The migration ofIbis Eremita is covering Italy and the Ministry of the Environment has decided to issue an alert. The dicastery has asked to initiate any useful initiative to avoid culling of these specimens, given that poaching has unfortunately plagued the last few years. Minister Sergio Costa addressed the Hunting Offices of the Tuscany, Veneto, Emilia Romagna, Friuli Venezia Giulia and to the Provincial Offices of Trento and Bolzano to ward off illegal activity.
Obviously, the Forestry Carabinieri were also involved. The ibises are about to reach the mild temperatures of Orbetello (Grosseto): in 2017 the specimens hit by poachers were three between Lazio and Tuscany, while from 2011 to date illegal killings amounted to 18. The "red zone" has also been extended to the North, including Trentino Alto Adige with the circular spread in the last few hours.
The economic damage was estimated at over 266 thousand euros. The wintering is involving 8 birds, in addition to the 15 already arrived and followed by others leaving. Even in previous hunting seasons there have been identical invitations and the hunting world has done its part with awareness campaigns and tough stances against poaching.