No longer hunted (for the time being), but still disturbed: no tranquility for capercaillies
In the middle of the winter break, a race on the Plateau de Beille will put an end to the much-needed peace of the capercaillies, forcing them to draw on their energy resources during what is supposed to be a “quiet” period for them. Once again, as the populations of these emblematic birds decline drastically, humans continue to disturb them.
No respite for capercaillies when it comes to winter sports
No sooner has hunting finally been suspended (and then only for 5 years, after so much struggle!) than the capercaillies continue to be harassed.
What better illustration than the organization of a night trail run on their last wintering grounds in the area?
Will these birds never have peace? When they and other galliformes aren’t being hunted down by gun-toting individuals, sportsmen “thirsty” for “extreme” adventures come and violently dislodge them at a sensitive time for their natural cycles.
A declining population prey to human disturbance
These discreet cocks of the woods are experiencing a sharp decline in their populations and are classified as “vulnerable” by the IUCN. It is vital to protect them from human disturbance, particularly in winter. At this time of year, they spend more than 80% of their time in the trees, saving energy by limiting their movements.
And yet, a race is organized at their resting places in Piparlan and Artaran. The passage of numerous participants will undoubtedly scare them away and disturb their peace, causing a potentially fatal expenditure of energy.
Given that mountain activities are one of the causes of the decline in their numbers, the trail run organizers should at the very least have sought prefectoral authorization, since such an event will cause disturbance with serious consequences to these birds of the Ariège mountains.
Shouldn’t we be thinking of the creatures who inhabit our summits before we shamelessly, selfishly and irresponsibly appropriate them?
Call on the organizers and elected representatives who support this event like this:
“Aren’t you ashamed to tolerate and organize such a devastating event for capercaillies in the middle of their winter rest period?”
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