Regulation on Protecting Habitats of Game and Wild Animals.

This Regulation provides for procedures and principles regarding the protection of the habitats of game and wild animals, the displacement and resettlement of species, protection measures, the management of inhabitant species and measures against harmful species and diseases. The Regulation is based on the CITES Agreement, the Council Directive 79/409/EEC and the Council Directive 92/43/EEC. Species of game animals that are to be protected shall be specified and protected by the Central Hunting Commission, while other wild animals shall be specified and protected by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Hunting, catching and egg collection of such animals shall be prohibited. A plan of action will be prepared by the General Directorate of Nature Preservation and National Parks. Appropriate survey, inventory and monitoring activities, aimed to determine the species and populations of game and wild animals, will be made or organized by the General Directorate. Catching wild animals and collecting their eggs shall be allowed only for the purpose of scientific research or for breeding. Zoos are only allowed to catch wild animals and/or collect eggs if such animals are not found in other zoos, rescue centers or breeding stations. Only one pair of each species may be caught for such purposes. Rehabilitation of deteriorated living environments of wild animals will be organized by the Ministry. The General Directorate of Nature Preservation and Natural Parks is authorized to organize resettlement and/or stock increase activities and to grant licences for scientific research activities.