Campaign launched to ban marmot hunting in France

Animal rights activists in France are calling on the government to halt the hunting season that leads to the death of approximately one thousand Alpine marmots each year. The growing backlash ahead of the hunting season, which is set to begin in September, points to the disruption of the species' social structure due to the climate crisis.

Ethical criticisms of hunting activities

Pauline di Nicolantonio, president of the Association for Justice for Animals in Savoie (AJAS), states that Alpine marmots hold symbolic importance for the region and argues that hunting these animals for sport is unacceptable.

Activists describe the continuation of this practice in France—which is banned in countries like Italy and Germany—as an archaic tradition.

Climate change and impacts on the population

Christophe Bonenfant, a scientist at the CNRS, states that the climate crisis is disrupting the social balance of marmots and increasing territorial aggression.

Research shows that changing environmental conditions are leading to smaller litter sizes and creating a downward trend in the species' overall population.

Perspective of the hunting federation and farmers

The National Federation of Hunters and local farmers argue that marmots can cause problems in agricultural areas and state that hunting is subject to strict regulations.

Authorities maintain that current hunting permits are managed in a controlled manner and that they are attempting to strike a balance between the protection and management of the species.