Nine rare vultures poisoned in Dadia forest

The news in Greek

1. δηλητηριάζω
   βάζω δηλητήριο σε κάτι ή σε κάποιον, ώστε να προκαλέσω σοβαρή βλάβη ή θάνατο ↩︎
2. μαυρόγυπας  (m.)
   πολύ μεγάλο αρπακτικό πουλί, μαύρου χρώματος, που τρέφεται κυρίως με ψοφίμια ↩︎
3. ορνιθολογικός
   που έχει σχέση με την επιστήμη που μελετά τα πουλιά ↩︎
4. δηλητηρίαση  (f.)
   κατάσταση κατά την οποία ένας οργανισμός έχει βλαφτεί από δηλητήριο ↩︎
5. δόλωμα  (n.)
   φαγητό ή αντικείμενο που χρησιμοποιείται για να προσελκύσει ή να παγιδεύσει ζώα ή ανθρώπους ↩︎
6. προστατευμένος
   που έχει ειδική φροντίδα ή νόμιμη κάλυψη για να μη βλάπτεται ↩︎

Translation

Text comprehension

Question 1: How many black vultures were found poisoned in the Dadia forest, and how many of them died?

Question 2: Why does the Hellenic Ornithological Society want an investigation into the poisoning?

Vocabulary

Greek	English
δηλητηριάζω	to poison
μαυρόγυπας  (m.)	cinereous vulture
ορνιθολογικός	ornithological
δηλητηρίαση  (f.)	poisoning
δόλωμα  (n.)	bait
προστατευμένος	protected

Read the full story

Nine endangered vultures have died after a suspected case of mass poisoning in the Dadia forest in the region of Evros, north‑eastern Greece. In total, twelve black vultures (μαυρόγυπες) were found poisoned, according to the Hellenic Ornithological Society, which has called for an urgent investigation.

The organisation describes the incident as the most serious case of poisoned bait use in recent years in Greece. The birds are believed to have been affected by poisoned carcasses or baits placed by humans. While the exact substance has not yet been made public, the Society states that the poisoning was the result of human intervention.

Dadia–Lefkimi–Soufli National Park, usually referred to as Dadia forest, is one of the most important protected areas in Greece. It is known as a key refuge for black vultures, a large scavenger species that feeds on dead animals. Conservation groups describe the vulture as an emblematic species of the forest, and note that there have been many years of conservation work to help maintain its small population.

The Hellenic Ornithological Society stresses that the case has both ecological and legal dimensions. The use of poisoned baits has been officially banned in Greece since 1993. In addition, there are European Union rules on the protection of wild birds and habitats, as well as a joint ministerial decision in Greece aimed specifically at controlling the illegal use of poison in the countryside.

Despite this legal framework, the incident took place inside a national park, which is one of the country’s most strictly protected areas. Environmental groups argue that this raises questions about the implementation and enforcement of existing laws. They warn that repeated poisonings can create a sense of impunity for those responsible.

The Ornithological Society has issued a public appeal for the state to treat the case as a serious environmental crime. It is urging the relevant authorities to carry out a full investigation, use all available investigative tools and seek to identify and prosecute any perpetrators under criminal law.

Greek media report that photographs of the dead and dying birds, released by the organisation, have caused concern among conservationists and local communities. Commentators in the environmental sector see the incident as a warning sign that stronger monitoring and control mechanisms may be needed to protect wildlife in protected areas.

For international observers and language learners interested in Greece, the case highlights the challenges the country faces in balancing nature conservation, rural activities and the effective enforcement of environmental law. The investigation by the Greek authorities is ongoing, and further details are expected as official inquiries continue.

Info: ‘Greek Learner News’ is a service from ‘Let’s Learn Greek’, a language school dedicated to teaching Greek through various online courses and Greek lessons for different levels and interests.