A Program of the Cyclades Preservation Fund in partnership with:
Αλκυόνη – Aegean Wildlife Hospital
Naxos Wildlife Protection Association
MOm-Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of Monk Seals
ARION-Cetacean Rescue and Rehabilitation Research Center
Between the 19th and 21st of October 2024, the Cyclades Care for Wildlife team completed the 3rd round of trainings and actions to bring awareness and capacity building to the community of Santorini as well as over 20 Aegean island associations who were present in the context of the CPF Islanders Forum (an annual meeting of island associations organised by CPF).
Beyond the approximately 80 people who attended the two training sessions; four hours of theory and two hours of practical demonstrations, the four expert organisations of the Cyclades Care for Wildlife network met with local authorities and investigated the local situation for wildlife in Santorini.
Actions on Santorini
- Meeting with the Port Authority, and the Municipality to discuss wildlife emergency responses and provide essential information and guidelines.
- Investigating the concerning situation of illegal bird trapping and trafficking on the island. (for more information see this recent report published by an independent organisation).
- Release of two rehabilitated birds; a Little Owl and a Honey Buzzard.
- Trainings of the Cyclades Care for Wildlife program.
Outcomes
- Responses were overwhelmingly positive, from local authorities, the general public and the environmental associations who took part in the trainings.
- Trainees received thorough instructions and background information to confidently respond to wildlife emergencies (as confirmed through feedback), knowing the right contact information, and where to access it quickly.
- Several associations pledged to share what they learned with their community and move toward becoming an informal ‘station’ for wildlife rescue, supporting the official organisations of the network.
- Two incidents of injured wildlife following the training demonstrated the network in action. A seal in Anafi and a hawk in Sifnos were each supported through trainees of the Cyclades Care for Wildlife program to deliver the wild patients to the appropriate organisations for their rehabilitation.
For ways to support wildlife in the Cyclades, see more information on the main page of the Cyclades Care for Wildlife program.
See that latest wrap up of the program here: