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The Birds Directive was the first to be established in 1979, and since then it was several times
updated. The Habitats Directive is also a structural directive, which was later established on 1992,
and since then was several times updated.
These 2 Directives guide the EU priorities definition in terms of nature and biodiversity
conservation, since they define clear actions that ensure the maintenance of wildlife species’
populations by defining protection, management, control and exploitation rules of these species.

Birds Directive

See full text in all EU languages here.

Annex I – species listed shall be the subject of special conservation measures concerning their
habitat in order to ensure their survival and reproduction in their area of distribution.

Annex II - species listed in Annex II may be hunted under national legislation. Member States shall
ensure that the hunting of these species does not jeopardise conservation efforts in their
distribution area

Habitats Directive

See full text in all EU languages here. Directive Annex’s contain the list of habitats and/or species
to protect and also some criteria for evaluation communities and prohibited methods and means
of capture and killing and modes of transport:

Annex I - natural habitat types of community interest whose conservation requires the
designation of special areas of conservation

Annex II - animal and plant species of community interest whose conservation requires the
designation of special areas of conservation

Annex III - criteria for selecting sites eligible for identification as sites of community importance
and designation as special areas of conservation

Annex IV - animal and plant species of community interest in need of strict protection

Annex V - animal and plant species of community interest whose taking in the wild and
exploitation may be subject to management measures

Annex VI - prohibited methods and means of capture and killing and modes of transport

EU Nature Directive Publications
(Several publications, some only available in English and other in EU languages)

EU Birds and Habitat Directive Maps
(Europe maps and countries maps with bird directive and habitats areas)

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This communication reflects the
views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the

information contained therein.