On Thursday 25 February, theintergroup hunting, biodiversity and rural culture met via webinar to discuss the important issue of the status of huntable birds in Europe. Many species are the subject of discussion, including the turtle dove, the waders, and various species of anatidae and anseriformes. In particular it was highlighted the positive action of hunting against some species of geese including the wild goose, which in recent decades has seen a significant increase in population, making itself responsible for considerable damage to agricultural crops and in particular to autumn-winter cereals in the growing phase.
The Vice President also spoke at the meeting Marco Dreosto, who in his speech highlighted the inconsistencies of the EC referring to action plans for declining species, citing the case of pochard and lapwing. In the case of these two species, in fact, the management activity in the hunting field was not included and the Commission in 2019 suggested to the Member States to simply prohibit hunting, in consideration of their classification in AEWA. A behavior inconsistent with the management of other species, as in the case of the turtle dove. For Dreosto, the EC does not consider the importance of keeping the two species available even in limited quantities, in relation to the maintenance of habitats by the hunting world, directly concerned.
Why has the EC never proposed to facilitate hunting for growing or stable species that are not huntable under the Birds Directive, for example by applying a derogation? This could balance the hunters' interests by supporting them in keeping natural habitats and making them aware that the EC has a balanced approach and considers hunters part of the conservation program. If the EC continues to only suggest suspending the hunt, the list of huntable species will simply be reduced, but this is not in line with biological principles and the current situation of wild birds in Eurasia, adding a negative perception of the Commission in European hunters. "
The same action plan for nesting waders has identified which are the priority actions to achieve the recovery of populations, namely changes in agricultural practices and predator control, but the EC has not yet provided any guidance to the Member States for the achievement of priority actions. Dreosto asked the reason for such a different behavior, which suggests that the actions decided within the action plans, are not considered important by the Commission itself.
It seems good to me that we also begin to evaluate our work as hunters. Above all, the fact of being able to be part of a natural equilibrium equated to Europe and the damage caused by animals that constantly increase, see geese, wild boars, cormorants.