A bird protection NGO has hailed the €9,200 fine imposed on a trapper near Paralimni who was caught “red handed” by the game and fauna fund.

The committee against bird slaughter (Cabs) said that a sting operation was set up following a report to the authorities over the weekend.

They said that along with wardens from the game fund, they caught the poacher red handed and further seized 50 limesticks and rescued five birds – four blackcaps and one sparrow.

Cabs warned that despite the illegality of the practice, particularly during spring mating season, “bird trappers are out in force with their limesticks and mist-nets” amid bird migration flows to the island.

Also this week, the game fund warned hunters that from March 1 until August 15 all hunting is prohibited, appealing to their own self-interest concerning a prospective bountiful season.

The period constitutes the breeding season for most Cypriot wildlife and the official announcement on Wednesday reiterated that killing, capturing, harassment or pursuit of any type of wildlife during this time is punishable with up a fine of up to €8,000.

During this time all areas are considered restricted hunting zones and as such, further fines of up to €1,000 can be imposed – depending on the type of species killed or otherwise harmed, the number of animals disturbed and the time at which the harm took place.