From Wednesday, March 11, it takes place in the Dadia - Lefkimi Forest National Park – Soufli one of the most serious incidents of mass wildlife poisoning in the last five years. So far, they have been identified nine Black Vultures dead, four Buzzards, four Crows, one Wolf, five Foxes, two Ferrets, while three Black Vultures were found alive in time with symptoms of poisoning.

Scattered in strategically selected locations in the heart of the National Park, poison baits were detected by the four Anti-poison Dog Units of the Society for the Protection of Biodiversity of Thrace, of the 2^th Orestiada Hunting Association and the Management Units of the Nestos-Vistonida-Rhodopi and Koroneia-Volvi-Chalkidiki National Parks of the NECCA. Since then, competent and local bodies have been mobilized, while Environmental Organizations across the country are calling for the immediate, effective investigation of the incident and its treatment as an organized crime.   

Ki Cinereous vulture is a scavenging predator-symbol of the Dadia Forest where the only natural breeding colony of the species in the Balkans. The species has been the subject of many years of conservation actions. and the loss of such a large number of individuals, in relation to the small population of the species, not only reverses years of national and cross-border actions for its protection, but also entails a very significant financial loss for the State.

This specific incident, although one of the most serious in recent years, is only the tip of the iceberg, as every year dozens of incidents of poisoning of wild animals (including strictly protected species, such as the Vulture and the Golden Eagle) occur throughout the country, but In no case have the perpetrators of the crime been identified and punished.. For example, between 1995-2025, 22 poisoned Black Vultures have been found in the Dadia Forest National Park. 

The mechanisms, protocols, funding and relevant training of competent bodies for the management of such incidents are in place. The use of poisoned baits has been banned in Greece since 1993 and it was only in 2022 that a Joint Ministerial Decision was adopted to control the illegal use of poisoned baits. However, this most recent incident is a stark reminder that the implementation of the above remains incomplete. As well as a sad confirmation that the impunity and contempt of the perpetrators for the institutions has reached an unacceptable level.. 

Due to the seriousness of the incident, the undersigned Organizations call on the State:

• To use all means at its disposal to investigate crimes, such as interrogations, use of traffic camera footage, lifting of telecommunications secrecy, etc.
• Thorough and complete on-site investigations, toxicological tests on the findings, and autopsies of all deceased individuals should be conducted immediately in order to compile a comprehensive case file.
• To decisively undertake the coordination of all involved agencies and services for optimal communication and effective cooperation in clarifying the case.

In the immediate future, Environmental Organizations and other bodies in the country will request an emergency meeting with the leadership of the Ministry of Environment and Energy, to extensively discuss the issue and the next steps that need to be taken.. Even if this crime goes unpunished, it will be the most blatant admission of our failure to protect nature from the threat of poisons!

Call to local residents and visitors:

Anyone who is in the area of the Dadia - Lefkimi - Soufli National Forest Park and spots a dead animal or a live bird that cannot fly or another wild animal with an obvious problem, please do not ignore it. Call the Forest Service (1591) and the local Management Unit of NECCA. With the active participation of citizens, some victims can be saved in time and further losses can be avoided.