Endangered bird mortality by gunshots: still a current problem

Abstract

This study analysed the illegal shootings of threatened species through information compiled from rehabilitation centres in Spain. Our objective was to assess whether this cause of mortality has reduced or increased over time and to verify if gunshots could be causing a decline of especially vulnerable species. We also aimed to identify the monthly distribution of gunshots, and whether they corresponded to hunting periods. A total of 67 not hunting species were shot, 58 species classified as “Least Concern”, six species as “Near Threatened”, two species as “Vulnerable” and one specie as “Endangered” according the IUCN red List. Across the whole set of species, as well as among “Least Concern”, there has been a decrease in the number of specimens shot over the years. However, for species “Near Threatened”, “Vulnerable” and “Endangered”, a maintained trend over time was observed. More gunshots on threatened species occurred during hunting periods, but gunshots occurred during all months of the year. One of the periods with more gunshots, in August and September, is caused by the shooting of trans-Saharan migratory species, such as the Montagu’s Harrier, the Hobby, the Booted Eagle and the Black Kite. Another peak in gunshots occurs between October and January, and particularly affects sedentary and wintering species. The most frequently shot species have shown decreasing population trends, although there is fragmentary information to obtain accurate data. Gunshots remain a serious problem for threatened species in relation to its population and it is important to reduce this cause of no natural mortality.