FACE - European Federation for Hunting and Conservation

20/06/2026

🐦 Avian influenza remains a major challenge for wildlife conservation and animal health across Europe.
Watch the video: https://youtu.be/SYIEkQWOmBg
According to the latest figures, 6,721 outbreaks have been reported across 35 countries, including 5,905 cases in wild birds and 962 outbreaks affecting farms, captive and backyard birds.
These numbers highlight the importance of continued surveillance, international cooperation and science-based management to better understand disease dynamics and reduce risks for both wildlife and domestic birds.
Hunters play an important role in monitoring wildlife health, reporting unusual mortality events and supporting early detection efforts across Europe.
📊 Latest update:
• 6,721 outbreaks reported
• 5,905 cases in wild birds
• 962 outbreaks in farms, captive and backyard birds
• 35 countries affected

20/06/2026

Answer: How Can We Reverse the Decline of Farmland Birds?
Watch the whole discussion here: https://youtu.be/1wFIasmJXhw
The situation of species and habitats in agricultural landscapes remains one of the greatest conservation challenges in Europe. However, solutions exist — and many of them can be implemented without affecting farmers' incomes.
In this response, the European Commission highlights the importance of cooperation between environmental authorities, farmers, conservationists and local stakeholders. Discussions are already taking place through the Birds Directive, CAP Strategic Plans and the upcoming National Restoration Plans.
One key message stands out: local organisations have a unique opportunity to propose practical, science-based measures that can improve biodiversity on the ground.
At FACE, we believe that successful conservation depends on evidence-based policies, cooperation with land managers and flexible solutions that work for both nature and rural communities.
🌾🐦 Restoring biodiversity is not only about setting targets. It is about delivering practical actions that make a real difference for species, habitats and people.

19/06/2026

🦅🇫🇷 A young female Peregrine Falcon is back where she belongs – in the wild.
After falling from her nest on Chartres Cathedral, this young falcon spent nearly ten months in rehabilitation before being successfully released on 10 June 2026.
This remarkable conservation success was made possible through cooperation between wildlife rehabilitation centres, the French National Association of Falconers and Austringers (ANFA), the French Biodiversity Agency and Avord Air Base.
The challenge was not only to teach the bird how to fly and hunt, but to do so while preserving its wild nature and avoiding dependency on humans. Thanks to the unique expertise of falconers, the young peregrine learned the skills needed to survive independently in the wild.
This project highlights how traditional knowledge, specialised expertise and strong partnerships can contribute to wildlife conservation and species recovery.
👏 Congratulations to ANFA and all partners involved in giving this magnificent bird a second chance at life in the skies.
Read more here: https://www.biodiversitymanifesto.com/2026/06/18/falconry-expertise-supports-a-peregrine-falcons-return-to-the-wild/

19/06/2026

Question: 🌾🐦 How Can We Stop the Decline of Farmland Birds?
See the answer here: https://youtu.be/1wFIasmJXhw
Farmland bird populations continue to decline across Europe, despite decades of conservation efforts. Is the problem a lack of cooperation between agriculture and environmental policy? Can farmers and conservationists find common ground?
In this clip, the discussion focuses on the dramatic decline of farmland bird species, the role of agricultural landscapes, and the need for better dialogue between farmers, conservationists and policymakers. What practical solutions could help reverse this trend without placing additional burdens on farmers?
💬 What do you think is the most effective way to restore farmland biodiversity in Europe?

18/06/2026

🦌 Saving Fawns Before the Mowers Arrive
Every spring and early summer, thousands of roe deer fawns are born in meadows and grasslands across Europe. Their natural instinct when danger approaches is not to run, but to lie still and remain hidden in the vegetation.
While this behaviour helps protect them from predators, it makes them highly vulnerable during the mowing season.
Across Europe, hunters work alongside farmers, volunteers and drone operators to prevent these tragic accidents. Using thermal-imaging drones, trained dogs and coordinated field searches, they locate fawns before mowing begins and move them to safety until the work is completed.
This conservation effort is becoming increasingly common in countries such as Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and many others. In Switzerland, for example, members of JagdSchweiz play an active role in fawn rescue operations, helping to save countless young animals every year.
These early-morning searches require time, dedication and cooperation, but the results speak for themselves: thousands of fawns are given a chance to survive.
This is another example of how hunters contribute to wildlife conservation, animal welfare and practical biodiversity protection on the ground.
🌿 Conservation is not only about protecting habitats. It is also about taking action when wildlife needs our help.
JagdSchweiz/ChasseSuisse/CacciaSvizzera/CatschaSvizra

17/06/2026

🌿 Understanding Wildlife Welfare Through Science
How do food quality, climate and habitat conditions influence the health of wild animals?
A new project in the protected area of Jasen, North Macedonia, is investigating exactly that. Focusing on red deer and Balkan chamois, researchers will examine how nutrition, microbial food quality, vegetation health and climatic factors affect animal welfare in the wild.
The project aims to generate robust scientific evidence to support better habitat management and wildlife conservation. By linking animal health indicators with environmental conditions, the research will help identify practical measures that can improve the well-being of wild ungulates and strengthen the resilience of wildlife populations in a changing climate.
Located just 15 km from Skopje, the Jasen protected area covers around 24,000 hectares of mountains, caves, rivers and lakes, and is home to remarkable wildlife, including the Balkan chamois, red deer and the endangered Eurasian lynx.
This project is part of the FACE Biodiversity Manifesto and demonstrates how science-based wildlife management contributes to conservation, animal welfare and healthy ecosystems.
👉 https://www.biodiversitymanifesto.com/2026/06/12/assessment-of-wild-animal-welfare-in-the-protected-area-jasen-north-macedonia/
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16/06/2026

🕊️ Can Hunting Help Save a Species? The Turtle Dove Story
https://youtu.be/yzr-EGCzGeg
🕊️📊 Adaptive Harvest Management in action.
FACE participated in the 12th meeting of the EU Task Force on the Recovery of Birds, reviewing the latest developments for the Turtle Dove.

🕊️📊 Adaptive Harvest Management in action.FACE participated in the...