Study finds cyclist versions should be banned to entertain hunters

New research shows that restocking pheasants for hunting purposes has a disastrous environmental impact. here because.

cyclist hunting trip

Pheasant hunting is one of the favorite pastimes of those who enjoy killing other living creatures, so in some regions, in order to overcome harsh activity, timely release of these wonderful birds can be planned. After all, when they are exterminated, others can no longer be killed, what could be better than a nice repopulation with thousands of specimens to feed the poachers? You can’t go back to pick up your weapons and ride bloody rides, after all. However, the practice of release, as evidenced by numerous studies, can have consequences that should not be underestimated on ecosystems. Suffice it to say that, according to new research, the massive resettlement of pheasants literally makes the reptiles disappear from the areas where they were released, with serious consequences for the ecological balance. For this reason, according to the study authors, such discharges should simply be banned, as is already the case in some countries.

To determine that the release of pheasants for hunting purposes determines the local disappearance of the reptiles, scientists Eric Gretson and Julian Taymans, both from the Department of Studies at Natagora, an organization that monitors and studies biodiversity in Belgium. The two scientists reached their conclusions after analyzing the effect of releasing pheasants in six hunting grounds in Wallonia. Incredibly, no reptiles were found in these areas, no matter how many visits were made. In contrast, in other areas of the area not designated for pheasant release, the researchers identified an average of about three species of reptiles (one to six species). It’s a very obvious fact: the birds released en masse devour all the reptiles they come across, removing them from the area. Huge environmental damage, given the ecological niches covered in lizards, snakes, and other reptiles.

Another important result appeared during the analysis of a site where riders have been released since 1999. For several years in the field, researchers no longer notice the common orchid. Zootoca birth. However, in 2011, a few years after pheasant release ceased and the previously introduced pheasants became extinct (due to hunting), lizards returned to 4 of 5 sectors in the area; This is another clear sign of the role of voracious birds.

The effect of the cyclist on reptiles is considered catastrophic; In fact, scientists explain that in areas where no hunting releases occur, the species Angus Fragilis (The most common creeper in Wallonia) It is found in hundreds of specimens per hectare, while it is still non-existent in the resettlement areas. However, in the case of rare and localized species, even when the pheasant supply is interrupted, reptile restocking does not occur. This is for example a case viper beerus In the Belgian province of Namur, which even 10 years after the moratorium on riders is no longer recolonizing the region. In practice, the birds caused local disappearances.

male cyclist

In the face of such clear and dramatic data, according to the study authors, there is only one thing to do: ban the relocation of riders to satiate the sadistic appetites of hunters. Their reintroduction actually has nothing to do with science, only guns. “Considering the evidence presented, as well as previous studies showing that mass releases of pheasants have significant effects on plants, vegetation and arthropod communities, the authors argue that banning pheasant releases would be the recommended line for driving. As has already happened in other European countries such as the Netherlands. ‘,” says Bird Guides.

Finally, remember that the common cyclist (Phasianus colchicum) is not even a native species in many countries, where it was introduced – since ancient times – precisely for hunting purposes. Details of a research entitled “Effect of releasing large quantities of ring-necked pheasant (Phasianus colchicus L.) on domes (Reptilia Squamata)” has been published in the specialized scientific journal Bulletin de la Société Herpétologique de France.