In a significant move to protect agriculture and infrastructure, the Regional Government of Murcia, Spain, has declared a Temporary Hunting Emergency across 15 municipalities due to the overpopulation of the wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). This declaration allows local authorities to implement preventative measures against the species, which has been causing extensive damage.
The municipalities affected include Yecla, Jumilla, Cieza, and several others. The government has authorized various capture methods, including live trapping with ferrets and nets, as well as hunting with firearms and dogs. Exemptions are made for protected areas, ensuring that conservation efforts are maintained even amidst the emergency.
Meanwhile, in Germany, the invasive giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum), a poisonous plant native to the Caucasus, continues to spread alarmingly in regions such as Fürstenfeldbruck. Local forestry offices are educating municipal leaders on how to combat this hazardous plant, which poses risks to both native flora and human health. The plant can produce up to 70,000 seeds, remaining viable for years, thus exacerbating its spread.
Authorities stress the importance of protective clothing when handling giant hogweed due to its toxic sap, which can cause severe burns when exposed to sunlight. Effective control methods include manual removal and electrical treatment, with further strategies involving grazing by goats and chemical measures requiring permits.
Both situations highlight the urgent need for coordinated efforts to manage invasive species and protect local ecosystems in Spain and Germany.