Conservation group raises concern over proposed 2026 bird season

BirdLife Jamaica (BLJ) is calling for Natural Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA) to maintain the closed season for bird shooting until there is scientific data showing a full recovery of game bird populations to levels that can sustain hunting. 

It wants at least a full year of recovery for birds and their habitats.

The Natural Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA) recently decided to grant approval in principle for a restricted bird shooting season for 2026 following last year's devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.

It said the 2026 bird shooting season would likely include geographical limitations and a reduced number of shoots.

However, BirdLife Jamaica, which is a citizens’ group that aims to advance the knowledge and conservation of birds and their habitats in Jamaica, said it views that development with concern, considering the observed catastrophic damage to forests and bird populations from Hurricane Melissa.

"BLJ believes that decisions regarding the reopening of bird shooting should be supported by transparent, publicly available scientific assessments of post-hurricane game bird population recovery," the group said in release to the media on Thursday.

BLJ noted that the Forestry Department has stated that Hurricane Melissa damaged 51 per cent of Jamaica’s forests, including up to 25 per cent of mangrove forests. 

In western and northern parishes, damage was estimated at 76 per cent to 100 per cent canopy loss, representing almost total devastation of habitats for wild birds. 

Since the hurricane, BLJ said its members in affected parishes have reported drastic reductions in bird populations, with some formerly common species now totally absent. 

"Some members have been supplementing wild birds with fruit and seeds for over six months due to the severe reduction in natural food availability following the hurricane," BLJ said.

"Jamaica's game birds – four species of native doves and pigeons - are a national resource that belongs to many stakeholders, not just hunters," it added.

BLJ is urging the NRCA to apply the precautionary principle in making a final decision on this year’s bird shooting season, particularly in view of the recent Court ruling affirming the constitutional rights of all Jamaicans to enjoy a healthy environment and protection of our ecological heritage.

At the same time, the conservation group has expressed misgivings about the National Environment and Planning Agency's capacity for monitoring and enforcement of bird shooting and wildlife infractions.

It also said there is a clear need for effective public education on wildlife protection laws.

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