Invasive species pose significant ecological and economic challenges across Europe, impacting native wildlife, ecosystems, and human livelihoods. Through the FACE Biodiversity Manifesto, hunters play a critical role in managing and controlling invasive species like muskrats, raccoons, raccoon dogs, and ruddy ducks, contributing to biodiversity conservation.

Muskrats: Controlling unwanted wetland engineers
Muskrats, though mainly herbivorous, can drastically alter wetland habitats by grazing on native vegetation, affecting aquatic invertebrates and fish nurseries. Their burrowing destabilizes dikes, irrigation systems, and flood protection infrastructure, causing significant economic damage. Hunters, working alongside environmental agencies, conduct targeted control measures, reducing muskrat populations in critical areas to preserve wetland ecosystems and safeguard infrastructure.

Example: The Life MICA project (2019–2023) is a cross-border collaboration between German, Dutch, and Belgian institutions to manage invasive coypu and muskrat populations. Using technologies like intelligent camera traps, eDNA analysis, and smart life traps, the project improves detection and control while protecting non-target species. DNA mapping identifies migration routes, and biodiversity monitoring assesses the species’ impact on ecosystems. Led by Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover for Germany and supported by German hunting associations, the project also raises public awareness and fosters collaboration with similar initiatives, aiming to create a sustainable framework for long-term population management in Europe.

Raccoons: Mitigating a generalist predator
Raccoons threaten various native species, especially in wetlands, by preying on amphibians, birds, and their nests. They also impact agricultural activities such as orchards and poultry farms. Hunters play a vital role by participating in regulated control programs, particularly in areas where raccoon populations threaten biodiversity hotspots. Their efforts help maintain ecological balance and reduce agricultural losses.

Example: In Germany, hunting associations actively manage raccoon populations in nature reserves, reducing predation on vulnerable species like ground-nesting birds.

Raccoon Dogs: Preventing ecological disruption
Raccoon dogs, omnivorous predators, impact amphibians, birds, and small mammals, while competing with native predators like foxes and badgers. Disease transmission, including rabies and sarcoptic mange, further complicates their presence. Hunters help monitor and manage raccoon dog populations through controlled hunting, reducing ecological competition and disease risks.

Example: The Danish Hunters Association (DHA), with 90,000 members, works with the Danish Environmental Protection Agency to manage invasive species in Denmark, focusing on education and ethical hunting practices. Their primary target is the invasive Raccoon Dog, whose population has been significantly reduced through legislative changes, new hunting methods, and extensive hunter training. Efforts include free courses, theme days, equipment lending, and ongoing scientific studies, all supported by hunters’ voluntary work. Over five years, annual Raccoon Dog hunting bags increased from 300 to 11,000. The DHA also addresses other invasive species like raccoons, mink, and Egyptian geese, despite limited government funding and minimal involvement from other organizations.

Ruddy Ducks: Preventing hybridization threats
The ruddy duck, through hybridization with the endangered white-headed duck, represents a major conservation challenge in Europe. Hunters collaborate with conservation organizations to prevent the spread of ruddy ducks, adhering to legal restrictions and supporting awareness campaigns. By contributing to monitoring efforts, hunters help prevent further hybridization and aid in white-headed duck conservation.

Example: In the Netherlands, the authorities appointed professional hunters or hunting teams to support controlling Ruddy Duck populations. In several provinces, hunters collaborate with conservation authorities to monitor and manage Ruddy Duck numbers, adhering to legal frameworks and contributing to eradication efforts.

Egyptian Geese: Controlling an invasive waterfowl

The Egyptian goose, an invasive species in Europe, poses a threat to native ecosystems by competing with local waterfowl and altering habitats. Hunters collaborate with conservation organizations to control Egyptian goose populations, adhering to legal guidelines and promoting awareness of their ecological impact. Through monitoring and targeted culling efforts, hunters help minimize the species’ negative effects on biodiversity and maintain balance in native ecosystems.

Example: In Belgium, the Egyptian goose is managed amongst other methods through hunting. Field trials tested innovative trapping methods, including floating Larsen traps and land-based traps with live decoy birds. Hunters and conservation managers played a key role in these efforts, and the findings recommend spring trapping and targeted breeding-pair traps to improve hunting efficiency and population control.

A conservation approach
The FACE Biodiversity Manifesto underscores the importance of collaboration between hunters, environmental agencies, scientists, and policymakers. Hunters contribute practical expertise, ecological knowledge, and field presence, enabling effective invasive species management. Through sustainable hunting practices, habitat restoration, and advocacy, hunters actively support Europe’s biodiversity conservation goals. By integrating hunting into conservation strategies, the FACE Biodiversity Manifesto highlights how hunters are essential allies in managing invasive species and preserving Europe’s rich biodiversity for future generations.