Conservationists warn of millions of migratory birds killed annually in Mediterranean

Conservation organizations, including BirdLife International, EuroNatur, Tour du Valat, and the Society for Protection and Study of Birds of Serbia (DZPPS), have issued a warning regarding the illegal killing and capture of millions of migratory birds annually across the Mediterranean region.

Estimates suggest that between 11 and 36 million migratory birds are illegally killed or captured each year. Experts warn that if current trends continue, nations will fail to meet the international obligations set by the Rome Strategic Plan for 2020–2030, which aims to reduce these illegal activities by at least 50 percent by 2030.

In Serbia, between 2017 and 2023, authorities recorded 254 cases of illegal bird capture and 661 cases of illegal possession of wild birds. The species 'cheshljugar' (likely referring to a specific local species) is frequently targeted. Hotspots for these activities in Serbia include the Jablanica, Nišava, and Rasina districts. Organizations emphasize that while solutions exist, governments must provide more resources and implement national action plans to intensify conservation efforts.