The collection resumes
Last year with the approval of the National Tortora Management Plan it has been possible for many Regions to include this fascinating migrant again among the huntable species and for the technicians of the Studies and Research Office of Federcaccia to resume the collection of wings with satisfactory numbers. The hope is that this year the other Regions will also follow this management path for the species, so that as many hunters as possible can contribute to the research. The study has now reached its seventh year, but it is still necessary to continue for further seasons to collect information on this species to better manage it. From year to year the participation of hunters has been constant, but it would be very useful to further increase these numbers. Game bags are certainly very limited by the Plan compared to the past, but there are many hunters who are dedicated to this hunt and the hope is that this positive trend will expand.
The calculation of indices
The data collected up to now has outlined a favorable overview since the calculated indices of the ratio between young people/adults from 2016 to today have always been around the value of two young people per adult, with fluctuations but without decrease. This data supports the assessment that the population of doves hunted in Italy has a certain constancy in reproductive success. It is important to underline that also this year, for the second time, the results obtained so far will be presented to the scientific community: Dr. Marco Fasoli, who follows this project, and dr. Michele Sorrenti, scientific coordinator of the Studies and Research Office, will participate in the XXI Italian Congress of Ornithology, which will be held in Varese from 5 to 9 September. As can be easily understood, the role of the hunter in the management of the wild turtle dove is and will certainly be important in the coming years. For this reason, the Federcaccia Studies and Research Office renews its invitation to participate in the collection of wings, which still shows gaps in many parts of Italy. Hunters have their future in their hands.
How to participate in the project
Below are the instructions for participating in the project:
THERE ARE TWO ALTERNATIVE WAYS (CHOOSE ONLY ONE) TO COLLABORATE
SENDING THE WINGS
SENDING PHOTOS OF THE WINGS
SENDING THE WINGS
The cut of the wing must take place at the base of the shoulder. The wings, before being placed in the envelope, must be well opened (at least 130°) and left to dry by placing them on a sheet of rigid cardboard with paper pins for at least 10 days. This drying process is very important to avoid the formation of mould.
For each individual it is sufficient to send only one wing (indifferent if right or left). For groups of wings on the same hunting day and date, the wings can be placed in an envelope, noting the required data. In the case of groups of wings, indicate on the envelope the number of animals culled so as to avoid incorrect counting in the case of right and left wings together.
Yellow or white paper envelopes can be used for shipping. DO NOT WRAPP THE WINGS IN PLASTIC BAGS. In the case of large quantities, the wings can be shipped in a box by writing the number of wings inserted.
The envelopes containing the wings, once sealed, must be sent to: Doctor Marco Fasoli, Strada dell'Alpo 106/a, Verona 37136 –VR.
The delivery of the wings should possibly take place by April 2024.
SENDING PHOTOS
Take a single photo for each turtle dove or group of turtle doves shot on the same day, holding the wings open so that the upper part is visible (the turtle dove must be positioned with its back up). Send by email or whatsapp (or one or the other, not both) to the following addresses with name, province and date of collection: [email protected] – 347 0557445 Dr. Marco Fasoli
For any clarification you can write to the email [email protected] or call 347 0557446 (Dr. Marco Fasoli) or 366 5616364 (Dr. Michele Sorrenti) (Faunal and Agro-Environmental Studies and Research Office FIdC).