Criminal attack against activists in Keri constitutes a disgrace both for Greece and Zakynthos.
On Orthodox Holy Wednesday at midday, masked poachers launched a brutal attack against an international team of ornithologists from the Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS), who were present in Keri, Zakynthos, for the third consecutive year, to document incidents of poaching -especially concerning the globally threatened European Turtle Dove- and to support the local authorities in combatting this illegal practice. Three CABS members were seriously injured during the attack and were transported to the hospital for emergency treatment. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with several media outlets publishing reports about the persistent issue of poaching and the violent event itself.
It is noted that although 15 individuals took part in the assault, only four arrests (!) have been made so far, according to the latest information. Local testimonies confirm that it is now common practice for poachers to hire “private guards” to protect their illegal operations and prevent access to the locations where their so-called "posta” (hunting hides) are set up.
These intimidation tactics are by no means new and have been a common practice in the years CABS have been present on the island. However, this year's horrific attack on the physical integrity of CABS volunteers highlights the brazenness of poachers who now act with impunity, intimidating anyone who dares to oppose their illegal activities. This prevailing regime of terror is further confirmed by the dozens of anonymous reports received annually by the Hellenic Ornithological Society (HOS) from frightened locals, who—although outraged by the situation—wish to remain anonymous out of fear for their safety. All of this unfortunately points to the fact that poachers still act as a “state within a state” in Zakynthos, while the actions of the responsible authorities—apart from a few notable exceptions such as those of the Zakynthos Forest Department—remain insufficient.
Although “spring hunting” has been banned in Greece since 1983, illegal hunters of all ages continue this practice, which exerts additional pressure on the already globally threatened European Turtle Dove, as well as other migratory species such as the Eurasian Golden Oriole, European Bee-eater, and Common Cuckoo. Specifically, according to data collected by the Forest Research Institute of ELGO-Dimitra in collaboration with HOS/BirdLife Greece, through the use of acoustic recording sensors, in spring 2024 an alarmingly high number of gunshots was recorded, indicating the killing of thousands of migratory birds. In Keri alone, between March and May 2024, 4,099 gunshots were recorded, compared to 3,647 that were recorded during the same period in 2022.
There is no more room for tolerance or leniency! The Hellenic Ornithological Society calls on the State to finally break this abscess of impunity! Authorities must stop turning a blind eye and double their efforts to enforce the Local Action Plans, strengthening local institutions with personnel and resources.
We call on the local Police to continue the investigation to promptly identify all perpetrators involved and ensure appropriate penalties are imposed, sending a loud and clear message that there is NO TOLERANCE for spring hunting or such shameful displays of violence!
We also call, once again, on the local community and all environmentally conscious citizens and visitors to the Ionian Islands to show zero tolerance for such illegal behavior.
Specifically, if you witness an incident of poaching:
- Immediately contact the relevant Authorities (Forestry Service, Police): Forest Protection Hotline 1591 (Daily 08:00–22:00 & Weekends 10:00–20:00)
- Notify the Hellenic Ornithological Society / BirdLife Greece: via our complaint form, by calling +30 210 8228704, or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any available evidence.
