Concern over Mnajdra trapper hides

Nature Trust (Malta) is deeply concerned that the Malta Environment and Planning Authority "seems to be hesitant about removing some of the trapper hides around Mnajdra".

This shows that, apparently, most national authorities put the hunting and trapping minority above habitat protection, thus spoiling the good work of local authorities and shaming citizens' aspirations, it said.

Nature Trust said yesterday the national authorities should follow the example of Pembroke local council, which last September took the responsibility to give public land back to the citizens rather than to leave it in the hands of the bird-hunting and bird-trapping minority.

"It would be most welcome if the national authorities start a change of heart by following such examples and support to the full such local councils even with law enforcement in the area. Signs were placed along the Pembroke garigue, notifying that the garigue was public land and, thus, trapping and hunting was not allowed and that anyone caught would be prosecuted. The signs were vandalised and pulled out in just two days," Nature Trust said.

When contacted, Mepa said it would be reacting in due course.