More than 6.2 million migratory birds are captured illegally each year – El Comercio (Ecuador)

About 6.2 million birds exhausted, traveling kilometers to breeding and hibernation each year are captured in illegal networks extended along the northern coast of Africa.

the less fortunate die in traps sticks or branches covered with glue. So reported the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in a press release to raise awareness on the World Bird Day and Migratory Bird , held on 9 and 10 May respectively.

Faced with this problem, on the eve of the World Day Migratory Bird 2016 held with the slogan ” … and when the sky falls silent? Let us put an end to poaching and illegal trade “, the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) has announced the creation of the Ad Hoc Intergovernmental on the killing, capture and illegal trade of migratory birds in the Mediterranean.

the European Commission, the United Nations , the governments of European countries, Interpol, the organizations concerned of law enforcement and judicial organizations, communities of hunter and non-governmental organizations form part of this Task Force.

“During their long journeys, birds migratory conflict with various natural obstacles, from the predators in the open. they should not have to also avoid the grasping claws of illegal trade in wildlife. the capture and illegal killing of birds not only threaten the survival of the species but ecosystems, communities and livelihoods, “said Executive Director of UNEP, Achim Steiner in a press release.

poaching of birds has been traditionally practiced in the Mediterranean for centuries. But now this illegal activity has increased and endanger many species that are already threatened by climate change or habitat loss.

“The equipment used to capture birds is now more efficient. The nylon mist nets are almost invisible to birds. As a result, more birds are captured populations already in decline. We must end the illegal killing Now, if you do not want our skies fall into the silence, “said Jacques Trouvilliez , Executive Secretary of AEWA.

the action group will work to set and enforce national and international laws against illegal hunting of migratory birds. it is expected that this initiative can be replicated in other major flyways around the world .

in Ecuador, the 1618 bird species, only 16% are migratory according to the Ministry of Environment. for Juan Manuel Carrión , ornithologist, there is not much illegal hunting of birds come from elsewhere in the country.

Meanwhile, Carrion, director of the Quito Zoo invites the public to participate in days of birding to mark the World day of Birds throughout this week.

to coincide with these dates, this weekend will be held the second version of the great Global day organized by Cornell University, the campaign will be out worldwide on May 14.

This is an international competition where all citizens are invited to get on the web portal to observe birds from 00:00 to 23:59 on Saturday. In 2015, Ecuador rose from seventh to fifth place with 73 lists and 621 species of birds as Ecuador Global Big Day .