The suspension of Fiji’s pigeon shooting season was driven largely by concerns that the birds targeted during the annual hunt are protected indigenous species under Fiji law, says Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry Tomasi Tunabuna.
Mr Tunabuna said the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change had formally advised Government on 18 March this year that the Barking Pigeon (Ducula latrans), White-throated Pigeon (Columba vitiensis), and Pacific Pigeon (Ducula pacifica) are all protected under Schedule 2 of the Endangered and Protected Species Act 2002.
He said the Ministry’s legal advice highlighted that Section 23 of the Act requires strict compliance for any activity involving the harvesting, possession, transport or use of protected species, including the issuing of permits and approvals.
The Minister said concerns were also raised about the lack of updated scientific assessments needed to determine whether pigeon populations could sustain annual harvesting.
Authorities also warned of risks linked to unsustainable hunting practices, difficulties in monitoring and enforcing regulations in remote and maritime areas, and potential impacts on other protected bird species and Fiji’s wider biodiversity.
Mr Tunabuna said recent extreme weather events and the increasing effects of climate change may have placed additional pressure on indigenous pigeon populations and their habitats.
He said damage caused by recent tropical cyclones may have affected forest ecosystems, nesting sites, breeding areas and natural food sources relied upon by the birds.
“These environmental pressures may further affect population recovery and the long-term sustainability of these species,” he said.
Government recently announced the suspension of the pigeon shooting season amid growing environmental, conservation and legal concerns surrounding the protection of Fiji’s indigenous bird species.
