Fox, hare and pheasant populations rise in annual census

Nicosia, Cyprus. Populations of foxes, hares and pheasants increased over the past year, with each species recording growth of at least 10 per cent, the game and fauna service said on Wednesday.

The annual census recorded a 35 per cent increase in foxes, a 25 per cent rise in pheasants and a 10 per cent increase in hares compared with the previous year.

Weather conditions and reproduction

The service said the results were particularly encouraging for hares and pheasants, described as the two main game species, whose populations had been declining over the previous five and three years respectively.

It attributed the reproductive success of the species to increased rainfall since January 2026 and delays in hay production.

Wood pigeon decline

The same weather conditions appeared to have negatively affected the breeding of local wood pigeons because of their different nesting behaviour, the service said.

Their population declined by 22 per cent, but the service said this was not a cause for concern because wood pigeon numbers had followed a steady upward trend over the past 20 years.

Impact of fox population

The service warned that the increased fox population could threaten other species and limit their growth.

It said foxes act as a limiting factor for game animals and other species nesting in salt marshes, wetlands and natura areas.

Annual survey

The figures were based on the game and fauna service’s annual census, which recorded hares and foxes, as well as stray dogs and cats, along survey routes in the Paphos and Larnaca districts.