By Axel Hirschfeld, CABS chief press and communications officer
This unique organization specializes in deterring poaching at an international level, investigating illegal hunting hotspots, combatting wild bird trafficking networks, and providing expert advice to customs and relevant government authorities.
To protect migratory birds passing through Lebanon, CABS has established a strong partnership with the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) and the Middle East Sustainable Hunting Center.
“Particularly noteworthy is the work of our teams in Lebanon, where CABS established a strong partnership with the Society for the Protection of Nature (SPNL) and the Middle East Sustainable Hunting Center (MESHC) with whom we are working since 2017, especially through the Anti-Poaching Unit.” Axel Hirschfeld CABS chief press and communications officer
Protecting Migratory Birds from Europe to Africa
Migratory birds traveling from Europe to Africa need protection both in their breeding areas and along their migration routes. Each year, millions fall victim to hunters, trappers, and wildlife traders. The Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS) and its partners operate throughout the Mediterranean basin to protect these birds from being killed during migration.
A Cypriot guard removes limestick from olive trees
About CABS
Founded in 1975 as a non-governmental charity organization based in Germany, CABS specializes in:
Combatting illegal hunting and overexploitation at an international level
Investigating poaching hotspots
Fieldwork, lobbying, research, public relations, and legal action
Supporting local nature conservation and wildlife protection efforts
CABS intervenes where authorities fail to enforce conservation laws, exposing countries, governments, and agencies that turn a blind eye to wildlife crimes.
The organization employs experts familiar with local traditions in every country, who understand the specific poaching methods and regions affected by illegal bird hunting. These specialists maintain regular contact with authorities and local ornithologists.
Cypriot police dismantle illegal nets
How CABS Operates
Through field operations and cooperation with local partners, CABS teams work to:
Locate and dismantle illegal traps and nets
Investigate black-market sales of wild and endangered birds
Assist local law enforcement in enforcing bird protection regulations
Each year, this results in:
Hundreds of poachers and illegal traders being convicted
Thousands of birds being rescued and released back into the wild
Local Partnerships & Field Operations
Lebanese Anti-Poaching Unit guards with shot Honey Buzzards
Bird protection camps are a core part of CABS’ work. Staff and volunteers conduct field investigations in poaching hotspots, searching for illegal trapping equipment. Working closely with local partner organizations, their focus is on monitoring key gathering points and narrow migration bottlenecks where birds are trapped in large numbers.
CABS’ methods vary by location:
Northern Italy: Teams locate active traps and bring in police to catch poachers in the act.
Malta: Teams position themselves at known hunting sites, visibly deterring illegal hunting. If poachers attempt to kill a protected bird, they are immediately reported to police, with photo and video evidence used in court.
Axel Hirschfeld examines an endangered Egyptian vulture rescued from captivity in Lebanon
CABS in Numbers (2023)
CABS operates 26 annual bird protection camps in seven countries (Italy, France, Greece, Spain, Malta, Cyprus, and Lebanon). In 2023 alone:
268 poachers were convicted
2,000+ trapped migratory birds were rescued and released
382 illegal nets, 3,976 glue traps, and 1,363 other bird traps were confiscated
74 illegal firearms were seized
Beyond removing traps and prosecuting poachers, CABS plays a crucial role in public awareness and media advocacy. A single news report or video exposing poaching can deter further crimes and save even more birds. CABS also provides training sessions for police and rangers, equipping them with knowledge and tools to combat illegal bird hunting.
CABS in Lebanon
Lebanon remains a major poaching hotspot, where millions of protected birds are shot or captured every year. To help migratory birds survive their journey through Lebanon, CABS has formed a strong partnership with:
The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL)
The Middle East Sustainable Hunting Center (MESHC)
Since 2017, CABS has been working with these organizations—particularly through the Anti-Poaching Unit (APU)—to crack down on illegal hunting activities. This issue of Hima magazine is filled with success stories from this collaboration.
Exposing International Bird Trafficking Networks
A goldfinch rescued in Spain
In Europe and Eastern European countries, CABS is committed to:
Fighting illegal bird trafficking networks
Providing expert advice to customs authorities and government agencies
In 2023, CABS investigations led to the exposure of a major international bird trafficking network operating between Poland and Italy.
Key Findings
Authorities discovered 456 illegally captured songbirds in Poland
Large-scale bird trapping equipment was seized
A criminal case was launched against an Italian suspect, believed to be the ringleader of a smuggling operation that trafficked thousands of live songbirds from Eastern Europe to Italy
CABS’ Role in Germany
In Germany, CABS actively lobbies for stronger hunting and conservation laws and participates in:
Protecting birds of prey
A national monitoring system for tracking illegal raptor hunting
Recent investigations have led to:
40+ individuals convicted for poisoning or trapping protected birds
The preservation of floodplain areas and 50 hectares of wetlands in northern Germany
Conservation of the last breeding pairs of Montagu’s harriers and marsh harriers in Germany
The Bigger Picture: Poaching is Not the Only Threat
Italy CABS team
While illegal hunting, trapping, and poaching remain major concerns, migratory birds also face other threats, including:
Intensive agriculture
Habitat degradation
Climate change
Environmental poisoning
Despite these challenges, CABS remains laser-focused on combating illegal bird hunting, making it one of the most unique and effective organizations in Europe—and possibly the world.
CABS’ Global Network
CABS works hand-in-hand with local partner organizations, recognizing that wildlife crime enforcement must consider local sensitivities. In areas without direct CABS personnel, the organization financially supports partner NGOs and shares its expertise.
Over the years, CABS has built a network of anti-poaching experts across the Mediterranean, coordinating efforts and leading effective conservation campaigns.
The Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS) continues its fight against wildlife crimes, using field operations, advocacy, investigations, and partnerships to protect migratory birds. Whether by shutting down poaching rings, dismantling illegal trapping equipment, or raising awareness, CABS is saving thousands of birds each year—one operation at a time.
Documenting CABS Operations in Cyprus
Two European Bee-Eaters Trapped on a Glue Stick in Cyprus
The animal welfare media platform, The Dodo, has produced a short video showcasing CABS’ anti-poaching efforts in Cyprus. The footage highlights the rescue and release of migratory birds and wildlife caught in illegal traps and nets.
Watch the video on YouTube here:
👉 Short video by The Dodo highlighting CABS anti-poaching operations in Cyprus
The Northern Lights of Lebanon
This autumn, CABS teams together with our Lebanese partners from the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL), MESHC Anti-Poaching Unit and officers from the Lebanese Internal Security Forces (ISF) conducted a series of anti-poaching patrols to disrupt and prevent illegal night shooting in and around the notorious and dangerous ‘hotspot’ of Danniyeh in the northern Governorate. Here, especially during peak migration, large gangs of poachers gather every night on the high mountain ridges, using extremely loud electro-acoustic decoy callers to lure whole manner of nocturnal migrant birds such as nightjars, owls and corncrakes which funnel in overhead. Literally ‘any’ bird unfortunate enough to get pulled into this blackhole is dazzled and blinded with bright spot lamps and lasers before being blasted with shotguns and semi-automatic weapons for ‘sport’. This nightmarish and dystopian landscape is littered with gun cartridges, trash and corpses of wild animals; the air is filled with the putrid stench of decay and burning plastic. During the operations we gathered evidence on more than 50 poachers who were cautioned, and a number of decoy callers were seized. All information was subsequently passed on the district judge and intelligence division and we were assured that repeat offenders will face prosecution. As a result of subsequent operations, a total of 17 prosecutions have been made so far.(CABS social media)
Spring 2024 Report Summary
During the first half of 2024, CABS deployed missions and operations with over 70 volunteers across eastern Spain, northern and southern Italy, Sardinia, Malta, Cyprus, the Greek island of Zakynthos, and Lebanon.
Key Results
122 hunters convicted
249 traps and 153 nets confiscated
19 hunting weapons and over 1,200 rounds of ammunition seized
The ortolan’s journey from the depths of the forest to a fine dining table is one of cruelty and torment.
Trapping: French hunters set nets to capture the birds during their autumn migration from Europe to Africa.
Force-Feeding: Because ortolans naturally feed at night, they are kept in dark cages for three weeks, tricking them into overeating on grains and figs. Some hunters even blind the birds to further stimulate overconsumption.
Preparation: Once they double in size, the birds are drowned in brandy, plucked, roasted, and served whole.
Release of a Rescued Ortolan in France
Consumption Ritual:
Diners traditionally cover their heads with a large napkin before eating.
The bird is eaten whole—including its bones—except for the beak.
The purpose of the napkin remains debated:
Some claim it enhances the aroma and flavor.
Others say it hides the act from God.
Some believe it helps disguise the grimaces of those who struggle to swallow the bones.
The ortolan remains a symbol of both indulgence and ethical controversy, as conservationists continue to fight against its illegal hunting and consumption.
This edition of Al-Hima is published amid conflict and displacement—a painful reality Lebanon knows well. Yet, the Lebanese people and SPNL remain resilient, supporting displaced families while advancing environmental and development goals.
