At the end of 2017 a population of about 250 birds was estimated. They are regarded as “domestic” and thus protected from hunting.[26] In the autumn of 2018, the German population grew to 566 individuals,[27] and hunting of the birds was allowed; additionally, the population was reduced by destroying eggs during breeding season.[28]

I admit that, as an animal lover, this article was a rollercoaster but invasive species can wreak havoc on the local ecosystem.