The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, Species-Based Legal Protection and the Danger of Misidentification

Abstract

The Council Directive 2009/147/EC (30 November 2009) on the Conservation of Wild Birds (Codified Version) [2010] OJ L 20/7 (European Union); the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 USC 1531) (USA); and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) read with the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act List of Threatened Fauna and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Regulations 2000 (Cth) (Australia) are notable examples of such legislation from different jurisdictions. 2 Eg s 14 Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 (Western Australia).

Conservation implications of misidentification and killing of protected species

“…Further investigation should determine the risk of birds being accidentally shot when in close proximity to inaccurately targeted quarry species. In some circumstances, it may be necessary for governments to strengthen the legal protection of nonprotected species at high risk of being mistaken for protected species (e.g., Knobel, ), or to amend opening and closing dates of hunting seasons when both protected and nonprotected species coincide (European Commission, ). Countries that are signatories to multilateral environmental agreements can utilize relevant guidance and resolutions (e.g., AEWA Resolution 6.4: Conservation and Sustainable Use of Migratory Waterbirds; AEWA, ) that provide frameworks within which interventions can be initiated and undertaken and political support can be garnered.…”