High number of unreported cases

Action sharp: New special unit hunts poachers

A "SOKO Wald" is now targeting the illegal and cruel shooters.(Bild: stock.adobe.com, WWF, Peter Frießer/birdlife, Daniel Scharinger, Krone KREATIV)

The Federal Criminal Police Office, the German police in Lower Bavaria, the Upper Palatinate and the WWF have launched a crackdown on illegal shooters! Informants are also being sought ...

More than 200 wild birds and 16 strictly protected mammals were mercilessly shot between 2016 and 2022, making them victims of illegal persecution. The number of unreported cases is likely to be far higher, as many remain undetected or are not reported, the WWF laments.

Increasing the efficiency of law enforcement
In order to stop this dramatic trend, an alliance of partners from nature conservation associations, authorities, veterinary medicine, police and science is now targeting eco-criminals. The task force (whose members include Birdlife Austria, the University of Bremen, the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research and the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna) has set itself the goal of reducing the illegal killing of wild animals through a strategically coordinated approach and increasing the efficiency of law enforcement!

Most recently, a white-tailed eagle was killed in northern Burgenland. A long-eared owl also fell victim to poachers.(Bild: Peter Frie0er/Birdlife)

Sad background
Extremely sad background: thousands of strictly protected wild animals have been poisoned, beaten to death or shot in recent years, not only in Austria but also in Germany. For species that are already very rare, illegal persecution is one of the most common causes of death and is pushing them to the brink of extinction. What's more, very few perpetrators are identified, and even when they are, convictions are very rare.

A "SOKO Wald" is now targeting the illegal and cruel shooters.(Bild: stock.adobe.com, WWF, Peter Frießer/birdlife, Daniel Scharinger, Krone KREATIV)

Even some roebucks are in danger.(Bild: Daniel Scharinger)

In the fight against illegal killing in forests, fields and meadows, the eco-SOKO is also working hard to improve forensic investigations and training for police officers as rangers. The public prosecutors' offices in both countries are also to be given better "weapons" against the ever-increasing poaching.

Lynx are also being targeted by shooters.(Bild: WWF)

"Whistleblower" platform
The most important instrument in this fight against poachers is a dedicated whistleblower platform. "Cases of all kinds can be reported there, anonymously if desired, depending on the species. We then forward these immediately to the relevant authorities," appeals German project manager Samantha Look.