The removal of the Western/Caucasian Capercaille and the Alpine Ptarmigan from the list of huntable species by Minister Monique Barbut marks a concerning turning point in French environmental policy. This abrupt decision, made without consulting stakeholders or following adaptive management principles, is a departure from the previous approach. These two species were already subject to strict moratoriums, following decisions from the State Council. This meant they were no longer hunted, allowing for scientific observation, population evaluation, and conservation policy adjustments. Removing their huntable status transforms a flexible management tool into a permanent ban without significant new scientific evidence, raising questions about why freeze a situation that required adaptation and reversibility.
Contrary to common beliefs, hunters have been taking concrete actions to protect the Western/Caucasian Capercaille and the Alpine Ptarmigan even before this decision. They voluntarily suspended hunting these species, conducted rigorous scientific monitoring, restored habitats, and mitigated disturbances. These actions, largely undertaken by the hunting community, demonstrate that hunters are active biodiversity managers.
The decline in populations, especially of the Western/Caucasian Capercaille in certain areas like the Vosges, despite hunting bans for years, reveals a complex ecological reality. Multiple factors contribute to the decline, such as habitat fragmentation, increasing tourist disturbances, climate change, predator pressure, and loss of favorable ecological mosaics. The decision risks limiting available tools for fine and proactive management instead of maintaining an adaptive approach based on data and population trends.
President of the National Federation of Hunters Willy Schraen noted that this decision seems more symbolic than ecologically necessary, emphasizing the importance of involving local actors and practical actions in biodiversity conservation efforts.
Beyond the controversy, the decision raises a fundamental question: can biodiversity be effectively protected without the involvement of those who manage it daily? The hunting community advocates for a conservation approach that includes local actors, detailed environmental knowledge, and on-the-ground actions. Excluding these actors from the decision-making process weakens environmental policies’ effectiveness.
Preserving the Western/Caucasian Capercaille and the Alpine Ptarmigan requires more than ideological clashes – it demands a collective, scientific, and pragmatic approach. The real question is not who is right, but which actions truly save these species.
