The Ministry of Sustainability and Environment has published in the Official Gazette of the Andalusian Government (BOJA) the resolution adopting exceptional hunting measures aimed at controlling populations of wild rabbits (‘Oryctolagus cuniculus’) in various municipalities in the provinces of Granada, Jaén, Málaga, and Seville. This decision is a response to significant damage to agricultural crops caused by abnormally high concentrations of this species in certain areas.
Despite being a key species in Mediterranean ecosystems and a vital food resource for endangered species such as the Iberian lynx, as well as for large raptors, the wild rabbit has locally reached densities that severely compromise agricultural productivity. This situation has been documented by the agricultural administration and endorsed by the relevant territorial delegations, leading to the declaration of a hunting emergency, in accordance with the provisions of the Law 8/2003 on wild flora and fauna and its implementing regulations.
The measure will exclusively affect hunting grounds with a valid Hunting Technical Plan specifically addressing rabbit damage control, located within the municipalities listed in the resolution, including towns like Loja, Íllora, Montefrío, Úbeda, Jaén, Antequera, Campillos, Seville, Morón de la Frontera, and Écija, among many others.
Among the planned actions, live capture using ferrets and nets is permitted throughout the 2025/2026 hunting season. In particularly sensitive areas, this will be the only technique allowed, as it is considered the least invasive.
Additionally, the use of firearms is authorized between November 24, 2025, and February 28, 2026, only on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, ensuring damage reduction without compromising the reproduction of other wild species. In exceptional cases, and upon request from the preserve owners, territorial delegations may extend this period if necessary. The maximum number of hunters per day is limited to five per 250 hectares, with the possibility of proportional increase.
The use of falconry birds daily during the same period without restrictions on the type of bird used is also allowed, provided it is suitable for prey. During the general rabbit hunting period from August 10 to November 23, 2025, the conditions established in hunting technical plans and current regional regulations will remain in effect, with the only exception being that falconry will be allowed every day.
Predator Control
As a complementary measure, the possibility of authorizing the control of hunting predators such as foxes is being considered, given their opportunistic nature and the imbalance caused by the overabundance of rabbits in certain preserves. This action will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to avoid negative impacts on other species like the Iberian hare.
To implement any of these measures, landowners must notify the corresponding territorial delegation at least ten working days in advance of their intention to carry out control actions. This communication should include the names and identification documents of participants, the planned methods and dates, a location map of the damages, and additional information when dealing with areas of public hydraulic domain or actions for reforestation purposes.
Regarding the disposal of captured specimens, their use for self-consumption, relocation to areas within the preserve away from the damaged areas, or, with express authorization, their use for reforestation in other hunting preserves is considered. In the latter case, compliance with the traceability and animal health requirements established by regional and state regulations, including the subsequent communication of the reforestation outcome and the provision of health documentation, is mandatory.
Furthermore, preserve owners utilizing these exceptional measures must include, as an annex to the annual hunting activities report, a detailed summary of the results obtained. This report should include data on the number of rabbits captured, dates, methods employed, personnel involved, and any other relevant information related to the resolution’s implementation.
The resolution will take effect the day after its publication in the Official Gazette of the Andalusian Government and will remain valid until the end of the 2025/2026 hunting season. However, it may be modified or suspended in whole or in part if it is determined that the exceptional circumstances that prompted its adoption have disappeared.
With this action, the Andalusian Government reaffirms its commitment to protecting rural areas, biodiversity, and agricultural production, advocating for an adaptive and balanced management of wildlife that allows for damage prevention without compromising species conservation or the functioning of natural ecosystems.
For municipalities and provinces not covered by this resolution, measures to control damage to agricultural crops can be implemented by including them in the hunting technical plan of each preserve. In cases of rustic lands without hunting exploitation, exceptional authorizations must be processed through the territorial delegations of the Ministry of Sustainability and Environment.
The full resolution from the BOJA can be read at this link: