Cyprus completes the release of 80,000 partridges across hunting grounds in the coming days, but the Game and Fauna Service warns the birds face severe pressure from stray dogs and foxes, causing significant losses.
The Service calls on hunters conducting reconnaissance or training their dogs to avoid passing near release sites, particularly when partridges remain within the core areas.
The presence of hunting dogs in these areas causes intense stress and disturbance to the partridges, further burdening already pressured populations.
Due to prolonged drought, artificial watering stations have become critical for the survival of game species. The Service, in cooperation with hunting associations, has intensified water supply to these stations as many natural springs have dried up.
Excessive use of watering stations by wildlife, herds, stray animals and hunting dogs results in rapid water depletion. The Service calls on all hunters to immediately report any watering stations without water to the Service or local hunting associations.
Recent population counts by the Service confirm concerns raised at a scientific conference on 1 June 2025, organised by the Cyprus Hunting and Wildlife Conservation Federation.
Reduced rainfall in recent years has negatively affected partridge and francolin populations in particular.
The count results show partridge populations have declined by more than 40% compared to the corresponding 2024 count. This means some areas show an even greater decline exceeding 80%, particularly in mountainous and semi-mountainous regions, whilst other areas show smaller decreases.
Hare populations show an increase of nearly 10% compared to the corresponding 2024 count, which was down 21% compared to the 2023 count. This means hare populations in some areas may show declines, whilst in other areas the population increase may exceed this percentage.
These estimates preceded the recent large wildfire in mountainous Limassol, which has already caused further losses to local game populations. The fire-affected area has been declared a prohibited hunting zone.
Based on this data, the Game and Fauna Service calls on all hunters to demonstrate maximum responsibility during the upcoming hunting season.
The current state of game populations does not mean the effects are irreversible, but everyone must be ready to make bold and difficult decisions if necessary for the benefit of game species, the Service said.
Strict adherence to legislative provisions and bag limits is not only a legal obligation but an urgent necessity, the Service states.
