Hunters in the Aude region of southern France are making singular partnerships with locally elected officials to protect the red-legged partridge. The Departmental Federation of Hunters, in concert with the association of Mayors of the department, has been signing partnership agreements for the conservation of the nesting habitats of this emblematic bird.
This species preferentially nests on the edge of paths, which is very sensitive during spring when the grass is well-grown. The consequence is that, during this period, many districts, communities, departmental councils, and private landowners mow these grassy edges, destroying several partridges’ nests.
Policy Relevance
Hunters and hunting organizations are supporting huntable and non-huntable species in Europe through habitat management, providing or improving nesting sites for birds. The work done in the Aude region for the Red-Legged Partridge is one more example of the hard and fruitful work that hunters and hunting organizations make for the conservation of all birds’ species, thereby contributing to the EU’s Biodiversity Strategy for 2030.
This threat was identified, and in 2023, the town of Ribaute in the Corbières signed a partnership agreement to protect these nesting sites. Thanks to the combined effort of the Town Hall, FDC 11, and the local ACCA, the birth of a brood of young red-legged partridges has been successfully observed!
The initiative is one more testimonial to the great leadership and commitment of the Aude Hunters and their Federation in conserving biodiversity. This proactive measure sets a model for how hunting communities can take measures that contribute to preserving and improving natural habitats.
Congratulations to the hunters of Aude and their federation for their exemplary work in biodiversity preservation, showcasing the vital role hunters play in environmental conservation efforts.
For more information please check out: https://www.chasse-nature-occitanie.fr/aude/ and https://www.facebook.com/FDCN11/
