Serbian Citizens Remove Spiteful Anti-Opposition Billboard That Is Blocking Endangered Alpine Swifts from Feeding Their Young in Their Nests

A coalition of environmental activists, biology students, and local citizens in Belgrade, Serbia, successfully campaigned to remove a billboard that had inadvertently blocked access to nests of endangered alpine swifts (Tachymarptis melba). The billboard, part of a political campaign for the ruling Serbian Progressive Party, was installed on May 28, 2026, and quickly drew criticism for its negative impact on local wildlife.

The Bird Protection and Study Society of Serbia raised urgent concerns after discovering that the billboard prevented adult swifts from feeding their chicks, leading to dire consequences for the vulnerable population. Reports indicated that many chicks were starving as their parents struggled to reach their nests.

"The species nests in the roller shutter boxes on the windows of the mentioned building," a spokesman from the bird protection society stated. "Parents are being forced to frantically hit the windows of the remaining sides of the building in an attempt to reach their offspring."

Mobilizing support, the society, along with students from the Faculty of Biology at the University of Belgrade and local community assemblies, called for immediate action to save the chicks. They filed criminal charges against those responsible for erecting the billboard, arguing that its presence constituted a clear violation of wildlife protection laws.

Residents and activists organized a protest in front of the Albania Palace, where the billboard was positioned, demanding its removal. In response to public outcry, Serbia's Finance Minister Sinisa Mali announced that the billboard would be taken down, pledging to address the community's concerns.

The concerted efforts of citizens and environmental groups highlight the growing awareness and activism regarding environmental issues in Serbia, especially as the balance between political agendas and wildlife conservation becomes increasingly critical. The swift removal of the billboard represents a small victory for local efforts to protect vulnerable species in urban environments.