Exploring differences in stakeholders' perceptions of illegal bird trapping in Cyprus

Abstract Background Cyprus is recognised as a hotspot for illegal bird trapping in the Mediterranean basin. A consumer demand for the Eurasian blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla) is driving the use of non-selective trapping methods, resulting in the indiscriminate killing of millions of migratory birds. Efforts to tackle the issue have so far been characterised mostly by a top-down approach, focusing on legislation and enforcement. However, trapping levels are not decreasing and conflict between stakeholder groups is intensifying. Methods To understand why efforts to stop illegal bird trapping have not been effective, we used semi-structured interviews to interview 18 local bird trappers and nine representatives from the pertinent environmental non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the governmental agencies responsible for enforcing the legislation. Results We found distinct differences between the views of the local trapping community and the environmental NGOs, particularly on why trapping is occurring and its impact on the avifauna. This disparity has contributed to misrepresentations of both sides and a high degree of conflict, which is potentially proving counterproductive to conservation interventions. In addition, it appears that trappers are a heterogeneous group, likely driven by various motivations besides profit. Conclusion We argue that stakeholders interested in reducing illegal bird trapping need to develop anti-poaching strategies that aim at minimising the disparity in the views, and subsequently the conflict, acknowledging also that trappers are not a homogenous group, as often treated

Wideband short horn design for a multibeam radiotelescope

Two antenna designs for the five hundred meter Aperture Spherical Telescope (FAST) are presented: a circular stepped horn and a circular profiled horn. The optical configuration of FAST imposes requirements on the antenna design. These requirements are used in optimizing the horn designs. Simulated results for the horns performance are presented and the ability of the designs to achieve FAST's requirements is discussed.4 page(s

Evolved-profile dielectric rod antennas

A systematic approach is presented for the design of profiled dielectric rod antennas that satisfy specified radiation pattern objectives. The approach uses a body of revolution method of moments technique to rapidly analyze arbitrarily profiled dielectric rods while a genetic algorithm is used to achieve the design objectives. As examples we present dielectric rod designs optimized for maximum gain and low sidelobes. These designs are compared with a conventional linear profile design. Measured results are presented and these are shown to agree well with the calculated radiation patterns. We show that improved gain and sidelobe performance is achieved using a non-linear rod profile compared to a standard linear profile. The generality of the approach is demonstrated with a shaped beam antenna design that has a cosecant-squared pattern.10 page(s

A 600 GHz dielectric rod antenna

Dielectric rod antennas have advantages as elements of focal plane arrays for imaging applications at terahertz frequencies. As well as good directivity and moderate bandwidth they are readily integrated with diode detectors. To demonstrate these attributes we describe the fabrication of a prototype antenna by laser ablation. Theoretical and measured results are presented for a dielectric rod antenna operating at 600 GHz.3 page(s

High-T_c superconducting step-edge josephson junction detector for terahertz imaging

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