France launches decade-long protection plan for alpine bird species
France launches decade-long protection plan for alpine birds facing severe population decline.
Event / Environment
France Alpine Bird Protection
France designates alpine ptarmigan and capercaillie as protected species, implementing hunting bans and habitat protection measures to address population decline from climate change impacts.
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2026-09-08 to 2026-11-06 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 8 Sept, 12:07 UTC
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What happened
Alpine ptarmigan populations isolated and fragile in French Alps and Pyrenees
The alpine ptarmigan exists in France only in the Alps and Pyrenees as isolated and fragile populations. The species, also called perdrix des neiges (snow partridge), faces pressure from climate change reducing its habitat, human disturbance in mountain areas, and habitat artificialisation.
Capercaillie reintroduction plan in Vosges discontinued due to high mortality
A capercaillie reintroduction plan implemented in the Vosges in 2024 will not continue due to the death of nearly all reintroduced individuals.
Alpine ptarmigan and capercaillie classified as protected bird species in France
The alpine ptarmigan (lagopède alpin) and capercaillie (grand tétras) were officially classified as protected bird species in France by decree published September 8 in the Journal officiel. This protection renders both species non-huntable and protects their nests, eggs, reproduction sites, and resting areas from destruction, alteration, or degradation. This was the first addition to France's protected bird list since 2009.
French government to develop ten-year protection plan for mountain bird species
The classification of alpine ptarmigan and capercaillie as protected species enables easier access to funding, particularly at the European level, and permits the government to develop a comprehensive ten-year protection plan with the goal of stabilizing and potentially increasing populations.
Capercaillie population declined 80% in French Pyrenees since 1960
The capercaillie, Europe's largest wild bird, experienced dramatic population decline in France with numbers falling approximately 80% since 1960 in the Pyrenees. The species now persists only as fragile populations in the Pyrenees, with small residual populations in the Jura and Vosges mountains.
French State Council called for five-year hunting ban on alpine ptarmigan
The French State Council (Conseil d'État) requested in early March that the government suspend hunting of the alpine ptarmigan for five years, determining that hunting was incompatible with species conservation efforts.
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