The LIFE Perdix delegation recently concluded an important training experience in the south of France, in collaboration with the Federations of Occitania.

The visit focused on three departments, with particular attention to the Pyrenees area, where there is probably the only experience of managing a completely wild population of partridges in Europe. For over 30 years, this area has not been subject to releases or reintroductions of individuals bred in captivity, ensuring the survival of a rustic population of Perdix perdix hispaniensis, the Pyrenean subspecies. These partridges live at high altitudes and feed mainly on wild essences, in an ecosystem free from the use of cereals.

Management by the Federation is characterized by a rigorous conservative approach, which involves constant monitoring and carefully regulated sampling. The activities are carried out with meticulous checks and strict compliance with the rules.

At the base of everything, there are environmental improvements and responsible management that protects habitats and fauna. A model that sees the active collaboration of all social categories involved, from hunters to farmers, to environmentalists and technicians.

A special thanks goes to the host federations, the Fédération régionale des chasseurs d’Occitanie, the Fédération Nationale des Chasseurs and to Christophe Urbaniak.