservation efforts, focused on legislation and enforcement, have failed to reduce trapping levels and have intensified stakeholder conflict.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the ineffectiveness of current anti-trapping initiatives in Cyprus.
• To understand the differing perspectives of local trappers and environmental non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and governmental agencies.

Main Methods:

• Conducted semi-structured interviews with 18 local bird trappers.
• Interviewed nine representatives from environmental NGOs and governmental enforcement agencies.

Main Results:

• Identified significant disparities in viewpoints between trappers and environmental NGOs regarding the causes and impacts of bird trapping.
• Observed that these differences foster misrepresentation and conflict, hindering conservation efforts.
• Recognized that trappers are a heterogeneous group with diverse motivations beyond financial gain.

Conclusions:

• Anti-poaching strategies must address and minimize the divergence in stakeholder perspectives and reduce conflict.
• Conservation interventions should acknowledge the heterogeneity of trappers, moving away from treating them as a monolithic group.