The report **The Killing 3.0** analyzes the progress of **46 nations** in implementing the **Rome Strategic Plan (2020-2030)**, which aims to reduce by 50% the [illegal hunting and trade of birds](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/en-funes-lograron-rescatar-a-40-aves-protegidas-del-comercio-ilegal/) before 2030.
Comparing the results with the **2016 report (The Killing 2.0)**, which estimated the death of **26 million birds per year** due to illegal activities, the new analysis reveals that:
– **83% of countries do not reach the [reduction goal](#).**
– **19% have worsened their figures since 2020**, with Egypt, Syria, Cyprus, and Libya showing the greatest setbacks.
– Only 8 countries (17%) have made substantial progress or maintain **low levels of IKB (illegal bird hunting).**
Illegal hunting, driven by economic reasons, unsustainable traditions, and the pet trade, remains the second cause of [decline in migratory birds](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/dia-mundial-de-las-aves-migratorias/), after habitat destruction. Species such as the **European turtle dove, the Egyptian vulture, the European goldfinch, and the common quail** face critical threats.
## Spain, a model of progress in bird conservation
Spain stands out among countries with remarkable progress due to:
– The **ban in 2018 on the capture of finches** for singing contests, significantly reducing illegal catches.
– Effective measures against **wildlife poisoning**, reducing mortality by this method since 2010.
– The formation of **specialized police units** and the strengthening of the **Attorney General’s Office**, improving the judicialization of environmental crimes.
Since 2020, illegal hunting has been reduced by **50% to 74%**, thanks to collaboration between **NGOs, authorities, and public administrations**.
## Pending challenges and risks for conservation
Despite the progress, Spain must **sustain efforts** to prevent setbacks:
– Attempts to legalize prohibited practices, such as *Parany* (glue trapping) and finch trapping in Valencia.
– Differences in the implementation of measures among autonomous communities, affecting the effectiveness of the fight against illegal hunting.
– Destruction of nests of migratory species, endangering populations such as swallows, swifts, and common swifts.
– Trafficking of exotic birds and birds of prey to the Middle East and Europe, with the Internet facilitating illicit trade.
Spain leads key initiatives but **must strengthen its TIFIES Plan** to effectively combat the trafficking of wild species.
## Recommendations for the Mediterranean basin
The **The Killing 3.0** report suggests urgent strategies to reduce illegal hunting in Europe and the Mediterranean basin:
– **Greater political will** to approve national plans and multisectoral cooperation.
– **More precise monitoring**, with accessible databases and funding for environmental studies.
– **Stricter legislation**, with proportional and harmonized sanctions.
– **Training for judges, prosecutors, and police officers**, strengthening the prosecution of crimes.
– **Public awareness**, promoting zero tolerance for illegal hunting.
– **International cooperation** to curb bird trafficking and offer sustainable alternatives.
The future of many species depends on the **joint action of governments, NGOs, and citizens**, ensuring that illegal hunting does not continue to affect global biodiversity.
