On 5 August 2024, the State Environmental Inspectorate in North Macedonia officially adopted the Standard Operational Protocol (SOP) for handling wildlife poisoning cases. This protocol was developed as part of the BalkanDetox LIFE initiative and proposed during a meeting of the National Anti-Poisoning Working Group. During this meeting, members stressed the need for clearly defined […]
A recent case in the Czech Republic has set a landmark precedent in the fight against wildlife crime, with a hunter being sentenced to prison and fined heavily for poisoning two White-tailed eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla) near his fishpond. This conviction demonstrates that wildlife poisoning can be effectively prosecuted as a serious environmental offense when investigations
Man sentenced to prison and fined for poisoning protected wildlife in Czech Republic Read More »
From 2 to 4 September 2024, a workshop on developing, implementing, and monitoring National Action Plans (NAPs) for combating the illegal killing, taking, and trade of migratory birds (IKB) was held in Podgorica, Montenegro. Organized by the CMS Secretariat on behalf of the Intergovernmental Task Force on Illegal Killing, Taking and Trade of Migratory Birds in the
The use of poison and other nonselective methods to control wildlife has long been a major threat to biodiversity, particularly in countries like Spain where such practices have deep historical roots. Despite advances in conservation and legislation, these methods continue to push many species to the brink of extinction. A recent study by Moreno et al.
Battling illegal wildlife poisoning: Insights from Spain’s approach Read More »
The crime against wildlife poses a significant threat to biodiversity. Poisoning, illegal hunting, trapping, collisions, and electrocution are serious crimes against wildlife that are often overlooked and not effectively prosecuted. Addressing these crimes adequately requires collaboration among various organizations and authorities, as well as relevant training and knowledge to enable competent authorities to handle such
The Balkans participate at the international conference on wildlife crime Read More »
In November 2023, 20 veterinary pathologists from Serbia attended the first national anti-poisoning training course. An initiative of the BalkanDetox LIFE project inspired by the Wildlife Crime Academy aimed to build capacity for better wildlife crime investigation in the country. The First National Anti-Poisoning Training Course in Serbia Organised in the framework of the BalkanDetox Life Project, the training’s
Serbia: First National Anti-Poisoning Training Course Read More »
Pesticide misuse brings hidden dangers, casting a shadow over our daily lives and overall health. The consequences of mishandling these toxic substances reach far beyond their intended purpose to combat pests, posing a grave threat to human health, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children. In reality, a single misstep with pesticides can lead to
New video and study: The hidden health risks of pesticide misuse Read More »
Hope arises for stronger prosecution of illegal wildlife poisoning and other wildlife crimes in Bulgaria, as the country establishes a dedicated police sector within the Ministry of the Interior, a momentous leap forward in protecting wildlife and its natural heritage. The newly formed “Crimes against the Environment and Wildlife” sector, operating under the Economic Police
Illegal wildlife poisoning is a cruel and harmful practice. Despite being banned in many countries, it remains a prevalent method to eliminate animals perceived as pests or predators. However, the consequences extend far beyond the intended targets, affecting other wildlife and even humans. Leaving poison baits in open areas initiates a vicious cycle, indiscriminately killing
New video vividly illustrates the vicious cycle of illegal wildlife poisoning Read More »
With the successful conclusion of the Wildlife Crime Academy‘s Level 3 Supreme Course on Wildlife Crime Analysis and Intelligence last Thursday, 20 April, in Málaga (Spain), the fight against wildlife crime has reached new heights, especially in terms of wildlife crime prosecution. The forty-four passionate participants from nine countries across Europe who obtained qualifications in
