Federated hunting societies in Andalusia invested over five million euros in habitat improvements over the course of a single summer, according to a pioneering study released by the Andalusian Hunting Federation. The research, conducted between June 15 and September 15, 2025, with participation from 726 of the region’s 1,400 affiliated hunting organizations, provides the first quantified measure of the resources hunters deploy annually to help local wildlife combat extreme summer temperatures and severe resource scarcity.
Water Distribution and Upkeep Infrastructure
During the three-month summer window, Andalusian hunters distributed more than 20 million liters of water and nearly 3,000 tons of feed to support wild fauna across the region. Data compiled by the federation show that hunting societies directed exactly 20,148,800 liters of water toward the maintenance of artificial watering holes, spreading the supply across 40,096 distinct water points. The logistical cost associated with acquiring and transporting water reached 402,960 euros, while purchasing new troughs and water containers cost an additional 2,405,760 euros. Combined, the total investment dedicated solely to maintaining water supplies climbed to 2,808,720 euros.
Feeding Programs and Supplementary Forage
Beyond hydration networks, the organizations funneled substantial funds into nutritional support for small game and other wildlife populations. Hunters supplied roughly 2,837,800 kilograms of food—including corn, oats, wheat, and alfalfa—to stock 28,504 dedicated feeding stations. Procuring the feed required an outlay of 1,702,680 euros, excluding transport fees, while purchasing and maintaining the physical feeders added another 855,120 euros. In total, the financial commitment toward feeding wild fauna reached 2,557,800 euros across the participating clubs.
Ecological Impact Beyond Game Species
All habitat enhancement operations are funded entirely out of pocket by the hunters themselves, who purchase necessary materials, cover equipment upkeep, and carry out specific planting initiatives designed to supply both nourishment and shelter. Protected wildlife and crucial insect pollinators make up a significant portion of the beneficiaries utilizing the infrastructure.
Administrative Oversight and Future Actions
The physical labor is carried out primarily by gamekeepers, alongside society directors and club members, according to José María Mancheño, president of the Andalusian Hunting Federation. Mancheño noted that these conservation efforts receive no public financing or administrative subsidies, requiring a heavy commitment of personal time and manual labor from participants.
