A federal protection baseline, completed by the cantons
The LChP/JSG and its ordinance set the species protection framework; cantons designate reserves and huntable-species lists.
Protection of huntable and non-huntable species is based first on federal law. The Federal Act on Hunting and the Protection of Wild Mammals and Birds (LChP/JSG) and its implementing ordinance (OChP/JSV) define protected species, protection periods and the instruments for preserving habitats, notably the federal game reserves and waterfowl reserves. A revision of this framework entered into force on 1 February 2025, notably strengthening the consideration of wildlife corridors and habitats. Cantons then complete this baseline by designating their own reserves and quiet zones, and by publishing the lists of species that may be hunted on their territory, together with any quotas or culling plans. Species-by-species summaries should always rely on the version in force published by Fedlex, the official federal law platform, rather than on a dated document.