How does drought affect hunting?

Spain, with its rich biodiversity and hunting tradition, faces significant challenges due to the lack of rainfall. Regions such as Catalonia and Aragon are at the epicenter of this water crisis, suffering from droughts that profoundly alter local ecosystems. These areas, known for their variety of game species such as wild boar, red-legged partridge, and wild rabbit, are now seeing their populations compromised by water scarcity and the reduction of their natural habitats.

Our goal with this blog is to analyze in detail how drought affects these species, assess the ecological and socioeconomic consequences, and discuss possible mitigation and adaptation strategies.

Small game hunting

The lack of rainfall has drastically reduced water availability and the quality of natural habitats, affecting key species such as the red-legged partridge, the wild rabbit, and the Iberian hare. These species depend on a balanced environment for their reproduction and survival, and the scarcity of water resources and vegetation decreases their birth rates and increases mortality. Furthermore, the drought favors the spread of diseases and parasites, further complicating the situation. As a result, hunters find it increasingly difficult to spot and capture these prey, jeopardizing not only the practice of small game hunting, but also the ecological balance and rural economies that depend on this traditional activity.

Big game hunting

Drought is also having significant consequences for big game hunting in Spain, impacting both the quality of trophies and the populations of emblematic species such as red deer, wild boar, and roe deer. Water scarcity and diminishing food resources have led to a reduction in the size and health of animals, directly affecting the quality of trophies, such as antlers and tusks, which depend on good nutrition to develop fully. Furthermore, populations of these species are suffering due to the decline in suitable habitats and increased competition for limited resources. Drought also exacerbates physiological stress and weakens animals' resistance to disease, which can lead to a decline in survival and reproduction rates. These conditions not only challenge hunters seeking high-quality specimens but also jeopardize ecological balance and sustainability.

What can we do to help animals?

Installation of Drinking Fountains: Create and maintain artificial drinking fountains and ponds in strategic areas to ensure that animals have constant access to drinking water.

Planting Native Vegetation: Planting drought-resistant plant species that provide food and shelter for local wildlife. An example is planting areas for roe deer or wild boar.

Competition Control: Regulating populations of species that directly compete with game species for limited resources, specifically predator management.

Trophy Selection: Focus hunting on mature and less productive specimens to preserve young and breeding individuals.

Collaboration with Organizations: Working with hunting associations, NGOs, and government entities on wildlife conservation and monitoring projects.

Education and Awareness: Promote environmental education among hunters and the community at large to encourage responsible practices that are conscious of their ecological impact.

Of particular note is the work of hunters in the Valencian Community, who have spent €16 million on environmental improvements. This region has demonstrated great commitment, keeping water troughs and feeders stocked so the species can cope with the drought, stocking game, controlling predators, and improving shelters and nurseries.

Author: María Balletbó