Songbird Trapping in Mediterranean Welfare

Illegal and traditional songbird trapping across the Mediterranean causes mortality of millions of migratory birds annually, including many species that breed in the UK.

Key Facts

An estimated 25 million birds are illegally killed across the Mediterranean each year
Cyprus, Malta, Italy, and Lebanon have historically had the highest trapping rates
Species caught include blackcap, garden warbler, turtle dove, golden oriole, and many others
Traditional trapping methods include lime sticks, mist nets, and electronic call playback devices
BirdLife Malta and CABS (Committee Against Bird Slaughter) monitor and combat trapping
Legal protections exist under the EU Birds Directive but enforcement is inconsistent
Some species caught are consumed as traditional delicacies despite being fully protected

Welfare Considerations

Mediterranean songbird trapping causes welfare harm at both individual and population levels. Birds caught on lime sticks experience distress, physical injury from adhesive material, and often die from exhaustion or while being killed by trappers. Mist-netted birds may be left for extended periods. The mortality of millions of migratory birds - including species whose UK breeding populations are already declining - represents a population-level welfare and conservation crisis. Birds surviving trapping attempts may be injured, affecting their migration completion and breeding success. The welfare impact on UK-breeding migratory species links garden bird welfare directly to Mediterranean enforcement.

What You Can Do

Donate to CABS (Committee Against Bird Slaughter) monitoring and enforcement activities
Support BirdLife Malta's campaigns for stronger trapping enforcement
Sign petitions calling for EU member state compliance with the Birds Directive
Avoid purchasing food products known to involve trapped birds during Mediterranean visits
Write to your MEP asking for stronger EU action on illegal bird killing