From 1971, a series of Italian laws and international conventions have prohibited Spring hunting and have declared birds of prey protected species. Since then the Springtime hunting has transformed itself into poaching.
The first environmentalist association to move itself against this phenomenon was the LIPU, which organized a series of protests and the first study and surveillance camp in 1984.
Since then numerous intimidation acts against the LIPU and the GUFO (which has sided the LIPU since 1988) have occurred. The attack at the LIPU center of Pellaro, the aggressions towards many campers, a Gufo camper's car set on fire, and the letters and warnings of all sorts are some examples which can give an idea of the climate in which the volunteers have to operate in Calabria during the protection and study camp.
The camp has arrived at its 15th year and it takes place from the last week of April to the second to last week of May.
Fifty volunteers participate at the camp every year, almost all coming from the University of Viterbo, divided in weekly groups.
The activities which take place have two aspects: on one side a scientific one, with the collection of data on the species and the count of the sighted birds; on the other side a protectionist aspect, with the patrol of the pass areas in straight contact with the law enforcement officers.
The volunteers in fact, do not intervene directly, but limit themselves to give the law enforcement officers their knowledge related to the territory and migration phenomenon, especially for vehicle use, and in legally denouncing the law offenders.
In 1985 the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests sent for the first time a contingent of the State Forest Corps in Calabria, with the precise duty of contrasting the phenomenon of migratory birds of prey poaching.
Since then every year 50 men from the State Forest Corps, equipped with "war-like" uniforms, divide themselves in 10 patrols helped by two helicopters and constantly patrol the rural territory.
Many have also been the "Baschi Verdi" of the Guardia di Finanza of Lamezia Terme which, after the movement of the poaching from the rural areas to the urban ones have done many operations in private homes. Unfortunately, it's a few years that the G.d.F doesn't do this service anymore.
More recent is the commitment by the Carabinieri and the State Police which have, in the past years, done various operations in inhabited centers also using undercover police agents.
To participate in the Protection Camp you can visit the page referred to the LIPU site and sign yourself up directly, after having read with care the general warnings and the detailed description of the kind of work which is carried out in Calabria. If you are students from the University of the Tuscia you can contact us with e-mail at the address adorno@gufo.org or at the Aula Studenti Agraria. The participation is free. All expenses are taken care of by Associations (except the trip and insurance).
Gruppo
Universitario Faunistico Ornitologico
(Universitary Group for Wildlife and Ornithology)
Viterbo