Journal
ORYX
Volume 42, Issue 3, Pages 408-414Publisher
CAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESS
DOI: 10.1017/S003060530700066X
Keywords
bird conservation; Greece; hunting; mortality; potential threats; rehabilitation centre; shooting
Categories
Ask authors/readers for more resources
In an attempt to identify the critical threats to avian biodiversity in Greece we present and analyse a data set of the birds received at a rehabilitation centre. During a 10-year period (1996-2005) a total of 21,190 birds were achnitted to the Hellenic Wildlife Hospital from throughout Greece. Our results indicate that shooting is by far the most important threat to birds in Greece, followed by accidents. Although greater numbers of shot birds were received during the autumn and winter months, when hunting is allowed, birds were received year-round. Birds were received from all areas of Greece, with the highest number received during the Summer months. The high number of shot birds received during the months in which hunting is prohibited demonstrates the lack of law enforcement. We argue the need for direct political decisions concerning the enforcement of existing regulations on hunting. Decision makers and managers could use the findings Of Our Study to re-evaluate and design conservation policy in Greece, including reduction of the hunting period an, restriction on hunting activities.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available