Cyprus Game and Fauna Service Calls on Hunters to Respect Hunting Zones and Local Residents

The Cyprus Game and Fauna Service stated that despite a decline in the number of hunters, the number of complaints about hunting in prohibited zones remains high. The reason is the reduction of areas where hunting is permitted.

According to official data, on hunting days around 30,000 licensed hunters move across rural areas, while the service has fewer than 250 inspectors working in shifts nationwide.

“It is physically impossible to respond to every complaint,” the service acknowledges.

Head of the service Pantelis Hadjiyerou said that complaints are received every Wednesday and Sunday throughout all three hunting seasons — from late August to late February.

He emphasized that hunting is a tradition and called for mutual respect:

• hunters — not to shoot near homes;
• residents — to show more tolerance.

“Yes, gunshots and barking dogs are a nuisance. But if there is tolerance, there will be fewer problems,” he noted, adding that hunters should not engage in conflicts with local residents.

With irony, he advised residents to “add water to their wine,” meaning to moderate their emotions.

The law on weapons and hunting in Cyprus is considered one of the strictest and dates back to the period of British rule.

To obtain a license:

• one must have a firearms permit;
• have no convictions for violence, drugs, or explosives;
• complete training and pass examinations.

The fine for hunting without a license starts at €2,000, plus penalties for all years without permit renewal.

The service also noted:

• a decline in hare and partridge populations;
• the negative impact of climate change;
• a reduction in natural habitats;
• an increase in the number of cats, named the main predator of wild fauna.

Particular concern is raised by the situation of vultures, which lack food, and the growth of the fox population, whose numbers are indirectly increased by humans feeding them.

If there are suspicions of hunting rule violations, patrols can be contacted directly:

• Nicosia: 99445697
• Limassol: 99445728
• Famagusta: 99634325
• Paphos: 99445679