Wildlife

Wild Migratory Raptor Hunting Pressure

Migrating raptors face illegal hunting along traditional flyways, causing mass mortality events that undermine conservation efforts.

Key Facts

Mediterranean islands are hotspots for illegal raptor hunting during migration
Millions of raptors are killed annually on Asian and African flyways
Honey buzzards, falcons, and harriers are priority targets
Law enforcement and awareness campaigns have reduced but not eliminated hunting

Welfare Considerations

Illegal raptor hunting causes acute suffering through wounding and death. Birds that survive initial wounding may die slowly from injuries. Population-level impacts from sustained hunting pressure undermine conservation investments made in breeding range countries.

What You Can Do

Support anti-poaching enforcement on major raptor migration routes
Donate to organizations monitoring and campaigning against illegal raptor hunting
Never purchase illegally caught raptors or raptor products
Raise awareness about illegal raptor hunting when visiting migration hotspots