Illegal bird-trappers netted in Cyprus 07.08.12
13*WARNING: THIS REPORT CONTAINS IMAGES WHICH SOME VIEWERS MAY FIND DISTURBING*
Illegal bird trapping continues to be a problem in Cyprus.
The act of catching birds in nets, known as mist netting, or on lime-sticks, leads to an estimated 15m being illegally killed on the island each year.
The wild Pyla headland is a mecca for migrating birds, providing the perfect stopping place for hundreds of different species moving between Africa, Europe and Western Asia each year.
Illegal bird trapping has become big business and the trappers are constantly inventing new ways to carry out their craft
The majority of birds caught are discarded but a favourite is the black cap - a small songbird that is considered a delicacy in some restaurants in Cyprus, where a plate of a dozen can fetch up to 80 euros
The maximum penalty for poaching offences is up to three years' imprisonment, or a fine of up to 17,000 euros
Birdlife Cyprus statistics show a slowdown in the use of nets - down by 66% this year - but there has been a dramatic increase in limestick use.
Warning: this report contains images which some viewers may find disturbing.