312 Protected Blackcap Birds Seized at Checkpoints in the Green Zone of Cyprus

British bases in Cyprus have confiscated 312 bodies of protected blackcap birds, also known as ambelopoulia, at the checkpoints they manage.

The containers containing the birds were discovered in October during three separate inspections. The owners of the vehicles have been arrested and are facing charges.

Mark Hartley, the head of the customs team at the Dhekelia base, stated that the base police are working closely with the customs department to prevent the smuggling of birds across the checkpoints.

• "Illegal wildlife trade ranks as the fourth largest illegal trade globally. We are committed to detecting any attempts to illegally import protected species across the Green Line. With the current migration season for blackcaps underway, customs teams have been deployed to intercept any movements of these protected birds. Our actions are an essential part of addressing a global issue and protecting endangered species," said the base official.

It’s important to note that before the migration season for ambelopoulia, police at the British military base warned poachers of significant fines and vehicle confiscations.

The blackcap, or ambelopoulia, is a small migratory songbird, and hunting it is prohibited by European Union laws. Despite the ban, hunting of this protected bird continues, and dishes made from it are considered delicacies; they can still be found in restaurants and tavernas across Cyprus.