Finch trapping fuels bird smuggling - BirdLife

The catching of finches in Malta is fuelling large scale illegal trapping of finches in neighbouring countries in order to satisfy the Maltese "market", BirdLife Malta said yesterday.

The organisation said illegal trade and smuggling in finches was rife at this time of year because there was huge demand for these birds to be used as decoys by Maltese and Gozitan bird trappers.

This was especially so this year after what most trappers claimed was a poor autumn migration, netting them fewer birds than usual, BirdLife said, noting the recent successful operations by Customs and police officers against illegal wildlife trade.

It said birds were smuggled from Italy, Tunisia and sometimes even from the UK.

At this time of year finches are about to start their migration to Europe, where they will start breeding in a few weeks' time. Maltese trappers, BirdLife said, would be trying to catch as many as they can.

It said linnets are particularly sought at this time as they are in beautiful breeding plumage, sporting a prominent red breast and forehead. They are commonly referred to as "Gojjini ta' Marzu" (March linnets) by trappers.

Although the EU granted Malta a transition to allow trapping of finches until 2008, Maltese laws allow trapping up to April 10. This, BirdLife said, was clearly in breach of the EU Birds Directive which does not allow birds to be persecuted in the pre-nuptial migration and during the breeding season.

BirdLife Malta is also indignant at the continuation of the sea shooting season until February 28, which it said went well beyond what is generally accepted as the cut-off date for hunting seasons in Europe - January 31.

The season for hunting on land came to a close last Monday.