WWF presents the first large-scale study on wildlife law violations in Bulgaria
Control authorities recorded only 2,818 injured wild animals in five years
WWF Bulgaria publishes the first-ever study on the scale of wildlife law violations in Bulgaria, based on official information received from relevant institutions. The results show that endangered species enjoy significantly less protection than the so-called economically important species, i.e. those that can be hunted and fished legally. Data show that crimes against the latter are sanctioned more frequently and with greater severity. Nearly 60% of the pre-trial proceedings initiated by the Prosecutor’s office and 2/3 of all convictions at first instance are in fact for illegal hunting and fishing of non-endangered species.
“This is the first study to describe the overall picture of wildlife law violations in Bulgaria. Its data cover the period between 2016 and 2020 and were collected from official sources, including district and regional Prosecutor’s offices, Regional Inspectorates of Environment and Water, and the Directorates of the three National Parks in this country. In the course of our research, we submitted requests for access to public information, and we also conducted interviews with law enforcement and conservation professionals. It turns out that our legislation does not protect endangered species strongly enough“, says Ekaterina Voynova, Senior Expert Wildlife Conservation at WWF and one of the authors of the report.
According to the statistics, in five years, inspections recorded only 2,818 injured wild animals. Most of them were birds (2,089), followed by mammals (307) and reptiles (244). In comparison, the two largest wildlife rehabilitation centres in the country recorded many more injured animals – 8,219 injured birds at the Green Balkans Wildlife Rescue Centre in Stara Zagora and 1,100 tortoises at the Rehabilitation and Reproduction of Tortoises of the Gea Chelonia Foundation.
Apart from the discrepancy between the official information and that coming from field officers, it is also worrying that there are reports of specimens of the protected brown bear species being killed; that poaching of wild goats is becoming a threat to the conservation of the species and that thousands of birds are falling victim to human interference. Different types of threats are observed for different species.
The most affected animals by wildlife crime in Bulgaria
Bats, the most affected mammals
33 of the 35 European bat species live in Bulgaria. Among the greatest threats to their survival is the extinction of their natural habitats. The reason for this is improper forest management and the removal of old, hollow trees in which they live. Another problem is pesticides that poison them through their main food, insects.
The fact that they are herd animals that form aggregations is probably the reason behind the statistics. Hundreds and even thousands of specimens can be affected by any impact, such as the renovation of buildings and large-scale construction, especially in the winter period, where relocation of colonies is necessary in order to carry out construction activities. Another threat is disturbances in caves, which can cause high mortality during hibernation.
In reptiles, it is most often tortoises
A major problem with tortoises is human interference. They are taken from the wild and kept as pets or attractions in restaurants. Sometimes they fall victim to road traffic or grass cutting.
The largest number of affected specimens is among birds
The number of birds that have passed through the Rescue Centre in Stara Zagora shows a steady increase since 2010, which is a possible indicator of higher pressure on birds in Bulgaria. Another reason for this tendency could be a better public awareness of reporting injured animals. The main risks to birds are related to shooting, poisoning, nest destruction, and road traffic. There are also reports of groups of birds falling victim to bird flu (avian influenza).
Sturgeon in the Danube continues to be critically endangered
Another study by WWF shows that in 2020 alone, law enforcement authorities in Bulgaria found 260 “hook line” type devices – long ropes with hooks and weights that are placed on the bottom of the river Danube, which are used for illegal fishing of the critically endangered sturgeon. Their total length is 23,450 metres. WWF has worked for years to protect the remaining sturgeon populations on the Lower Danube and warns that illegal wildlife trafficking channels also support other criminal activities such as counterfeiting, kidnapping and drug trafficking.
Next steps against wildlife crime in Bulgaria
Following the analysis, WWF Bulgaria will organize specialized trainings for prosecutors and investigators in wildlife crime detection and prevention. The organization is grateful for the cooperation and openness which we have so far received from several stakeholders and especially prosecutors, who have long ago recognized the issues, outlayed in the report and have been working on overcoming the shortcomings in law enforcement. With continued cooperation, we are confident that there will be significant advances in combating wildlife crime in the near future.
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