Var Prefecture proposes hunting ban in wildfire-affected zones

The Var Prefecture has announced plans to restrict hunting in forested areas damaged by summer wildfires to facilitate environmental recovery. A draft decree is currently undergoing a one-week consultation period with the Departmental Commission for Hunting and Wildlife (CDCFS), which includes representatives from the state, hunters, scientists, farmers, and wildlife protection associations.

The proposed measure aims to protect small game by creating sanctuary zones in burned areas, allowing ecosystems to stabilize and wildlife to naturally recolonize the habitat without hunting pressure.

However, the decree includes a significant exception for wild boar. Organized boar hunts (battues) will be permitted to continue in these zones to manage the population. This exception is intended to mitigate agricultural damage, particularly during the grape harvest season, as wild boars frequently cause costly destruction to crops located near burned forest edges.