Formentera pigeon hunters get temporary go-ahead

In an effort to keep fauna populations in check and protect local farming production, the Formentera Council's Office of Rural Affairs has issued a special provision effecting Formentera's game preserves. The following five Sundays —from July 24 to August 21— from 7.30 to 11.30am and 5.30 to 9.00pm, the common wood pigeon may be hunted on authorised game preserves.

Pointing to a recent spike in the pigeon's numbers on Formentera, rural affairs councillor Bartomeu Escandell explained the aim of the move was to “protect crops threatened by these birds, especially on local vineyards”. The hunting techniques permitted will not change from those set out by current laws in force, and hunters' assignments to specific reserves will not be affected. Escandell said the measure was in tune with the Formentera Council's policy of rural renewal and pest control for species that impede it.