Hunting returns to Cabañeros

The Plenary Session of the Ciudad Real Provincial Council has approved the reintroduction of hunting in Cabañeros National Park as a measure to curb the overpopulation of ungulates and the degradation of its ecosystem. The motion, presented by the PP (People's Party), was supported by Vox and abstained by the PSOE (Spanish Socialist Workers' Party), allowing its approval.

The text, signed by PP spokesperson Rocío Zarco, highlights the negative impact that the overpopulation of deer and roe deer has had on the park's flora and fauna. According to the proposal, the lack of control over these species has led to the deterioration of key habitats, putting emblematic species such as the Spanish imperial eagle and the Iberian lynx at risk. Furthermore, the overexploitation of vegetation by these animals has increased the risk of forest fires.

A change in Cabañeros' management

Since the complete ban on hunting in National Parks in 2020, Cabañeros has seen an uncontrolled increase in ungulate populations, leading to the search for alternatives for their control. In 2023, the Directorate General of Natural Environment and Biodiversity of Castilla-La Mancha approved the Wild Ungulate Management Plan, allowing for population control actions. However, the implementation of this plan has been insufficient, according to the approved motion.

To ensure the park's conservation, the People's Party (PP) has proposed requesting an investigation into the ecological status of Cabañeros from the European Commission, as well as sending an official delegation within a year to assess the affected habitats and determine protective measures.

Hunting as an environmental and economic resource

Miguel Ángel Valverde, president of the Ciudad Real Provincial Council, highlighted the importance of hunting not only as an environmental management tool but also as an economic resource for the Cabañeros region. "The towns in this area are losing population because hunting was one of the activities that generated economic opportunities and, since its prohibition, has become an environmental and socioeconomic burden," Valverde stated.

Furthermore, the People's Party (PP) has urged the European Parliament to investigate the ecological situation in Cabañeros and promote urgent intervention to halt its deterioration. Among the proposed measures is an amendment to Law 30/2014 on National Parks, allowing for an adaptation period of up to 10 years for the management of these protected areas.

A key step for the conservation of the park

With this decision, Cabañeros once again relies on hunting as an environmental management tool, seeking to balance biodiversity and reduce the negative impacts of species overpopulation. Now, attention will be focused on the implementation of these measures and their effectiveness in ensuring the protection of the national park's ecosystem.

Author: María Balletbó