Hunting as a way to manage invasive alien species

The article presents the results of the evaluation of the effectiveness of hunting to combat invasive alien species (IAS) in the member countries of the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Berne Convention, 1979). The research results showed that the report of 13 countries applying the norms of the European Code of Conduct on Hunting and IAS does not contain specific figures that allow us to conclude about its effectiveness. However, the analysis of the reports suggests that some positive results may be achieved in the future.

Introduction. The diversity of indigenous wildlife is essential not only for maintaining the biological balance of ecosystems, but also for the economy. The threat to this is the penetration of alien species into places where they have not previously met. Non-native species do not always appear by chance. Sometimes they are intentionally introduced by humans into the natural environment, among other things, for economic reasons, for hunting and fishing, ornament and attractiveness, biological pest control. The consequences of such an introduction are unpredictable. They are often not calculable, even if thorough studies have been conducted and continue to be conducted. An alien species whose introduction or spread has been found to threaten or adversely affect biodiversity and related ecosystem services is called an invasive alien species (IAS). Since hunting is a way of controlling fauna, it can be used to combat IAS.

Object of research is biological invasion.

Materials and methods. Analysis of the norms of the Berne Convention (1979) and the Recommendations of the Standing Committee of the Convention, the European Code of Conduct on Hunting and IAS and the latest published report on its implementation.

Results and conclusions. The Berne Convention (1979) and the Recommendations of the Standing Committee of the Convention, including the European Code of Conduct on Hunting and IAS contain many useful norms related to the management of alien species. However, Russia still acts as an observer in relation to the designated Convention. Nevertheless, it is difficult to draw a conclusion about the effectiveness of the application of the designated documents, since the report of 13 countries applying the norms of the European Code of Conduct in the field of Hunting, Hunting Management and IAS does not contain specific figures. However, his analysis suggests that some positive results may be achieved in the future.

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