06 Oct Hunting Ban Extended for Endangered Birds
Thanks to you, thousands of vulnerable wild birds will fly safely through Israel’s skies for another year.
The Ministry of Environmental Protection has officially extended the hunting ban on the Common Quail and the European Turtle Dove. This major win proves what is possible when our community of supporters stands up together to protect Israel’s natural heritage.
Species at Risk: The Threat Behind the Numbers
European turtle doves. Photo by Yoav Perlman
Without intervention, these two iconic species were facing a rapid decline toward total collapse, driven by overhunting and habitat loss:
- Common Quail: Over 1.5 million quails are hunted worldwide every year — a rate that threatens the species with total extinction.
- European Turtle Dove: Long-term monitoring data in Israel reveals a staggering 81% decline in local turtle dove populations over the last decade alone.
Historically, Israel’s hunting season saw roughly 2,000 licensed sports hunters kill hundreds of thousands of wild birds annually. But since 2020, your donations and advocacy have fueled SPNI’s legal campaign to stop recreational hunting.
A Collective Effort for Conservation
This decision was the result of a sustained, multi-year campaign. Your support allowed SPNI to:
- Provide unassailable field research: Supply government ministries and the Israel Nature and Parks Authority (INPA) with concrete monitoring data demonstrating the urgent need for emergency intervention.
- Mobilize public advocacy: Run targeted public campaigns that generated thousands of letters, petitions, and direct appeals to government officials.
- Counter powerful lobbies: Maintain dedicated legal and policy teams capable of advocating directly in the Knesset against well-funded sports hunting lobbies.
We also share this victory with our dedicated partners, including Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman, PM Advisor for Animal Welfare Tal Gilboa, Director General of the Ministry of Environmental Protection Rami Rozen, the INPA professional teams, and partner organizations Green Now, Let the Animals Live, and Animals Now.
European turtle dove. Photo by Meidad Goren
What Comes Next
While an annual extension provides immediate relief, temporary bans are only the first step. SPNI will continue advocating to permanently place the Common Quail and European Turtle Dove on Israel’s official protected species list and push for comprehensive legislation banning all sport hunting nationwide.