In Sirmione a series of swallow's nests have been shot down. They also contained eggs, waiting to hatch. Also install dangerous networks
A terrible violence against the swallows. Dozens of nests have been cut down in Sirmione. Some of them also housed the eggs, with the little ones ready to come into the world. It happened in Sirmione where in addition to the killing of nests, the carabinieri found real traps that killed the birds.
The swallows have no peace in Sirmione, where the WWF Bergamo and Brescia made a sad discovery. Dozens of nests have been destroyed, despite the fact that inside them there were eggs waiting to hatch. Inside a garage tunnel of a residence, very thin nets were also found, positioned to prevent the swallows from stopping.
In spring, after having traveled thousands of kilometers, the swallows return to nest in our part of the world but too often they have to deal with ignorance and human wickedness.
So the nets were positioned in Sirmione: they are "real death traps" as explained by WWF Bergamo and Brescia, given that some swallows got entangled there and died after excruciating suffering.
“The intervention of the forest police and WWF volunteers brought to light a serious crime by now. Yes, because it is a serious act punishable by law: the killing of protected fauna, the destruction of nests, the use of prohibited nets, are the accusations hypothesized in the complaint. The Carabinieri Forestali, WWF BG BS and Lipu are in possession of testimonies, photographic documentation and videos that leave no doubt.
Sirmione: dozens of swallow's nests felled. To make the case more serious is the fact that within these were ...
Posted by WWF Bergamo-Brescia on Tuesday, May 12, 2020
The condominiums who live in the residence told of having witnessed really sad scenes:
“The swallows seem to have gone mad and flutter without stopping looking for nests”.
Destroying nests or killing swallows is a crime
These animals are protected by law n. 157/92 and by article 635 of the penal code and by municipal regulations, which prohibit its destruction and in the event of killing of pullets, the most serious violation of art. 544 bis of the penal code.
For this reason, if you see someone destroying the nests or causing any form of disturbance to the species, you can report it to the Forest Police by calling 1515 or 112,
Why is it important to defend them?
As the LAC explains, the Abolition League Hunting, swallows, swifts and house martins are in danger, not only due to climate change and the use of pesticides in agriculture but also due to the fact that in the wintering areas they are hunted and the their nesting is hindered, as is also happening in Sirmone.
"In this period the Swallows, House Martins and Swifts are returning to our territories where they nest, reproduce and towards the beginning of autumn they gather to then move to the warm places of Africa, India, China, Philippine Islands. These are insectivorous species that contribute to the reduction of annoying insects, such as mosquitoes, flies and others. Some scientific studies cite the ability to capture insects up to the amount of about 20 thousand per day per couple in the breeding season. Since there are legal regulations for the protection of wildlife, it is necessary to safeguard and protect natural and semi-natural habitats and wild flora and fauna ”concludes the LAC.
Sources of reference: LAC, WWF Bergamo and Brescia
READ also:
Swallows, house martins and swifts are back, but they risk not finding their nests anymore
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Swallow's nests: in Cortona an ordinance prohibits their destruction. Fines are foreseen for those who transgress
