Sicily Court Halts Pre‑Opening of Hunting Season to Protect Migratory Birds

The Administrative Court of Sicily (Tar Sicilia) issued an order on 27 July suspending the regional hunting calendar, blocking the pre‑opening of the season. The decision follows a lawsuit filed by environmental groups Pro Natura, the anti‑hunting league Lega Antivivisezionista (Leal) and Cabse Green Impact, which argued that the regional plan illegally lists vulnerable species such as the wild turtle dove as huntable despite scientific evidence of their decline.

The court’s ruling provides temporary protection for thousands of migratory birds that cross the island each year, including raptors and other species already listed as endangered. The suspension remains in effect until at least 20 September, with a substantive hearing on the case scheduled for 20 October. Environmental organisations hope the pause will encourage a shift toward bird‑watching tourism and stronger ecosystem safeguards.

The order also highlights the absence of a legally required wildlife‑hunting management plan in Sicily, a gap that has persisted for eight years, according to the plaintiffs.