Overseas birdwatchers 'to monitor illegal hunting'

Fifty-two volunteers from eight countries in Europe are joining Maltese conservationists to monitor bird migration and illegal hunting over the next three weeks, BirdLife said today.

The international bird monitoring camp started today and will run through the peak migration of raptors (birds of prey) until October 4.

"While recording migration data, Raptor Camp volunteers will also remain vigilant for illegal hunting and trapping activities. Camp attendees will pass on information and evidence to the police regarding illegal hunting activities to assist in their investigations."

BirdLife Malta said that it did not oppose hunting in autumn as long as it was practiced within the parameters of the law.

Maltese hunters can legally shoot 32 species from September 1 until the end of January. Hunting after 3pm between 15th September and 30th September is banned to protect birds of prey from poaching.

During this period, large numbers of these birds stop to rest in the Maltese islands during their journey to Africa, and are thus vulnerable to poacher's guns. In recent years they have also been targeted by poachers at night while they sleep, BirdLife said.

"Since the beginning of migration two weeks ago, we have once again started to witness illegal hunting and received shot protected birds of several species from Bee-eaters and seabirds to herons, including a Purple Heron - a species of conservation concern in Europe). The aim of our Raptor Camp is to stop the illegal killing of protected species and not all hunting in Malta. Birdwatchers and the Maltese people have every right to enjoy the miracle of migration just as law abiding hunters have the right to enjoy their hobby," said Dr. Andre Raine BirdLife Malta Conservation Manager.

Finch trapping is no longer allowed in Malta as the five year transition period to phase out this practice, agreed upon with the EU during Malta's accession, expired at the end of last year. Bird trapping is banned in the EU under the Birds Directive. The government this year announced that it will apply a derogation to allow trapping of Turtle Dove and Quail between September 1 and October 10 as well as Golden Plover and Song Trush between October 20 and January 10.