Regional Act No. 26 in matter of wildlife protection and laying down provisions on hunting and for the protection of the environmental balance.

The present Regional Act aims at protecting wildlife species and regulating hunting in compliance with the principles and provisions contained in Act No. 157 of 11 February 1992. Hunting is permitted provided that it does not interfere with wildlife protection nor causes any damages to agricultural productions. In accordance with Directives 79/409/EEC, 85/411/EEC and 91/244/EEC, protected zones shall be created along birds' migration routes (to be indicated by the National Institute of Wildlife) for habitats maintenance purposes. Particular regard shall be given to the species defined by Annex I to the above-mentioned Directives. Article 2 regulates the functions which are entrusted to the Region and to the Provinces respectively. The former shall exercise programming, directing and coordinating functions as well as control powers. The Regional Counsel for Fauna and Hunting shall collaborate with the Regional Council. Article 5 prohibits throughout the whole regional territory any form of birdcatching and capture of wild mammals as well as taking of eggs and nests. Such activities, however, may take place upon special authorization by scientific institutes pertaining to Universities or to the National Research Council (C.N.R.). The authorization in question may be granted by the Regional Council exclusively for scientific research purposes. Article 8 of the Act concerns reseach activities to be encouraged and promoted by the Regional Council, which shall also provide for the establishment of the Observatory of Natural Habitats and Fauna Population. Article 11 regards taxidermy. Title II of the Regional Act lays down detailed rules referring to the institutions which are in charge of wildlife and environmental protection. The Regional Council shall elaborate the Regional Plan on Fauna and Hunting so as to pursue the maintenance as well as the improvement of wild mammals and birds. Paragraph 3 of article 3 describes the content of the above-mentioned plan, which shall be accompanied by the cartographies and programmes prescribed by paragraph 4. The institutional system consists of the following organisms: (a) Provincial Counsels of Fauna and Hunting (art. 16); (b) protection oasis and zones (art. 17); (c) repopulation and capture zones (art. 18); (d) public and private centres for wildlife reproduction (art. 19). Title III sets out hunting conditions, including in particular the issuance of a hunting permit (art. 22), authorized hunting gear (art. 23), the total allowable catch (art. 24). As referred to in article 27, the Alpine Zone and the Apennine Zone are considered as separate zones to be protected through particular provisions. Thus, the Regional Council shall adopt such particular provisions not latter than six months following the date of entry into force of this Act. Further hunting conditions are contained in Title V, concerning particularly species that may be harvested and seasons during which hunting is permitted. Article 42 regulates repopulation operations intended for autochthonous species reproduction. Title VI fixes regional hunting permit fees ans entrustes to the Provinces surveillance functions. In case of violation of the provisions hereby established, offenders shall be punishable in accordance with Title VII. Three Annexes, listing out protected species and hunting periods, are attached.