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Rabbit numbers trigger hunting emergency across 12 Murcia municipalities
Special controls will target damage to farmland, roads and public safety until October 2028
A temporary hunting emergency has been declared across 12 municipalities in the Region of Murcia following a sharp increase in wild rabbit numbers.The measure, approved by the regional Ministry of Environment, Industry, Universities, Research and Mar Menor, is intended to prevent and control damage affecting agriculture, human health and road infrastructure. It will remain in force until October 11, 2028.
The initial area covered includes:
- Abanilla
- Abarán
- Albudeite
- Blanca
- Campos del Río
- Cieza
- Fortuna
- Jumilla
- Molina de Segura
- Mula
- Ulea
- Yecla
Other municipalities may be added later if they request inclusion and can demonstrate serious damage affecting more than 30 properties, together with a rabbit density of over 10 animals per hectare.
Control operations may take place on agricultural land where damage has been reported. They can also extend into a 300-metre perimeter covering other types of land, provided the owner gives permission. Further intervention is allowed in safety areas beside riverbeds and banks, as well as on slopes and in rabbit burrows close to transport routes.
The approved methods include live capture using ferrets, nets or cages, as well as hunting with birds of prey, bows, dogs and firearms used alongside dogs. Stalking and waiting may also be carried out during the day or at night, subject to the conditions set out in the order.
On areas alongside roads, only live capture is permitted, with the rabbits then transferred to authorised concentration centres.
All days of the week are classed as working days for these operations. Where controls are planned in non-hunting areas, prior notification will be required. Each operation may involve up to 30 authorised hunters or rural guards.
The rules do not apply inside several protected areas, including the Sierra de la Pila and Sierra de El Carche Regional Parks, the Ajauque Wetland and Rambla Salada, the Río Chícamo SCI, the Lagunas de Campotéjar SPA and Salar Gordo. Areas covered by the Bonelli’s eagle recovery plan are also excluded.
The order bans the release or restocking of rabbits, the use of lead ammunition and any form of fox hunting within the affected agricultural land.
Image: Gary Bendig/Unsplash
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