Protecting Nature: The Impact of Poaching Traps

During an inspection of the Lebedivka forest area, part of the Tuzlivski Lymany National Park, a forester discovered and removed 8 illegal wire traps. The conservation service emphasizes that the installation of such traps has significant ecological and legal implications.

This information was reported by the conservation service of the Tuzlivski Lymany National Park.

Traps are primitive tools used for catching birds and animals, often employed by poachers. They are set up in areas frequented by wild animals, such as boars, otters, foxes, and others.

The negative consequences of using traps include:

• injury and death of wild animals;
• destruction of rare species;
• disruption of ecosystems;
• difficulty in detection due to their hidden nature.

The use of traps constitutes a serious violation of environmental legislation.

The Law of Ukraine «On the Natural Reserve Fund» prohibits any activities that may harm natural ecosystems, including hunting.

According to Article 248 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, «Illegal Hunting» is punishable by a fine or community service, as well as imprisonment with the confiscation of hunting tools.

The rules of hunting and the types of violations are defined by the Law of Ukraine «On Hunting and Game Management».

Illegal hunting includes:

• hunting without the appropriate permit;
• hunting for species not listed in the permits;
• hunting in prohibited areas;
• hunting at prohibited times;
• using prohibited tools.

For liability to arise, it is sufficient to commit at least one type of illegal hunting.

The Code of Ukraine «On Administrative Offenses» provides for fines and confiscation under Article 85.

Additionally, the conservation service reminds that visiting the forests of the Odesa region is prohibited during the martial law in Ukraine.