Ticino bans hunting of endangered rock ptarmigan after years of debate
Ticino has removed the rock ptarmigan from its list of huntable animals. The decision, made by Environment and Transport Director Claudio Zali, follows years of debate over hobby hunting in Switzerland. The bird has been on the federal red list since 2010, raising concerns about its declining numbers.
The rock ptarmigan joins other protected species like the red-legged partridge and Eurasian woodcock. These birds remain huntable in some regions but face restrictions due to their threatened status. Cantons can extend closed seasons or impose local bans to shield vulnerable populations.
Hunters in Switzerland are permitted to kill around 3,500 animals of various species each year. Yet fewer than 1% of these involve endangered birds such as the corn crake, golden eagle, or woodcock—roughly 500 to 1,000 animals out of over a million hunted annually. Over the past five years, most of these killings occurred in Vaud, Graubünden, and Bern.
The 2018 shooting of 15 red-legged partridges, none of which were consumed, highlighted concerns about ethical hunting practices. Zali has stated that future cooperation with hunters will depend on their commitment to wildlife protection. Despite this, hobby hunters have already appealed against Ticino's decision to protect the rock ptarmigan.
The move to safeguard the rock ptarmigan reflects broader efforts to balance hunting traditions with conservation. With stricter cantonal rules and federal protections, fewer endangered species will be targeted. The outcome of the hunters' appeal will determine whether the ban remains in place.
