Evaluating potential threats to birds in Greece: an analysis of a 10-year data set from a rehabilitation centre

Abstract

In an attempt to identify the critical threats to avian biodiversity in Greece we present and analyse a data set of the birds received at a rehabilitation centre. During a 10-year period (1996–2005) a total of 21,190 birds were admitted to the Hellenic Wildlife Hospital from throughout Greece. Our results indicate that shooting is by far the most important threat to birds in Greece, followed by accidents. Although greater numbers of shot birds were received during the autumn and winter months, when hunting is allowed, birds were received year-round. Birds were received from all areas of Greece, with the highest number received during the summer months. The high number of shot birds received during the months in which hunting is prohibited demonstrates the lack of law enforcement. We argue the need for direct political decisions concerning the enforcement of existing regulations on hunting. Decision makers and managers could use the findings of our study to re-evaluate and design conservation policy in Greece, including reduction of the hunting period and restriction on hunting activities.