environment
February 18, 2026
Birds in Serbia Targeted by Poisoning and Poaching: Protection Society Publishes Devastating Report
The Society for the Protection and Study of Birds of Serbia announced today that during field work from 2017 to 2025, they recorded more than 2,200 cases of illegal activities against birds in Serbia, with poisoning, poaching with firearms, and trapping being the most prominent issues.
TL;DR
- Over 2,200 cases of illegal activities against birds recorded in Serbia from 2017 to 2025.
- The most significant threats are poisoning, poaching with firearms, and trapping of birds.
- Poisoning is a major problem, particularly in Vojvodina, affecting birds of prey like white-tailed eagles and buzzards.
- Firearm poaching is widespread, with critical hotspots identified at Labudovo okno and in the Rasina district.
- Trapping of songbirds is common in southern Serbia, with species like goldfinches and siskins being caught for sale domestically and abroad.
- Criminals are becoming more cautious and sophisticated, making them harder to detect.
- The recorded data likely represents only 10% of the actual illegal activities.
- Serbia lacks a systematic strategy to combat the destruction of bird populations and their habitats.
- The ongoing destruction of natural resources threatens ecosystems and human well-being.
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