The Cabildo has launched a special inspection and surveillance operation across hunting reserves on Lanzarote ahead of the start of the 2026 hunting season.
Led by the Environment Department, the operation is being carried out with the support of environmental officers and Gesplan’s specialist K-9 Unit. The initiative aims to ensure hunting regulations are followed while protecting the islands’ wildlife and natural habitats.
Detecting Illegal Hunting Practices
Inspection teams will carry out checks in hunting areas to detect poisoned bait, illegal traps, snares, leg-hold traps and other prohibited hunting methods. Officers will also monitor compliance with the closed season and ensure hunting restrictions in protected areas are respected.
The trained detection dogs play a key role by locating poisoned bait, which remains one of the biggest threats to birds of prey and other wildlife, as well as identifying hidden trapping devices.
Authorities will also check for dogs roaming outside authorised hunting periods or permitted zones and investigate any suspected breaches of hunting regulations.
Focus on Prevention
The Cabildo says the operation is primarily preventive rather than punitive, with the aim of ensuring the hunting season begins safely and in accordance with environmental laws.
2026 Hunting Season Dates
Rabbit hunting will run from 16 August to 29 November, with hunting permitted on Thursdays and Sundays.
The Moroccan partridge and rock pigeon season will take place from 20 September to 22 November, with hunting allowed on Sundays and two Thursdays in October.
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