Original Contribution HUNTERS' ATTITUDE TO SOME PROTECTED MAMMALS AND BIRDS IN BULGARIA

Hunters appear to be the connection between law and wildlife. The aim of the study was to reveal how hunters approach their duties and responsibilities concerning protection of mammals and birds. Questionary survey was carried out on 124 hunters, members of “Hunters and anglers societies” in the towns of Varna, Stara Zagora and Plovdiv. Our survey concern: buzzard (Buteo buteo), longlegged buzzard (B. rufinus), rough-legged buzzard (B. lagopus), goshawk (Accipiter gentilis), eagles (Aquila spp), Hrriers (Circus spp.), Falcons (Falco spp.), geese - Anser erythropus, A. faballis, A. anser, Branta ruficollis, cormorants - Phalacrocorax carbo and Halietor pygmeus, great white egret (Egretta alba), little egret (E. garzetta), purple heron (Ardea purpurea), grey heron (A. cinenea), otter (Lutra lutra), weasel (Mustela nivalis), badger (Meles meles), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus). Mainly otter, badger, herons and cormorants are the objects of illegal hunt. The following reasons for breaking the law were found: incorrect idea of a species place in the ecosystem; misunderstanding of the animal behavior reactions and believing in prejudices, and beliefs about some of the species; emotions outweigh the law and sometimes feeling of impunity. Great number protected mammals and birds as well as some others, which are under special hunting restrictions are objects of poaching.