A major wildlife poisoning case is unfolding in Dadia Forest, one of Greece’s most important protected habitats, after poisoned bait killed rare birds and other animals across a large part of the reserve.
Authorities say the scale of the incident has triggered alarm at the Environment Ministry, with emergency search teams deployed to locate and remove toxic bait from the area.
Rare vultures among the victims
The most serious losses involve the cinereous vulture, a strictly protected and endangered species. Eleven of the birds were poisoned, and eight died, while three survived after receiving immediate first aid.
The losses are particularly severe because Dadia Forest hosts the only colony of cinereous vultures in the Balkans. According to reports, the dead birds represent between 7% and 10% of the local population.
Other dead animals found in the area include wolves, foxes and martens, pointing to a much wider ecological impact.
Poison found across large area
Poisoned bait has been discovered across a broad stretch of the forest, from its central core to its western boundary.
The first warning signs emerged last Thursday, when two poisoned vultures were found. Since then, the extent of the incident has become increasingly clear.
Dadia Forest is protected under the Natura conservation network, making the use of poisoned bait in the area a particularly serious offense.
Emergency response launched
The Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency (NECCA), which is responsible for managing and protecting the forest, has launched a coordinated operation in the area.
Specialized teams from Thessaloniki and Rhodope, assisted by trained dogs, are now searching the forest to identify and remove poisoned bait before more animals are affected.
Investigation focuses on possible motives
Authorities are examining several possible scenarios behind the poisonings, although no motive has been confirmed.
One line of inquiry is that livestock breeders may have targeted predators such as wolves out of fear for their herds. Another possibility under review is that hunters may have sought to kill foxes, which they see as competitors for prey such as hares.
Officials stress that these are working hypotheses and remain unproven.
The investigation has now expanded, with specialized police units also involved in examining all possible leads.
The poisoning of wildlife in Dadia is being treated as a severe environmental crime in one of the most important ecosystems in southeastern Europe.
