Scientific research and conservation reports suggest several reasons:
- Some hunters don’t recognize protected species, or they don’t know the law well.
- In some regions, peer pressure or “everyone does it” attitudes make illegal shooting more common.
- Others deliberately ignore the law, assuming they won’t be caught — especially where enforcement is weak.
- In psychological terms, people may use justifications like “it’s just one bird,” “they're not really endangered,” or “I didn’t know.”
- Cruelty or disregard for wildlife is sometimes a sign of low empathy or disrespect for rules.
- Even hunters who see themselves as “ethical” may break laws if they feel the rules are unfair or irrelevant.
- Awareness campaigns and training reduce accidental or careless shootings, especially among new or young hunters.
- Stronger enforcement: fast investigation when GPS-tagged birds go silent.
- Education: clear training on protected species, including black storks.
- Culture change: hunters must be part of the solution — not just the problem.
- Cross-border cooperation: black storks migrate — protection must too.
(I have list of key scientific and conservation sources used)