News: Short & sweet

08.05.2026, +++ Schimmel’s Ponds +++ Limbach-Oberfrohna +++ Saxony +++

Spring at our ‘Schimmel’s Ponds’ – how a former fish farm is being transformed into an increasingly biodiverse habitat …

Spring from a bird’s-eye view: Our Schimmel’s ponds – a new, diverse habitat for numerous species © M. Pfeifer

This spring is showing that targeted habitat restoration measures are gradually transforming this former fish farm back into a wetland rich in structure and biodiversity.

As spring now progresses rapidly, a new phase of development is becoming apparent at the ‘Schimmel’s ponds’ in the Limbach pond area south of Limbach-Oberfrohna. Whereas just three years ago the pond area was dominated by intensive fish farming, a diverse natural pond landscape is now gradually re-emerging. Spring is revealing the results of the targeted and extensive biotope restoration and development measures initiated by the Foundation Pro Biodiversity in 2024.

The pond area, covering around twelve hectares (120,000 m²), forms part of a significant wetland in south-west Saxony – a region otherwise lacking in water – and already provides a valuable habitat for a wide variety of waterbird species.

After acquiring the land in 2023, we agreed and adopted a comprehensive plan of action in consultation with local conservationists and the regional nature conservation authority. The top priority was to restore the technical water management system to allow for variable water levels in the 12 ponds – a fundamental prerequisite for the development of a wide variety of aquatic habitats. Shortly afterwards, the rapidly encroaching scrub growth on and around the pond embankments was cut back; as some ponds had dried up, large stands of reeds and cattails were partially removed, and the embankments were restored.

With the start of this year’s vegetation growth season, it is already clear just how quickly nature is responding to these measures. The sun-exposed pond banks, now open again, provide ideal conditions for insects, amphibians, and numerous bird species. Last year, extensive grazing by our ‘natural landscape managers’ – water buffalo, Highland cattle and goats – helped the natural development.

A remarkable increase in the diversity of migratory and breeding birds is already evident. The varied landscape structure, comprising open water bodies, damp mudflats along the banks, and structurally rich shoreline areas, creates a mosaic of habitats unique to the region.

This spring, the long-term goal of this ambitious nature and species conservation project is becoming increasingly clear: through natural processes, with only gentle guidance, former intensively farmed fishponds are being transformed into a vibrant wetland that provides a habitat for biodiversity, whilst also impressively demonstrating just how effective consistent, privately funded nature conservation can be.

28.04.2026, +++ Zakynthos +++ Greece +++

Zakynthos 2026 – fewer shots, more checks and further successes in the fight against illegal spring bird hunting …

A sad reminder of the illegal spring bird hunting on Zakynthos: a dead Turtle Dove © Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS)

More hunting sites discovered – but fewer shots fired:
How the illegal spring hunt for our migratory birds on Zakynthos continues to evolve ...

Again, this spring, teams from the Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS) and the Foundation Pro Biodiversity are working together on the Greek island of Zakynthos to combat the illegal hunting of migratory birds. The latest figures show that the intensive bird conservation efforts of recent years are having an impact – even though the situation remains a serious one.

Compared with last year, more active bird hunting sites have once again been identified. At the same time, however, a significant decline in the number of shots fired has been recorded – an important indicator that the pressure of surveillance is having an effect on illegal hunters.

Results of the 2026 Spring Bird Conservation Camp
(figures for 2025 in brackets for comparison):

 

• 45 active hunting sites identified (38)
• 11 hunters caught red-handed (13 Criminal charges were brought against 13 hunters operating illegally, supported by video evidence)
• 9 weapons confiscated (3)
• 484 live cartridges seized (180)
• 2 dead Turtle Doves recovered
• 7 hunters convicted following formal charges (19)

Despite the increase in the number of hunting sites discovered, there is a positive trend: significantly fewer shots were recorded during our operations than in previous years. In previous years, over 100 shots could be heard on individual days – this spring, the maximum number was around 60 to 70 shots per day, with the focus remaining on the well-known problem area around Keri.

Another significant difference compared with last year is that our response teams have so far been spared physical attacks this spring – a development we attribute to consistent law enforcement and increased vigilance with regard to illegal hunting activities.

Nevertheless, the work on Zakynthos is far from over. During the operations, previously unknown hunting sites were discovered, and these will receive higher monitoring priority in future campaigns. The aim remains to curb illegal spring hunting of migratory birds further and, in the long term, to put a complete stop to it.

The campaign on Zakynthos demonstrates once again that, thanks to the close cooperation between the Committee Against the Slaughter of Birds (CABS) and our Foundation, our annual spring presence on the ground, and the financial support of dedicated donors, we are able to make measurable progress in the practical protection of migratory birds.

16.04.2024, +++ Cyprus +++

Success achieved through joint efforts: years of hard work and generous donations have brought illegal bird trapping in Cyprus to a virtual standstill this spring …

Female Blackcap is freed from a mist net © Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS)

A success story in the protection of migratory birds on Cyprus, thanks to the tireless and selfless efforts of many …

The results of the first phase of the joint 2026 Spring Bird Protection Camp, organised by the Foundation, Pro Biodiversity, and the Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS) on Cyprus, provide compelling evidence of what can be achieved through sustained collaboration, years of on-the-ground operational work, and the ongoing support of dedicated donors.

 Between 23 March and 10 April, a total of 129 known trapping sites were checked, yielding a remarkable result: only one single site could still be confirmed as active. Illegal trapping in the spring, therefore, appears to have come to a virtual end in Cyprus, and our latest findings paint a clear picture:

• 129 trapping sites were monitored
• 1 trapping site was confirmed as active
• 1 trapper was caught red-handed and reported to the police
• 17 nets were confiscated
• 184 limesticks were dismantled
• 34 steel traps were seized

Before the start of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, the situation regarding the illegal trapping of migratory birds was far more dramatic, with a large number of active trapping sites and tens of thousands of migratory birds being killed every year, including in spring.

The case of the trapper who was caught also highlights the importance of maintaining a sustained presence of enforcement teams on Cyprus. Working in collaboration with government game wardens, the trapper was observed setting up limesticks and was subsequently arrested. In addition to the trapping equipment currently in use, a large stockpile of further traps, including 184 limesticks, 17 nets and 34 steel traps, was discovered and seized. The offender now faces a heavy fine, which, for the illegal trapping in the spring alone, will exceed 9,000 euros.

The aftermath of previous illegal activities is also still evident: numerous dead birds were found in an abandoned net from the winter season. Fortunately, a Blackcap was rescued alive just in time.

The second phase of the bird protection camp on Cyprus is already firmly planned. It aims to ensure that the progress made in the fight against the slaughter of migratory birds in spring is sustained and to continue rigorously preventing any remaining illegal bird-trapping activities.