Near Toulouse. Residents destroy swallows’ nests: it can cost them dearly
By Thibaut Calatayud
Published on
It’s not always pleasant to see swallows settle in at home. As cute as these little birds are, their cries and the mess they can create can upset locals. A Turnsheet, some no longer hesitate to destroy the nests. Big mistake!
Nests protected by law
For several decades, the swallow population is plummeting. This reduction is of the order of 30 to 40%. Since 1976, this species (like the swifts) has been protected by law.
“In France, swallows and swifts have a legal status which makes them protected birds. This protection regime stems from the law of July 10, 1976 on the protection of nature, now codified in articles L411-1 et seq. of the environment code and the ministerial decree of October 29, 2009 setting the list of protected birds throughout the territory. »
In case of nest destruction, the offender risks a one-year prison sentence and a fine of 15,000 euros. But not enough to scare some Tournefeuillais…
“As part of the municipal biodiversity atlas project, the town of Tournefeuille was alerted by the League for the Protection of Birds (LPO) of cases of destruction of swallow nests. However, it remains strictly forbidden to destroy, remove or move swallows’ nests, occupied or not, ”recalls the town hall, Friday August 5, 2022.
The LPO can help you
But then how to limit the nuisance of these swallows? The municipality submits the idea of installing a board to retain dirt. However, this solution is certainly not suitable for all situations.
In the event that the removal of the nest is an absolute necessity, the community indicates that it is possible to contact the LPO (by email at [email protected] / [email protected] /[email protected]). “Volunteers will be able to make themselves available and advise you as best as possible according to your needs”, finished the town hall.
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