Anti Poaching Project with NABU International for Raptors in Calabria, Italy

Background

Each year, an estimated 25 million birds are illegally killed across the Mediterranean, with southern Italy—especially Calabria and the Strait of Messina—standing out as one of Europe’s most critical hotspots. This region forms a major migration bottleneck where thousands of raptors, particularly European honey buzzards, cross from Europe to Africa every autumn. Despite being illegal for more than 50 years, raptor poaching still occurs in parts of Calabria. Protecting birds at this site therefore has international relevance, as the threats they face here directly affect populations across Europe and Africa.

Measurable Success

In 2025, the project delivered concrete and verifiable conservation results. A repeat poacher was arrested and convicted after being caught actively hunting with an illegal firearm, with a freshly killed European honey buzzard found nearby. A major enforcement operation resulted in the confiscation of 2,200 illegally captured songbirds, disrupting a wildlife‑trafficking network and attracting national and international media attention that highlighted the scale of illegal bird killing in Italy. Two illegally shot raptors—a marsh harrier and a common buzzard—were documented; the injured buzzard was successfully treated at a wildlife rescue centre and is now ready for release. A satellite‑tracked juvenile Egyptian vulture was also protected during a high‑risk stopover and continued its migration to Africa safely.

Across the season, significantly fewer hunters and gunshots were recorded compared to previous years, demonstrating a clear deterrent effect created by the combined presence of volunteers and specialised law‑enforcement units.

1. Field Monitoring and Rapid Reporting

Eight experienced volunteers operated strategically located observation posts along the main migration corridor in southwest Calabria during the peak raptor migration period. From these locations, they monitored raptor movements, documented illegal activity and ensured that reports were sent to authorities without delay. The visible presence of trained observers played an essential deterrent role, reducing opportunities for poaching during this sensitive time.

2. Coordinated Enforcement with Specialized Units

The camp was organised in close cooperation with the local Carabinieri forestali and the national Anti‑Poaching Unit SOARDA of the CITES Forestry Command. This coordinated approach enabled rapid interventions, targeted inspections and effective disruption of wildlife crimes, including the arrest of a repeat offender and the interception of large‑scale illegal bird trafficking. The confiscation of 2,200 songbirds received national and international media coverage, significantly raising awareness of the continued threats posed by illegal bird killing in Italy.

Overall Impact

The 2025 anti‑poaching camp demonstrates that combining civil‑society engagement with strong law‑enforcement partnerships leads to measurable conservation impact. The project directly prevented wildlife crime, protected threatened migratory species, strengthened the rule of law, increased public and media attention and created visible deterrence in a known poaching hotspot. Protecting migratory raptors in Calabria contributes to safeguarding a migration corridor of international importance that connects Europe and Africa. Sustained long‑term engagement remains crucial for achieving lasting reductions in illegal bird killing across the Mediterranean.