Andrea Rutigliano’s relentless fight against illegal bird poaching in Cyprus
Andrea Rutigliano, an investigations officer for the Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS), has dedicated over two decades to combating illegal bird poaching in Cyprus, a hotspot for trapping migratory birds. Originally from Milan, Rutigliano first visited Cyprus in 2001 and witnessed widespread illegal trapping that often operated with political protection and mafia-like violence. Since then, despite facing threats, he has worked to dismantle traps and raise awareness about the environmental damage and criminal networks behind the trade.
Rutigliano emphasizes that while trapping was once widespread and for personal consumption, it has evolved into a commercial enterprise with significant profits, encouraging new professional trappers. He warns that consumers who eat these protected birds are inadvertently supporting illegal activities and associated corruption. Cooperation with Cypriot authorities has improved over time, yet enforcement remains inconsistent.
Beyond activism in Cyprus, Rutigliano manages anti-poaching efforts across several European countries. His work combines field operations with discreet investigative methods, driven by a deep personal commitment to bird conservation. For Rutigliano, this mission serves as a form of "karma," repaying a historic debt linked to Italy’s past role in the commercial bird trapping trade.
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