“Chica” and “Paca” against poison baits
45 patrol missions have been performed since December 2019 by the two new Antipoison Dog Units operating in Crete and the Dodecanese under the LIFE Bonelli eastMed Project.
“Paca”, along with her handler Giorgos Chorafas, Federal Gamekeeper of the 1st Hunting Federation of Crete and Dodecanese, are operating in Lasithi region, eastern Crete, also assisting in patrols in Heraklion region, central Crete. They have performed 32 patrols up to date and have found three poison baits and eight dead poisoned animals.
On their part, “Chica” and her handler Christina Diakidi, Gamekeeper of the 1st Hunting Federation of Crete and Dodecanese, have operated in 13 cases in Rhodes Island region and have removed four poison baits and 13 dead poisoned animals from nature.
After the dogs’ necessary adaptation period with their handlers, the two Antipoison Units performed regular precautionary patrols under the LIFE Bonelli eastMed Project, in order to prevent wildlife poisoning, and particularly deadly incidents of poisoned Bonelli’s Eagles. At the same time, they respond immediately to any citizen or agency complaint or report on possible use of poison baits.
In the forthcoming period, both teams, “Paca” with Giorgos Chorafas and “Chica” with Christina Diakidi, are planning to perform extra patrols in order to cover areas with known Bonelli’s Eagles and other large raptors’ territories. And of course, they are on standby to respond to any emergency concerning use of poison baits in their respective regions.
If a poison bait or a poisoned animal comes to your attention, call immediately:
- For the Lasithi Region (Giorgos Chorafas and Paca): (+30) 6949 733835
- For the Rhodes Island Region (Christina Diakaki and Chica): (+30) 6938 786874
