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wildlife and natural habitat management Sea Turtle rescue Monk Seal research and volunteer projects in the Greek Ionian wildlife and natural habitat management Sea Turtle rescue Monk Seal research and volunteer projects in the Greek Ionian wildlife and natural habitat management Sea Turtle rescue Monk Seal research and volunteer projects in the Greek Ionian

Support us and help put a stop to the illegal hunting of migratory birds in Greece


ILLEGAL HUNTING
The Ionian islands particularly Zakynthos are favourite hunting, grounds, especially in Spring and Autumn. Much of the headlands, forests, and olive groves swarm with camouflaged hunters sporting an alarming array of weapons, and automatic rifles. Many of the huntsmen specially mark their territory, and hold out for days in specially constructed hides, many equipped with generators, fridges and televisions. As a consequence much of the forest interior is littered with their rubbish, & lead shot adding to the risk of summer fires.

The hunting of migratory birds in the breeding season is strictly forbidden by European law, EU wild birds directive 79/409 EEC and yet the enforcement of such laws is poorly managed. Ornithologists visiting the islands in April or May are often alarmed to find birds such as the Golden Oriole, buzzards and falcons shot for trophys by the relentless huntsmen. The Turtle dove has been hunted for years in these parts and is now in decline.

Illegal hunting of wild birds & fauna

Greece like France is facing prosecution in the European Courts due to their flouting of European laws and bird directives. Visitors to the islands are urged to complain to the Tourist Police if they witness any such illegal hunting. Earth Sea & Sky actively campaign for law enforcement in Zakynthos, and will be presenting a petition to the Minister of the Environment and Prefecture of Zakynthos. We invite your support.

One of the best ways to oppose the hunting is to extend the tourist season and promote bird watching, and rambling activities throughout the Ionian, which is home to some spectacular birdlife. Sustainable tourism such as this would create jobs off season and provide an alternative to the uncontrolled hunting.

Illegal hunting


Some of the Birds you may see... 

Should you be visiting the islands here is a list of some birds you are likely to see. Remember to be on the look out either early morning or evening. Just by wandering off on a quiet track you will be amazed how much life you can see. Sometimes it is best just to sit under the shade of a tree, and wait.

Sardinian Warbler (Sylvia melanocephala)
The Sardinian warbler is a resident Ionian bird about 13 cm, with a black head, white throat and red eye ring. Harsh Chak chak chak alarm call.

Woodchat Shrike (Lanius senator)
Loves vineyards, gardens and macquis landscapes, breeds in Southern Europe. Harsh calls Kshairr. Song varied with trills whistles and mimicry. Rust head with distinctive white shoulder patches, blackish above and pure white below.

Golden Oriole (Oriolus oriolus)
The male bird is a stunning yellow with black wings and tail, where as the female is green and yellow. The female can often be confused with the green woodpecker when in flight. Its call is a harsh Kraa and its song is a clear fluting whistle peeloo-peeleoo.

Golden Oriole (Oriolus oriolus)

Scops Owl (Otus scops)
It is most likely that you will hear rather than see this small bird. Most visitors to the rural Ionian will hear its distinctive dyoo dyoo calls at night around their apartments or villas.

Scops Owl (Otus scops)

Elenoras Falcon (Falco eleonora)
This bird is now very a rare falcon in Greece, but is often spotted around the smaller islands, especially in Aegean. It is however still seen in the Ionian, often in pairs.

Elenoras Falcon (Falco eleonora)

Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo)
These majestic birds are often to be seen circling in mountainous or wooded areas. Their wings when outstretched are quite amazing. A mewing cat like call from overhead.

Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo)

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Resident Birds...
The Ionian islands are a very important flight path and stronghold for various migratory and resident birds.

Their rich vegetation and lush climate providing the ideal stop over for birds following their breeding routes from and to Africa.

The dense macquis landscapes are especially favoured by the birds.


BIRD REPORT PAGE
Compiled by Paul Whitehead
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Link to our petition
The illegal hunting of migratory birds on Zakynthos, Greece petition. 
THE PETITION SITE
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