22.3 C
Nicosia
Wednesday, September 18, 2024
type here...
Politics

“Killer” of the vulture and the energy network 

0
18

Must read

«Δολοφoνος» &tau ;ογαοεεσ  /></p> <p> Electrocution incidents worry environmental organizations  </p> <p > </p> <p >An increase in electrocution incidents has emerged as one of the most serious threats to Cyprus' vultures, increasing the threats facing the rare and endangered birds. During 2024, four vulture deaths from electrocution have been recorded, bringing the total number of deaths to six over the past two years. This number is particularly alarming given the small number, as there are only 38, according to the environmental organization BirdLife. The protection group blames the EAC, citing inaction in the implementation of necessary protection measures.</p> <p > <p ><b>The actions that were not taken</b></p> <p >Speaking to “P”, BirdLife Cyprus program manager Melpo Apostolidou said that there are two important European programs aimed at protecting vultures. The first, entitled 'Life for Vultures', involves marking overhead wires to prevent collisions, which often injure vultures. The second program proposes measures to insulate the grid piles in order to avoid accidents from electric shock. However, Mrs. Apostolidou points out that, despite the fact that the actions had been planned since 2019, the EAC has significantly delayed the implementation of the measures, which have caused serious problems, resulting in the recent loss of two vultures due to electric shock, on the 2 August, near Agios Ioannis Paphos and on August 25 in Pentalia.</p> <p > <p ><b>Baits are a problem</b></p> <p >The mortality of vultures in Cyprus is constantly increasing due to various factors. According to Ms. Apostolidou, the main cause is the use of poisoned baits, which has reduced vultures by 50% between 2015 and 2022. Also, collisions with electric cables and electrocution are the second biggest cause of death. Other threats are changes in the management of dead animals and the human factor destroying habitats. A total of 76 vulture deaths have been recorded since 1996, according to figures provided by the BirdLife coordinator. Of these deaths, 56 were related to poisoning, including 2 cases from lead. Other causes include 6 deaths from electrocution, 2 from collisions and 3 from gunshots. Also, 3 vultures have died due to disorientation and exhaustion, while 4 deaths remain unexplained with unknown causes.</p> <p > <p ><b>Protected species </b></p> <p> < p >The vulture is a strictly protected species, and its loss has serious ecological consequences, says Ms. Apostolidou, noting that they act as “cleaners of the ecosystem,” warning that the species could disappear from the island within the next 15 years. Also, he said, because it cannot recover on its own due to its slow reproduction rate, reinforcement with vultures from other countries is necessary. “In 2012 there were 8-10 birds and reintroduction efforts have prevented complete extinction,” he said.</p> <p > <p ><b>New proposals</b></p> <p >The available technical solutions, such as the undergrounding of cables and appropriate insulations, must be implemented by the EAC in collaboration with experts, as pointed out by the organization. Instead of opposing the rescue effort, critics could help solve the problem by pressuring the relevant authorities to take action, Ms Apostolidou added, speaking of a lack of environmental culture. The situation of vultures in Cyprus parallels the crisis in India, where the use of the drug diclofenac in cattle resulted in a dramatic 98% decline in the species. The drug caused kidney failure in vultures, with serious consequences for human health and the country's economy.</p> <p > <p ><b>From 2022 </b></p> <p> < p >Two years after her revolutionary rescue, Nefeli, the female vulture found in 2019 on Zapalo beach, was found dead near a RIK antenna. The bird was found with signs of electrocution from a power pole, which was confirmed by a necropsy performed by Veterinary Services. Nefeli, who was initially rescued and successfully reintegrated into the wild, was just three years old.</p> <p><noindex></p> <div class=Source: politis.com.cy

Previous article
Dams: At 35% occupancy 
Next article
Israel: The dead hostages were killed by “point-of-contact” fire 2-3 days ago
- Advertisement -AliExpress WW

More articles

- Advertisement -AliExpress WW

Latest article

© 2024 Cyprus Digest. All rights reserved.

Popular in Cyprus

About Us

Popular Category

Editor Picks

MORE STORIES

Festivals aside… in view of APOEL