Hidden poison: when animal monitoring unmasks it
On 25 March 2017 a red kite, that had been born in Czech Republic and wintered in southern Tuscany, died of poisoning in a game reserve in the province of Siena: it was found thanks to the GPS data logger through which researchers followed its movements.
Anti-poison Dog Units are included in the National Action Plan to fight offences against wild birds
The Ministry of Environment and the Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA) have developed a “National Action Plan to fight offences against wild birds”, identifying poison baits as one of the most widespread offences against avifauna in Italy, and including actions to strengthen Anti-poison Dog Units.
Conclusion of 2016, and first results achieved by PLUTO’s Anti-poison Dog Units for 2017
After having performed 80 inspections in 2016, the State Forestry Corps' Anti-poison Dog Units created in the framework of the LIFE PLUTO Project continue their activity and have already achieved a first result.
PLUTO Anti-poison Dog Units are accomplished and operational
A second group of six dogs, trained in the search of poison baits, has arrived, and their handlers have attended an advanced training course: the process to establish PLUTO Anti-poison Dog Units has thus been completed.
PLUTO Anti-poison Dog Units becomes fully operational, and achieve the first results
In the Casentino area (Tuscany), one of the six Anti-poison Dog Units established by the LIFE PLUTO Project has detected the first poison baits.
The convention on "Endangered Large Carnivores and Carrion Birds in Europe" has generated great interest and seen wide participation
A large and particularly attentive audience followed the works of the Convention on “Endangered Large Carnivores and Carrion Birds in Europe”, which the Gran Sasso-Laga National Park organised in Teramo on October 13th and 14th, in the framework of the LIFE PLUTO Project.
The LIFE PLUTO Project organizes a conference in Teramo, from 13th to 15th October 2016, about the endangered large carnivores and scavenger birds of prey in Europe
Experts from all over Europe will meet in Teramo in the conference hall of the Veterinary Medicine University Department to take stock of the status of many rare and endangered animal species.
An important official recognition for the Anti-poison Dog Units and their role in the fight against the poisoned bites
The decree regarding the "Regulations about the prohibition of using and possessing poisoned baits and bites" - issued by the Ministry of Health on June 13th, 2016 - recognizes the anti-poison dog units as an aid in the implementation of the reclamation works in those areas where poisoning events occurred.
The first series of courses and meetings about how to combat the wildlife poisoning has started
In May 2016 it started a first series of training and information dates about how to combat wildlife poisoning, addressing the institutions, the State Forestry Corps and other entities and representatives of associations and categories of stakeholders.
A meeting on wildlife poisoning organized by the European commission took place in Athens; the Gran Sasso-Laga Park presents the LIFE PLUTO and LIFE ANTIDOTO Projects
On the 18th and 19th of May 2016 it took place in Athens a meeting which addressed many LIFE Natura projects' beneficiaries, and made it possible to share the available knowledges about the illegal use of poison and to encourage a fruitful exchange of experiences regarding the activities carried out to prevent and combat this phenomenon.
