Management program for free-roaming donkeys launched in Karpasia

On Friday, authorities in northern Cyprus began implementing a management program for free-roaming donkeys on the Karpasia peninsula. Coordinated by the Wildlife Research Institute, the initiative involves capturing animals found outside designated zones and transferring them to controlled, fenced facilities. The process includes veterinary health screenings, blood tests, and the installation of electronic microchips for long-term database monitoring. Kemal Basat, director of the Taşkent Nature Park, stated that the plan spans ten years, consisting of one year of preparation, three years of intensive implementation, and six years of monitoring. A central measure of the program is the sterilization of male donkeys to reduce population growth and aggressive behavior. Officials cite the negative impact of the animals on the local ecosystem, including damage to endemic vegetation, crops, and water sources, as well as their involvement in road traffic accidents. Residents have been requested to report the location of free-roaming donkeys to assist with the gathering process.