{"id":19473,"date":"2021-09-13T20:40:16","date_gmt":"2021-09-13T17:40:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/4vultures.org\/?p=19473"},"modified":"2025-05-05T15:46:59","modified_gmt":"2025-05-05T12:46:59","slug":"tackling-the-problem-of-animal-poisoning-in-serbia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/4vultures.org\/es\/blog\/tackling-the-problem-of-animal-poisoning-in-serbia\/","title":{"rendered":"BalkanDetoxLIFE: Tackling the problem of animal poisoning in Serbia"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Tackling
\u00a9 BPSSS<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Engaging with relevant stakeholders about the problem of animal poisoning in Serbia is one of the most important ways we can help shift behaviour and attitudes about this issue. That is why the Bird Protection and Study Society of Serbia (BPSSS)<\/a> recently organized educational workshops in Apatin and Novi Pazar as part of the BalkanDetox LIFE<\/a> project. The workshops raised awareness about the poisoning of wild animals and the reasons that lead to this cruel and harmful practice, which may cause adverse effects on public health and the environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who are the key stakeholders?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

During the workshops held in August, veterinarians, cattle breeders, farmers, civil society organizations (NGOs), tourist organizations and protected area rangers had the opportunity to get acquainted with the problem of wild animal poisoning in Serbia and the most common reasons that lead to intentional and accidental animal poisoning. The BPSSS team also introduced participants to safe practices and alternatives that can resolve conflicts<\/a> without resorting to illegal practices such as poisoning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why do people illegally use poison baits?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

La reason behind the use of poison baits<\/a> is always a type of conflict, mainly between livestock breeders, farmers and game managers and carnivorous predators (wolf, golden jackal, bear, fox, and dog) that can damage livestock or game species. Poisoning can often happen by accident. For instance, when farmers use pesticides to prevent crop damage and protect themselves from insects. But these accidents can have devastating effects since bird species that feed on poisoned seeds (pheasants, partridges, cranes, doves) die and birds of prey that feed on rodents that ate poisoned seeds can also die.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where is it urgent to tackle the problem?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Apatin and Novi Pazar were not chosen by chance as the locations for the workshops. According to BPSSS data, the most damage from poisoning can occur in the vicinity of these places. Most poisoning cases in Serbia have been recorded in the vicinity of Apatin, so it is very important to alert people of the serious damages poisoning can cause, and that by poisoning wild animals, they pollute the soil they eat from and the water they drink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, the region of Novi Pazar is nearby the largest nesting colony of Griffon Vultures in Serbia \u2013 Uvac. Poisoning in this area can lead to mass poisoning of these useful birds and, therefore, a lot of effort must be invested to prevent the practice of poisoning by educating the local population.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What insights did BPSSS acquire from surveys?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n