Hunting of migratory birds: disturbance intolerant or harvest tolerant?

Abstract

An understanding of how hunting affects migratory birds is essential for reaching sustainable management of hunted populations. The purpose of our paper was to synthesise current knowledge of autumn and winter hunting disturbance on migratory birds and to describe a case study in Hellas (Greece). Hunting may influence migratory bird behaviour and movements, but studies have not found a corresponding increase in non‐hunting mortality factors or any reduction in feeding, body condition, breeding success and any long‐term population decrease. We developed a diagnostic procedure which provides a tool for assessing the potential susceptibility of a species or group of species to hunting disturbance. The application of this procedure showed that the influence of hunting disturbance on quarry species is inverse to hunting harvest. This new insight should be considered in a holistic hunting management approach.