Hunting is often assessed (or compared) as having significant pressure (impact) on nature (the environment). It should be noted that the data and facts have not been thoroughly evaluated.

FACE has carefully assessed reports submitted by member states regarding the impact of hunting and potential threats to nature. The reports cover the period from 2013 to 2018 and clarify the impact of hunting on bird species (particularly those included in Annex II of the Birds Directive (huntable)) and large carnivores in Europe.

It has been established that:

Hunting constitutes a very, very small proportion of the various (including high-level) factors reported that affect the habitats and species included in the Birds Directive and the Habitats Directive.

Half of the bird species for which hunting is cited as a high-level influencing factor are species with a good status and positive trends within the European Union (EU).

The main 'pressure' on birds is caused by habitat loss due to agriculture and urbanisation.

Regarding large carnivores, they are most affected by infrastructure and illegal hunting.

Although European nature is subject to the influence of various factors, hunters are key players in the conservation of both birds and large carnivores.
FACE assessment
Pixabay photo used