RSPB's battle to rescue migrating birds from traps

SECRET restaurants on the island of Cyprus are charging diners up to €100 (£83) to feast on protected species as part of a huge black market industry.

- NADA FARHOUD

The Mediterranean island is a crucial stopover site each spring and autumn for migratory birds, including millions of songbirds, waterfowl and birds of prey.

But instead of being a resting place, two to three million birds a year are slaughtered after being caught up in nets or glue traps.

Among them are turtle doves - immortalised in The Twelve Days of Christmas but disappearing in real life.