BirdLife Malta launches citizen activism campaign

As part of its campaign against illegal hunting, BirdLife today called on the public to report, reject and reveal illegal hunting and trapping incidents during the spring migration period.
 
“Malta’s citizens have the power to help the authorities protect Europe’s migratory birds,” said Nicholas Barbara, BirdLife Malta Conservation and Policy Officer. “Through this campaign we will be sharing information on how to report illegal activities to the police and details of other actions the public can take”
 
The BirdLife Malta website, birdlifemalta.org, has been updated with a list outlining what constitutes illegal hunting and trapping activity as well as contact numbers for the police and advice on how to effectively place a report.
 
Anyone witnessing such crimes can also leave a comment on the website, "revealing, rejecting and publicly condemning these crimes," Barbara said.
 
As the spring migration has kicked in over the past weeks, migratory birds have once again been met with illegal hunting and trapping incidents in the Maltese islands as BirdLife Malta surveillance teams have started monitoring the countryside.
 
“Apart from our own surveillance operations, increased cooperation with members of the public is producing results in catching the perpetrators of these crimes. Thanks to a report passed onto BirdLife a few days ago, an illegal trapper was apprehended by the police who swiftly responded," Barbara said.
 
There have also been other cases in recent weeks where members of the public stood guard over freshly shot protected birds, preventing the poachers from retrieving them. The shot birds were recovered by BirdLife teams and while a Grey Heron died shortly after, a Marsh Harrier was given veterinary treatment and can be rehabilitated.
 
BLM said migration increased last month but over the past few days increasing numbers of birds are migrating over the islands as the peak migration season approaches. Large numbers of herons, passerines, ducks, and raptors – including Black Kites - protected birds prized by poachers, have been seen migrating over Malta en route to their European breeding grounds. Many also make an overnight stop to rest before continuing their long journey.
 
The police unit which deals with illegal hunting and trapping, the ALE, consists of less than 25 officers with only a handful of vehicles. On most days the unit can only support a two car patrol for the whole of Malta.
 
“With a police force seriously under-resourced to counter the level of illegal hunting and trapping, it is important that all possible assistance is given to the authorities to stop this criminal activity. The public can make a difference,” concluded Barbara.