The Threat of Poaching in the Forests of Odesa
During an inspection of the Lebedivka forest area, which is part of the Tuzlivski Lymany National Park and managed by the southern forestry office of the State Enterprise «Forests of Ukraine», a forester discovered and removed 8 illegal poaching traps. The protection service reminds that setting such traps has not only significant ecological consequences but also legal implications.
This was reported by the protection service of the Tuzlivski Lymany National Park.
The traps are primitive tools used to catch birds and animals, consisting of wire or rope loops attached to trees or stakes. They are primarily used illegally by poachers. They are set up in areas of active wildlife movement, such as wild boars, otters, foxes, and more.
The negative consequences of using traps include:
- injury and death of wild animals;
- destruction of rare species;
- disruption of ecological systems;
- difficulty in detection due to their hidden nature.
The use of traps is a serious violation of environmental protection laws.
According to the Ukrainian law «On the Nature Reserve Fund», any activities that harm natural complexes, including hunting, are prohibited.
Under Article 248 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine «Illegal Hunting», such actions are punishable by fines or community service, or imprisonment with confiscation of tools and means of hunting.
The rules of hunting are defined by the Law of Ukraine «On Hunting Management and Hunting».
Illegal hunting includes:
- hunting without the proper permit;
- hunting for animals not listed in the hunting permits;
- hunting in prohibited areas;
- hunting at prohibited times;
- hunting using prohibited tools.
For liability to occur, it is sufficient to commit at least one type of illegal hunting.
The Code of Ukraine «On Administrative Offenses» provides for fines for violations of wildlife use regulations.
Furthermore, the guards remind that forest areas of the Odesa region are prohibited for visiting during martial law in Ukraine.
