Yes, collecting feathers in Switzerland is generally permitted, but subject to strict wildlife protection laws. Wild bird feathers may only be collected if they are naturally shed (not plucked) and do not belong to protected species under the Ordinance on Hunting and the Protection of Wild Mammals and Birds (OHyP) or the Federal Act on the Protection of Nature and Cultural Heritage (NCHA). The Swiss Ornithological Institute (Vogelwarte Sempach) enforces these rules, with penalties for violations including fines up to CHF 10,000. Exceptions apply for indigenous communities under specific permits.
Key Regulations for Collecting Feathers in Switzerland
- Protected Species Ban: Feathers from protected birds (e.g., raptors, owls, or migratory species) cannot be collected under any circumstances. The OHyP lists 400+ protected species, and violations trigger administrative penalties.
- Shed vs. Plucked Feathers: Only feathers found on the ground (molted naturally) are legal. Plucking live birds or disturbing nests is prohibited under the Federal Act on Animal Protection (TSchG).
- Permit Requirements: Collectors must obtain permits from cantonal authorities (e.g., Service de la faune in Geneva or Amt für Natur und Umwelt in Zurich) for non-protected species, with quotas enforced annually.
Post-2026, the Ordinance on the Protection of Species (OSP) will tighten controls, requiring digital reporting for all feather collections exceeding 50 units. The Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) will monitor compliance via blockchain-based tracking for high-risk species. Indigenous groups (e.g., Sámi) may apply for cultural exemption permits under the Convention on Biological Diversity.