A phenomenon like that of the passage of thousands of migratory birds of prey has determined over the centuries the birth of a very "traditional" type of hunting. Texts written in the mid 1800s report a hunting frenzy against migratory birds of prey which thousands of people would participate in.

Up until the beginning of the '70's the hunt for the "Adorno" was related to popular feasts. A prize was given to the hunter who killed the most falcons and those who didn't even kill one where named "sindaci" and where purposely mocked by an appointed jury.

With time, these traditions have lost their popular meaning. Springtime hunting has been prohibited and the persistence of this barbaric practice is just a result of a common social discomfort. It is a challenge to the State by those people who do not want the intervention of law enforcement officers on the territory.

Along the Salerno-Reggio Calabria highway, at the height of Bagnara Calabra, small aligned constructions a few meters apart can be seen on the mountain sides.

They are real bunkers, built in cement, brick, wood or metal, which the poacher used enabling him not to be seen by the arriving falcon.

These sites, called "passi" (passes), have been largely used up until a few years ago, that is until the patrol of the rural areas done by the State Forest Corps has made it risky for the poachers to shoot from the mountains.

This has not yet prevented the ongoing practice of this illegal activity which has transferred itself into urban areas. Poachers now shoot from the terraces and windows of their homes with evident danger for all citizens.

Gruppo Universitario Faunistico Ornitologico
(Universitary Group for Wildlife and Ornithology)
Viterbo