The forestry department has urged hunters to take precautions against wildfires as the hunting season opens on Sunday.

Despite recent rainfall in several forest areas, the risk of fires remains high, the department said, warning hunters against lighting fires in unauthorised areas or discarding cigarette butts and lit matches.

It said wildfires in recent years had destroyed large areas of forest and countryside, damaging important habitats for game and other wildlife.

Hunters are also urged not to leave rubbish behind and to collect spent cartridges, which the department said cause serious pollution and are prohibited under wildlife protection legislation.

Anyone who spots smoke or fire in or near a forest should immediately contact the nearest forest station or call 1407 for the forestry department or 112 for the fire brigade.

Both numbers can be called free of charge. The department stressed that protecting forests and wildlife is a shared responsibility.

The hunting season for hares, partridges and francolins opens on Sunday, with the hunting federation urging hunters on Thursday to follow safety rules and respect the natural environment.

The season will run until December 27, with hunting permitted every Sunday and Wednesday for a total of 17 hunting outings.

The federation reminded hunters to observe legal limits and restrictions set by the Game and Fauna Service.

It also stressed the importance of handling firearms safely, respecting private property and agricultural land, protecting wildlife habitats and preventing fires.

Hunters are urged to log their catches using the Artemis CY app, aiding authorities in gathering reliable data for sustainable game management.

Federation president Elias Pekris said hunting remained an important part of Cyprus’ tradition and culture but required responsibility and respect for nature.

“However, it is also an activity that requires responsibility, respect for nature and, above all, commitment to safety,” he said.

Pekris urged hunters to enjoy their outings responsibly and support local hunting associations, which contribute to habitat protection and wildlife management.

The federation urged hunters renewing their licences to choose a hunting association, emphasising that it incurs no extra cost and supports their efforts.

Pekris wished hunters a safe season, urging them to return to their families safely after every outing.