Illegal killing of birds in Europe and the Mediterranean

The illegal hunting and trapping of birds in Europe and the Mediterranean region has long been recognised as a serious threat to some species. Estimates indicate that 13.1–42.7 million birds are illegally killed or taken every year in Europe, the Mediterranean, the Caucasus and the Arabian Peninsula. Illegal mist-netting, lime-sticking, tape-luring, and automatic shotguns are being used to maximise the numbers of birds killed.