LIPU warns of rising poaching after protected birds killed or injured in Italy

The Italian League for the Protection of Birds (LIPU) has issued an urgent alarm following several incidents of poaching involving protected species. A peregrine falcon was found wounded near Florence and subsequently died from its injuries. Additionally, a lesser kestrel and a rare Audouin's gull were rescued in the Rome area after being struck by lead shot.

LIPU President Alessandro Polinori noted that these incidents coincided with the start of the hunting season. The organization is criticizing a proposed reform of hunting law 157 currently under parliamentary review, arguing that deregulation could increase illegal activities. LIPU is calling on the Italian government and the European Union to intervene by strengthening penalties and increasing specialized law enforcement to protect biodiversity.