The migratory birds of prey are preparing in these days to cross the Strait of Messina to go up the peninsula and nest along the boot and in other European countries: there will be over 20 thousand of them, especially honey buzzards but also kites, harriers and storks. To observe them and defend them from threats, Lipu is organizing a poaching monitoring and prevention camp which will end on Sunday 12 May in collaboration with Legambiente, WWF and Man (Mediterranean Association for Nature).
The volunteers will work in collaboration with Operation Adorno, coordinated by the Soarda operational department of the Cites Carabinieri Group and by the “Calabria” Forestry Carabinieri Region Command which, every year, goes into action on the Strait of Messina to combat the poaching of birds of prey, reporting to the military suspicious movements or rifle shots that could be linked to poaching.
As is known, the Strait of Messina is one of the most important European corridors for bird migration but also one of the seven “black spots” included in the National Anti-Poaching Plan. A phenomenon, poaching, which, although reduced compared to the past, still constitutes a serious threat to the safety of tens of thousands of migrating birds of prey, in particular the honey buzzard, but also the other species that pass through the strait as falcons. marsh hawk, black kite, Egyptian vulture, harrier, sparrowhawk, osprey, plus the white stork and the black stork.
“This year too we will be in the field with our volunteers to try to prevent crimes against wildlife, in particular the honey buzzard, which are still committed in this part of Calabria – declares Giovanni Albarella, Lipu’s anti-poaching and hunting activities manager – We thank the Forestry Carabinieri for their presence, which is fundamental in the fight against poaching, and all the associations and bodies which, thanks to the “Adorno Day” event, will raise awareness and disseminate information, an essential work for respecting nature by young people and adults.”
