Parliament is set to discuss new legislation that would grant the Interior Minister power to regulate falconry in protected areas and in areas where hunting is currently prohibited.
The bill, proposed by Democratic Party (DIKO) MP Chrysanthos Savvides, aims to control wildlife populations that damage agricultural crops in no-hunting zones.
Falconry involves certified handlers using captive-bred birds of prey to frighten and control populations of feral pigeons and wildlife. The practice requires a special “falconry handler’s licence” issued by the competent authority.
The use of falcons is primarily aimed at managing wildlife populations in agricultural, forest, urban and industrial areas to prevent damage caused by large concentrations of harmful species.
Captive-bred birds of prey are deployed as natural predators to disperse bird populations that threaten agricultural production, flight safety at airports, and other significant human activities.
While falconry was recently recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage, the practice is currently prohibited under Cypriot law and has no historical tradition on the island.
