The Bird Protection and Study Society of Serbia (BPSSS) published a report documenting 1,647 cases of illegal killing, poisoning, capture, keeping, and trade of wild birds in Serbia between from 2017 through 2023.
Such activities affected 5,487 individual birds from 201 species. Of the total, 2,337 were found dead, 3,134 were alive, while the outcome was unknown for 16 individuals.
The report warns that the documented cases probably represent only around 10% of the actual scale of illegal activities involving birds in Serbia.
The data were collected by monitoring print and electronic media, social networks, online advertisements and forums, as well as through fieldwork carried out by BPSSS employees, members and volunteers.
“The greatest progress in the previous period has been the creation of a social environment in which the illegal killing of birds is viewed as a serious and unacceptable act, rather than merely an isolated crime. Citizens have become more aware of the problem and are increasingly reporting such activities,” said Slobodan Marković, an ornithologist at BPSSS.
Most cases involved illegal keeping and killing
The largest number of recorded cases concerned the illegal keeping of wild birds – 661. The report also documented 630 cases of killing and injuring birds with firearms and air rifles, 254 cases of capture, 208 cases of illegal trade and 107 cases of poisoning.
Illegal hunting is most commonly motivated by financial gain, including through illegal hunting tourism. Quail, skylarks, turtle doves, and thrushes are among the most affected species, while the poaching of ducks and geese is particularly widespread during migration and wintering along the Danube, other major rivers and fishponds in Vojvodina.
Illegal bird capture has been recorded throughout Serbia. Songbirds such as European goldfinches and Eurasian siskins are most frequently captured using traps, nets, glue and other prohibited methods.
Birds of prey most affected by poisoning
Birds of prey are the group most affected by poisoning, although they are usually not the intended targets. They die after feeding on poisoned animals or bait. The common buzzard was the most frequently recorded victim, followed by the marsh harrier and the white-tailed eagle.
Despite greater public awareness and improvements in institutional fieldwork, cases of poisoning, capture and killing frequently remain without identified perpetrators or final court rulings. The report therefore includes recommendations for competent institutions aimed at reducing illegal activities involving wild birds.
