KUŞKOR Monitors Last Eagle Species of Cyprus for 13 Years
Bird Protection Association Calls for Protection of Last Eagle Species in Cyprus
The last remaining eagle species in Cyprus is under threat due to human activities such as illegal hunting, poisoning, and collisions with power lines, warns the Birds Protection Association. The rabbit-eagle eagles, which are protected by the European Union directives and local laws, are at risk of disappearing, just like the griffon vultures, if specific measures are not taken to safeguard their habitats.
According to KUŞKOR, which has been conducting research on the rabbit-eagle eagles since 2010, the species was thought to have disappeared from Cyprus. However, in 2012, 10 nests that successfully breed along the Beşparmak Mountains were identified. Subsequently, it was discovered that the rabbits eagles breed in different mountain and hilly areas of the country, including Karpaz and Koruçam Special Environmental Protection Areas.
This year, KUŞKOR has increased the scope of its work to obtain new information about the species and develop species-specific measures to protect them. The organization aims to protect the Beşparmak Mountains, one of the important areas where these magnificent birds live, with the help of eagles.
KUŞKOR is working in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Department on a study to understand the behavior of eagles. The study started in 2022, and the research was expanded in 2023 to determine the habitats of individuals by placing monitoring devices.
The Bird Protection Association is urging authorities to take immediate action to protect the rabbit-eagle eagles and other threatened predators in the country. The association has called on the public to report any illegal hunting, poisoning, or power line collisions, which could harm the endangered species.
