Environmental organizations call for investigation into mass wildlife poisoning
Six environmental organizations have filed a complaint with the competent prosecutor in Dedeağaç (Alexandroupoli), northeastern Greece, calling for an investigation into the use of poisoned baits that killed 25 wild animals at the Dadia-Lefkimi-Soufli Forest National Park in March.
The complaint was submitted by ANIMA, the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature, the Hellenic Ornithological Society, the Thrace Biodiversity Protection Society, Callisto and WWF Greece against any parties found responsible for the incident, which is believed to have occurred on March 11.
25 WILD ANIMALS FOUND DEAD
Nine black vultures and 16 other wild animals died as a result of the poisoning. The victims included kestrels, crows, foxes, weasels and a wolf.
Environmental organizations described the incident as one of the largest cases of mass wildlife poisoning recorded in Greece.
THREAT TO ENDANGERED BLACK VULTURE POPULATION
The incident is considered particularly serious because of its impact on the endangered black vulture population in the area. The species was already struggling to recover following two catastrophic wildfires that affected the region.
The environmental groups are seeking an investigation to determine who was responsible for placing the poisoned baits and to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the animals.
