As reported, there is an outcry from animal rights activists over the hunting of turtledoves. This is only allowed in Vienna, Lower Austria and Burgenland. That should now change, at least in part.
In the easternmost state, the closed season ended a few days ago. According to Gabor Wichmann, CEO of Birdlife, bird populations have declined by 71 percent since 1998. The turtledove is red on the bird protection traffic light list, meaning “top priority for bird protection – urgent need for protection and action”.
habitat disappears
The main reason for the disappearance is the lack of suitable habitats. Hunting also plays a role. According to official information, 793 turtledoves have been shot in Lower Austria in the last five years. However, from the point of view of the hunters, there are completely different ecologically plausible causes: “The main reason for the decline of the species is the ever-increasing protection of predators, which can only be countered by hunting through the number of unprotected predators. Birds of prey beat turtledoves , talons are plundered by corvids and climbing species such as mustelids and invasive raccoons.”
Hunting
In any case, hunting will no longer play a role in Burgenland. In January 2024 there will be a regulation that stipulates that the pigeons, known as a sign of love, will be protected all year round in the future. So this year’s hunt will be the last. According to the office of the responsible regional alderman, Leo Schneemann, there have been hardly any deaths in the past.
Other federal states on the train
“Now Vienna and Lower Austria must also become active so that they do not soon become the only death zone in all of Central Europe on the turtledove map,” Madeleine Petrovic, chairman of Tierschutz Austria, made a very clear request to politicians.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
