The national network ONCFS/FNC/FDC/FDC/CICB “Bécassines”, created in 2006, follows the populations of common snipe which stay in France. Each year, about 2,000 snipes are banded by 130 professionals from the National Hunting and Wildlife Office (ONCFS) and the Departmental Hunters’ Federations (FDC) and a few volunteers.
The data collected make it possible to estimate survival rates and trends in wintering populations in France. This information is supplemented by information from the International Snipe Hunters Club (CICB), based on an annual harvest of snipes shot while hunting. These data provide information on the age structure of the hunted population, which is itself an indicator of annual reproductive success.
Country: France
Starting date: 2006
Species characteristics: Huntable species, Protected species, Migratory species
Type of actions: Management of habitats and wildlife, Research and data collection
Leading partners: Fédération départementale des chasseurs, Office National de la Chasse et de la Faune Sauvage (ONCFS), Fédération Nationale des Chasseurs (FNC), Club international des chasseurs de bécassines
