Diko MP Chrysanthos Savvidis on Wednesday proposed legalizing falconry and hunting using other birds of prey in Cyprus in order to stop the growth of pigeon populations in the Paphos area.

His proposal received the support of the farmers of the area. Giorgos Ellinas, a representative of farmers, told the Chamber’s environment committee that the pigeon population “has increased significantly from the Kouklia area to Ayios Georgios in Peyia, as a result of which birds eat vegetable and fruit crops.”

He noted that the problem cannot be solved by traditional hunting methods, given that the pigeon population has increased in areas where hunting is prohibited, and the large number of trees in the area has also contributed to the growth of pigeon populations.

Falconry, he said, “is an ancient art that has been recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage,” and a custom that has been revived in Greece to reduce the number of wild birds that harm crops. “It’s not easy to find falcon trainers today, but falcon trainers from abroad have expressed interest in coming to Cyprus,” he added.

https://russiancyprus.news/news/society/mp-proposes-legalising-falconry/