BirdLife claims sensitive land burnt for trapping sites

Birdlife Malta has claimed that large tracts of land in an ecologically-sensitive and important bird area in the north of Dwejra have been burnt to clear vegetation for trapping sites.

Trappers clear vegetation by using different methods, including burning and spreading toxic herbicides to open space for their nets, BirdLife said.

"This practice seriously damages the countryside as wild herbs, plants and flowers, which are habitat to many species of insects and birds, are destroyed."

The organisation said the photo clearly shows two hides opposite each other at the end of a run.

"Placed at regular intervals around the run are stones, on which trappers would place caged song birds to lure wild birds in, also shown in the photo.

"This is a very typical trapping site set up. Hunting hides would be very differently placed and surrounded by vegetation. The hides are all in good condition and the stones bordering the runs are carefully placed, proving that the area is still active," the NGO said.

The site, which is one of the seven important bird areas, is not given the full special protection area status by the Maltese government. The area is given only 30 per cent protection and is therefore subject to an on-going infringement procedure opened by the European Commission against Malta, BirdLife said.