The government has commissioned Ecoserv to observe quail and turtle dove migration patterns during the hunting season, which starts on Monday, the hunters federation said.

It said in a statement this study was similar to others held in the past four years and enjoyed its full support.

The FKNK said such studies were important and should continue to be held on a regular basis because they were the only scientific means for information on the movements of these species.

It said that Birdlife were again refusing to take part in the study.

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