Although hunting has ceased, the problems remain, especially for populations on the edge of the canton’s range, where the effects of global warming are most evident.

Ficedula is spearheading a research project on this species to lay the groundwork for its better conservation, while at the same time seeking a new approach by attempting to rekindle the spirit of collaboration between Ficedula and the hunting community that had developed during the drafting of the 1990 cantonal hunting law. This spirit was abruptly interrupted by the launch of an initiative to abolish low-altitude hunting in 1990–1991.

Ficedula, ahead of its time in research, has conducted some pioneering studies in the field of environmental genetics as applied to birds. We intend to follow this path with the rock partridge as well.

The opportunity arose during a discussion with Francesco Foletti, a biologist and owner of an environmental consulting firm in Fribourg who has already gained international experience in this field with tetraonids.

Ficedula supports this basic research, which is the first essential step toward taking further concrete actions in conservation.