The European Community is calling on member states to implement the International Multispecies Action Plan, which defines predator control measures combined with good agricultural practices to return to good conservation status.
In the specific case of the lapwing, particularly present in the Po Valley which, as is known, is a highly anthropized environment, there are many known predators: foxes, badgers, crows, magpies, herring gulls, and various species of herons.
In accordance with the International Multispecies Action Plan, it is necessary to extend and increase control activities for some of the aforementioned species. Failure to do so, according to Federcaccia's Wildlife and Agro-Environmental Studies and Research Office, would constitute a failure to comply with Europe's requirements under the Plan. In the Po Valley, the estimated breeding population of lapwings is 6.000-7.000 pairs, a figure believed to be growing, thus countering the trend in other European countries.
Federcaccia hopes that the relevant authorities, having acknowledged the request, will promptly follow up on Europe's requests.
