Illegal bird killings surge across Italy as hunting season reopens

At least eight protected birds have been illegally killed in Italy since the hunting season reopened on September 20, 2026. All eight documented cases involved gunshot injuries and occurred within one month as the birds migrated along international routes.

The eighth documented case was a Booted Eagle found severely injured in the Lazio region. It had a fracture of the radius and ulna in its left wing and eight pellets lodged in its body. The bird died despite rescue efforts at LIPU's wildlife rescue centre in Rome.

Protected species targeted across Italy

Over the past month, multiple protected raptor and seabird species were found with gunshot injuries across Italy. The documented casualties include a Peregrine Falcon, a Eurasian Sparrowhawk, a Eurasian Hobby, an Audouin's Gull, a Grey Heron, and two Eurasian Buzzards.

Four of these injured birds are recovering at LIPU's rescue centers. The Peregrine Falcon, the Grey Heron, and one of the Eurasian Buzzards did not survive. Gunshots are currently the biggest cause of death for birds of prey in Italy, especially in farmland areas.

High annual toll and international movement

BirdLife International cites an estimate that an average of 5.6 million birds are illegally killed in Italy each year. This is the highest figure in the Mediterranean region.

The incidents show international wildlife movement. The Audouin's Gull, which is listed as 'Vulnerable' on the IUCN Red List, had a French ring on its leg. It was likely travelling from France, where it was tagged, before being injured. The Booted Eagle itself can travel over 3,500 kilometres annually during migration.

Conservation pledges fall short

The Rome Strategic Plan 2020-2030 pledges to reduce illegal killing by at least 50% by 2030. With only four years remaining, Italy is not on track to meet this target. No suspect, arrest, or conviction has been identified in any of the eight recent cases.

Giovanni Albarella, head of anti-poaching and hunting activities at LIPU, stated that poaching is an emergency. It affects both protected species and species that can legally be hunted. He noted that illegal practices like the use of nets and electronic bird callers remain widespread.

In response, LIPU has proposed a temporary suspension of hunting in management areas where protected species are killed. This would be pending the identification of those responsible. BirdLife International has called for stronger preventive measures and enforcement, referencing countries' commitments under the Rome Strategic Plan.