Illegal hunting this season as bad as last year - BirdLife
There has been no improvement on illegal hunting this year compared with 2008, a detailed analysis of shot protected birds received since the start of the autumn migration on August 15 to date, and the illegal hunting incidents recorded by BirdLife during the three week Raptor Camp period shows.
BirdLife said that its Raptor Camp between September 12 and October 4, recorded 467 illegal hunting and trapping incidents.
Moreover, since the beginning of the autumn migration BirdLife received 50 confirmed shot protected birds from 34 different locations. This did not include the remains of over 200 protected birds that were discovered in Mizieb last month.
Last year during the same period the conservation organisation received 56 confirmed shot protected birds from 37 locations.
The total number of confirmed shot protected birds BirdLife received since the beginning of the year was slightly higher than last year’s figures – 85 birds were received in 2009, as opposed to 76 birds received in 2008.
BirdLife underlined the fact that the protected birds received by the organisation represented only the tip of the iceberg, as birds first had to escape the poacher who shot them, then be found by someone who was willing to handle and collect them, and then be passed on to BirdLife Malta. All birds were examined by an independent vet to verify their injuries and then passed on to the police.
The illegal activities observed during three weeks of Raptor camp this year included 82 incidents of poachers shooting at and injuring or killing protected birds of 14 species.
The three most commonly targeted species were Honey-buzzard, Marsh Harrier and European Bee-eater. There were also 227 incidents (totalling 404 shots) of “hunting after permitted hours”, 64 incidents of illegal electronic lures, 48 incidents of using modified shotguns and 16 trapping related offences.
Furthermore, 38 protected species were seen in flight with visible gunshot injuries including Marsh Harriers, Honey-buzzards, Common Kestrels, Lesser Kestrels, Black Kite and Blue Rock Thrush.
“Our volunteers could cover only a small percentage of the Maltese islands at a given time. Yet, the high amount of illegal hunting we observe year after year not only shows that Malta continues to be a black spot for bird conservation in Europe, but it also shows that there is almost no improvement.
“This is not surprising at all, since the politicians are more interested in appeasing the hunting lobby rather than stopping these crimes that damage Malta’s reputation. Tolga Temuge, BirdLife Malta executive director said.
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Sylvana Zarb Darmanin
Oct 26th 2009, 10:47
Mr C Micallef, I urge you to inform yourself regarding the actual ECJ ruling and about the presence of various European Hunting Association who rejoiced at the favourable ruling with regard to Spring Hunting in Malta! Well, a certain EU official had hoped to use this case against tiny Malta to later target larger countries. He surely failed!!
Ms. C. Micallef
Oct 25th 2009, 22:05
Wrong interpretation of my words. In theory it could happen. In practice, since we're in, it won't. Millions of European citizens rightly feel that this issue concerns them because we're part of the whole picture. Hence the outrage. And please stop disillusioning people once and for all. Hunters around the world amount to millions but they don't care less if Maltese hunters are given the right to spring hunt again or not. Only a few thousand Maltese macho men care. On the other hand, people who care about the environment,animal welfare and wild life across Europe DO amount to millions. Open your eyes.
Shame on me??? EXTREME SHAME ON YOU. Hammartulna wiccna.
And the man leaves the family's abode and, to prove his manhood, sets out to hunt for the family.
No dear readers, don't imagine the abode to be a cave and the hunter to be holding a spear. Emm, no. Thousands of years have passed but this barbaric act is still practised.
LOL
Sylvana Zarb Darmanin
Oct 25th 2009, 13:23
Ms C Micallef, who mentioned any battle?! This is only perceived from the anti's side. "Millions of European citizens" enjoy hunting and likewise the Maltese hunters will enjoy it as well. Actually, they are presently doing so! Your patriotism shines through Madam! You seem to be happy that Malta's reputation is being tarnished. Shame on you!
Ms C Micallef, you seem to be so sure that Spring Hunting will not be opened. Well, we have to wait and see! Why are you, the anti's in such a panic, if you are sure this will not be opened?!! You have already retreated from your previous statement that "To imagine Spring hunting becoming legal again can only happen if Malta leaves the EU." You have accepted that your statement was non factual and a lie!! This is the stuff the anti's comments are made of!!
Ms C. Micallef
Oct 25th 2009, 01:35
This is not a battle between ECJ and Malta and all the other organisations in between. Millions of European citizens were in outrage because the Maltese government failed to stop spring hunting between 04/07. Well done to BBC for for doing a good job in exposing our embarassment not only to fellow Europeans, but to the whole world. Its a battle against millions. Possibility of a derogation or not, nobody in their right mind will dare.
"may be opened" but WILL NOT :)
Sylvana Zarb Darmanin
Oct 24th 2009, 14:37
Ms C Micallef, I can assure you that many individuals trespass onto private property and leave a mess behind, as well as dismantle rubble walls for snails. Well, if you are not one of them, I must congratulate you for it. I will not use the yardstick of the anti-hunting lobby and make a blanket accusation that all citizens do such illegalities!
As for your "I must congratulate you for your fertile imagination. To imagine Spring hunting becoming legal again can only happen if Malta leaves the EU", do not tell me that you have not heard of the ECJ ruling!!! Well, you might find it hard to swallow, but YES, Spring Hunting may be opened EVEN IF MALTA IS AN EU MEMBER STATE!! Actually, this is the precise reason why BLM are acting so frantically!!!
Ms C. Micallef
Oct 23rd 2009, 20:45
@Ms S. Z Darmanin, that the environment is very much at heart is something which is quite obvious at this stage, so to assume that that I leave a mess behind or to dismantle a wall to pick up snails to cook bebbux bl-aljoli is pure non-sense. It's obvious that you have run short of words.
"Hopefully, you will soon be enjoying your Spring Hunting Season as well!" I must congratulate you for your fertile imagination. To imagine Spring hunting becoming legal again can only happen if Malta leaves the EU. I have heard that some hunters have become so distressed with the 'new' EU regulations, that they have suffered psychological consequences. The earlier hunters accept it, the better, because it will get worse for them, So please don't make it any worse for them msieken.
Sylvana Zarb Darmanin
Oct 23rd 2009, 19:03
Ms C Micallef, you are another Ms J Borg who thinks that the countryside, including private property belongs to you. Sorry, Madam, you have no right to trespass onto private property, hunting or no hunting, whereas, you have to share the public countryside with hunters! I hope you are not one of those who trespasses onto private property and leave a mess behind you! Unfortunately that is what happens often, not to mention the dismantling of rubble wall to look for snails.
As for Mr Andrew Gatt (and not Zammit as stated by C Micallef in her haste to attack hunters) and all other hunters, enjoy your hunting season. Hopefully, you will soon be enjoying your Spring Hunting Season as well!
Ms C. Micallef
Oct 23rd 2009, 18:03
Well, I was only going to follow the pearls of wisdom of Ms S. Z Darmanin and really press on opening Mellieha Nature reserve for the rest of the week !!! But maybe Mr Andrew Zammit with his typical hunter metality is superiorly intelligent and I'll consider following his advice. Thank you (*bow to the king*).
I don't expect everyone to care for the animals as much as I do, which is my first argument against hunting (I'm still waiting for the hero among the typical macho hunter). But I DO expect everyone to have the decency to have his hands off the little space/environment we have left where decent people and families go for relaxation. And when I say environment, it incorporates everything. It's called DECENCY and RESPECT.
In the light of my second argument, let me add that the huge posters on the road which compared Malta's hunting laws to other European countries were not impressive. I'm not justifying hunting in other countries, but at least foreign hunters don't hunt where families relax because they have large open spaces.
Go hunting Mr Zammit. Enjoy it while you can.
A battle is won. The war isn't over.
Andrew Gatt
Oct 23rd 2009, 16:33
@ Miz C Micallef..........sorry, better forget about visiting the Ghadira Reserve. No room for you there. It's full of the millions and millions of breeding birds, joyfully procreating away just 'coz Birdlife said so.
As to your other comments.....well......on second thoughts, forget it. There's no reasoning with people like you. Your comments about "arrogance" and "disrespect" say much more about where YOU'RE coming from, Miz bet-you-never-ate-meat-or-fish-or-chicken-or-rabbit-in-your-life Micallef.
You got it wrong AGAIN about Spring Hunting. AND hunting in general. You seem to get your kicks for the wrong reasons. Ah well. Whatever. I'm off hunting. Legally. In season. For game. And you can moan and nag and bleat and blab all you like till 31st January.
Ms C. Micallef
Oct 23rd 2009, 11:59
Aaah all you people who like to enjoy a bit of countryside. Forget Mtahleb, forget Dingli, forget Mizieb, forget everywhere... the only place to enjoy a little countryside with our young children is Ghadira Nature Reserve. I'm sure if they opened seven days a week, the problem for half a million Maltese and local residents is solved once and for all because they could all go to Ghadira Nature Reserve to relax. Wow, thanks!
Give us a break!
Ms C Micallef
Oct 23rd 2009, 11:43
Well, well well... the arrogance of these people is unbelievable. Of course, I am anything but surprised!
@ Mark Mifsud Bonnici: No king of the island has the right to aim a shotgun at any living thing, be it human or animal in the name of a pastime. I would give that right to that hero who tries it on himself first. I'm still waiting for that hero to rise.
"The future of hunting is guaranteed for many centuries to come". In your dreams. Thanks to EU regulations, your pleasure has already been greatly diminished when spring hunting has been (supposedly) banned. And this is just the beginning, rest assured...
@ S.Z. Darmanin... Are you serious? You of all people talking of disrespect? Decent people, together with their families cannot enjoy the little patches of green we have left or enjoy the warble of free birds because everywhere is territory of a small minority of people who think they have a god given right to mark their territory and shoot anything that has a beak and wings. Arrogance at its best. And hey, is it really untrue when I claim its agony for any living thing to be shot at?
David Dandria
Oct 23rd 2009, 07:31
Ode to a skylark (1)
HAIL to thee, blithe spirit!
Bird thou never wert—
That from heaven or near it
Pourest thy full heart
In profuse strains of unpremeditated art.
Percy B. Shelley
Ode to a Skylark (2)
Ethereal minstrel! pilgrim of the sky!
Dost thou despise the earth where cares abound?
Or, while the wings aspire, are heart and eye
Both with thy nest upon the dewy ground?
William Wordsworth
Ode to a Skylark (3)
Skylarks are a delicacy especially when braised with a bit of bacon and some veg. I look forward to a good healthy meal and of hopefully getting the same opportunity to shoot a few more this season.
r sammut
Oct 22nd 2009, 22:10
All you anti-hunting moaners, skylarks amongst other are caught all over Europe at this time of year! Why blame the Maltese hunters when they are not doing things differently?
One would have been used to hearing much shooting had this been a major migratory route used by millions of birds! As shooting would not be 'intense' just on days when favourable weather prevails, but for the total duration of open season! Now it is precisely that!
B Sant
Oct 22nd 2009, 21:59
i wish you where at mgarr this morning - we woke up with the idea that we were under attack. From 6 am till 9 am a barrage of shhoting occured - you would think that its wartime. I augur that these people, if they dont have any resepect for the birds, would find some respect to the people around them.
Ray Mangani
Oct 22nd 2009, 21:41
Alex Ellul
Hunting will stop when ALL 12,000,000 EU citizens hunters stop hunting
Paul Portelli. Yes you' re right!!! they are only shot afer surviving a dangerous sea crossing running away from other Italian, French, English, Spanish ......etc etc. HUNTERS
lesley kreupl
Oct 22nd 2009, 20:53
Can someone please tell me why it is necessary to use a large shotgun and a 5 centimetre long lead-filled cartridge to massacre a tiny little skylark “no bigger than a sparrow”? Mr. Bonnici, I do hope your enjoy your leaded meal. Incidentally, considering how they must be shredded by the lead-shot, how many skylarks do you need for a meal?
Fabian Borg
Oct 22nd 2009, 20:43
This article is nothing but RECYCLED news which BLM decided to take out `by conincidence` on a day which luckily for the hunters which were out was a good day for skylarks. It is inevitable that people hear gunshots which produces a sound which can be heard from kilometres. No sound of gunshots ever killed anyone so avoid your grumbling and learn to live with others. Good walls make good neighbours so stick to your grounds and we stick to ours.
Anthony Formosa
Oct 22nd 2009, 19:50
“This is not surprising at all, since the politicians are more interested in appeasing the hunting lobby rather than stopping these crimes that damage Malta’s reputation. Tolga Temuge, BirdLife Malta executive director said.
@ Mr Temuge, Stop trying to impress the readers about Malta's reputation it's only a gimmick of BLM, tourists are complaining about everything except hunting because it exists worldwide. However BLM and your foreign friends are doing their utmost to picture Malta as a place of massacres, same as what greenpeace tried with our fishermen and proved them wrong.
@ To all moaners, hunting is permitted from 2hrs before sunrise up to 2hrs after sunset. The same exhausted birds that you're referring to by tomorrow they'll be all gone, except for the starlings which are a great hazard to aircrafts. To those complaining about gunshots, one can install double glazing glass or put ear plugs.
Edward Camilleri
Oct 22nd 2009, 19:41
Very well said Ms. C Micallef.
The ECJ ruling has not ruled anything except that it condemned the opening of spring hunting season during the past years.
The fact that illegal hunting is only reported when CABS are here, also confirms that there is no proper hunting in Malta. Otherwise hunters would themselves report illegal hunting. But it seems all are in collaboration together to protect one another, and their despecable hobby!
Sylvana Zarb Darmanin
Oct 22nd 2009, 19:08
Ms C Micallef, Well, Madam, primarily I do not own a gun. Secondly, I will not accede to your request. I prefer staying here to expose your untruths, disrespect, intolerance, deceitful arguments.
MARK MIFSUD BONNICI
Oct 22nd 2009, 18:53
Ms C. Micallef
Your comment epitomizes the reason why people that object to hunting are nothing less then ridiculous.
Do you honestly equate the life of a person to that of a bird? So should butchers chop their hands off in order to see what a cow feels when chopped into nice this slices. Do people in an abattoir have to use a humane killer on themselves to realize what they are doing, should fishermen stick hooks onto their lips to realize what they are doing.
With comments like yours based on your line of reasoning, I am quite confident in stating that the future of hunting is guaranteed for centuries to come.
Sylvana Zarb Darmanin
Oct 22nd 2009, 18:43
D Vella and all other anti's, I urge you to comment in a decent and reasonable manner. Your extremism has blinded you to the extent that you cannot reason properly. Well, Maltese hunters, like all hunters the world over, are enjoying their traditional pastime within the parameters of the law.
"We all know what sort of people these are" Come on D Vella tell us what sort of people these are! Don't shy away, show us you mean business BUT then be prepared to be sued by the respectable law-abiding hunters!
Mr Adrian Agius, I suggest you play it safe and TRY taking a 3 year old girl to the Ghadira Nature Reserve instead. Upsssss! Sorry, this reserve is only open on Sundays!!!!!
M. Mizzi
Oct 22nd 2009, 18:33
Maltese hunters...sic. were quite busy this morning it. was like Beirut at Qormi / Siggiewi Zebbug valleys and tal-Handaq countryside and no feather in flight was spared.
One could not even go for a walk with threats from hunters to buzz off and hot lead falling.
ALE was nowhere around and would appreciate spotchecks and searches on these hunters who shoot at anything and hopefully some supervision is done BY ALE and culprits identified and fined.
It
Ms C.Micallef
Oct 22nd 2009, 18:30
@ Sylvana Zarb Darmanin and others. "huntershunters may enjoy their pastime to their heart's content" Doubly said and doubly HILARIOUS, Ms Z Darmanin. Honey-coated sweet words to describe a disgusting practice. Hunting season or not, try aiming a shot gun at yourself for once to know how it feels to have your guts shattered. Try it! Come on! Who's the first hero?
Angelo Xerri
Oct 22nd 2009, 18:05
Will they ever learn ? I guess not. BLM you are doing a great job for the Maltese Islands, and you have majority of the Maltese people support, more than anyone can say about the gutless politicians on both sides. Law abiding hunters you can help by reporting these killers before is to late for you, no matter what political party you support, it is time you talked to all politicians.
DVella
Oct 22nd 2009, 17:36
Huh . . . what's new ? ? ? (!) The truth always emerges in the end and the true nature of these individuals is clearly indicated by their selfish and irresponsible behaviour! We all know what sort of people these are and once they can't bring themselves to behave in a civilised fashion and show respect for regulations and laws, the sooner they get regulated into extinction the better !
MARK MIFSUD BONNICI
Oct 22nd 2009, 17:10
Dear hunters,
Hopefully tomorrow will be another of the few good days for migration of birds over Malta.
I wish you a very good day shooting what we can legally shoot, the same birds 10.000.000 hunters all over Europe shoot.
As for all those commenting against our practices, I wouldn't let them worry you. They disagree with hunting so what! They always did and always will.
Hunting is regulated by local laws and follows directives issued by the EU. So no matter what these sort say their comments will be taken for what they're worth.
ABSOLUTE NONSENSE. as the saying goes "empty vessels make most sound."
MARK MIFSUD BONNICI
Oct 22nd 2009, 16:51
paul portelli
Could you now give us detail about the Lampuka or the vopa?
Is this not part of our hospitality too!!
Charles Gauci
Oct 22nd 2009, 16:16
@ Adrian Agius and others.
Unfortunately this morning's adverse weather conditions forced several hundreds of exhausted Skylarks (birds marginally larger than sparrows) to seek refuge on our islands. Little did they know they nearly all of them would be blasted to shreds by our gallant army of so-called hunters. It is truly a shame that our islands this morning were reminiscent of a war zone. It is truly beyond comprehension what satisfaction these individuals get from this barbaric act.
E.Portelli
Oct 22nd 2009, 15:26
This is really amazing...!!!!..All these people complain of hearing gunshots here, there and everywhere. WOW !!!!!
Dear friends, before you put pen on paper please do inform yourselves with authorities if hunting season is open or not.
Alex Ellul
Oct 22nd 2009, 15:24
Hunting will only stop when the authorities decide to put their foot down and declare: ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. Civilisation starts from here. How about forcing a referendum?
MARK MIFSUD BONNICI
Oct 22nd 2009, 14:59
For the information of those enquiring about hunting hours and seasons. The current season opened on Sept 1 and ends on Jan 31. The time hunting is allowed is from 2 hours before sunrise to 2 hours after sunset (NOT before sunrise as stated by Mr. Desira.)
The fact that many noted numerous shots today only goes to prove how rare a good day at shooting truly is. Had Malta been "on a main migratory path" as repeatedly stated by Birdlife Malta, the numerous shots heard would be a daily occurrence.
The adverse weather over the centre of the Mediterranean shifted several flocks of Skylarks from their usual migratory path onto Malta. For once this season we equalled the shooting opportunities enjoyed by hunters in Italy Spain and France.
Skylarks are a delicacy especially when braised with a bit of bacon and some veg. I look forward to a good healthy meal and of hopefully getting the same opportunity to shoot a few more this season.
Before all the antis start moaning. Skylarks are legal quarry in accordance with the EU's Birds Directive. So leave us hunters enjoy what we legally can and save your moaning for illegalities.
Ray Mangion
Oct 22nd 2009, 14:01
@Joe Camilleri
Figures, exaggerated or not are figures that should never be there. The hunters are one of a kind and I feel sorry for those law biding hunters to be tainted with the rest, but they should report those who are giving them a bad name. What did I say a while ago, does anyone believe that hunters will only shoot quails and turtle doves when they are out there on their own? Pull the other one. The European courts surely must get the message now. Hunting laws will keep being broken unitl all is banned and shot guns disposed of together with their licence. As for the political parties, stop being such cowards, have you not noticed that if you stop hunting you will gain more votes than losing those hunting ones? that is what it`s all about at the end of the day isn`t it?
S Saliba
Oct 22nd 2009, 13:32
Gunshots were heard even at Zebbug this morning..very close to residential buildings
Sylvana Zarb Darmanin
Oct 22nd 2009, 13:27
Mr Tolga Temuge, having had your hands tied behind your back through the undertaking by BirdLife International to abide by the ECJ Ruling, you are trying to do anything within your power to try and stop the Spring Hunting Season from being opened! Well, I and many others are fed up with your exaggerations! And btw, Sir, you are referring to poachers and not the law-abiding hunters who have every right to enjoy their traditional pastime within the parameters of the law, be it in Autumn and also in Spring!
To those uninformed individuals commenting below: Presently the hunting season is open season and hunters may enjoy their pastime to their heart's content, and this within the parameters of the law!! You appear to have been brainwashed so much that you are unable to think and inform yourself before putting pen to paper!
Paul Portelli
Oct 22nd 2009, 13:26
The birds being shot today are skylarks. Skylarks are small birds slightly larger than a sparrow. They breed throughout most of Europe. Some populations are sedentary while others, especially in the east are migratory. It is not protected in Malta and it is thus legal to shoot it. Most are shot as soon as reach the Maltese coast after having survived a dangerous sea crossing. That is Maltese hospitality at its best.
adrian agius
Oct 22nd 2009, 13:00
@Joseph desira.
Thanks for the info. So if i understood you correctly, at the moment hunters can shoot between 5am all day till till 4pm? Am i correct? Is it safe trying to take a 3 year old girl to Ta Qali at 11am at the national park and feeling yourself in the middle of afghanistan??
Joseph Desira
Oct 22nd 2009, 12:52
@JScicluna&A.Agius
For your info, hunting season opens from 1st September till 31st January and is allowed from 2hours before sunrise till 2 hours befores sunset, except on Sundays and public holidays when it is allowed till 13:00. By the way, shots heard today near Mriehel by pass were shots on Skylarks which are not protected species.
E Gatt
Oct 22nd 2009, 12:43
For the past few days gunshots have been heard throughout the day from the Kortin / Selmun area and this continues untl the evening. Continuous gunshots were also heard from the Mriehel bypass this morning.
What time is hunting allowed and when does the season come to an end?
David Borg
Oct 22nd 2009, 12:39
You need a steel hemet around the Kalkara/Rinella area today, is there a Coup on?
Joe Camilleri
Oct 22nd 2009, 12:32
Here we go again. These are nothing but exaggerated figures from BLM just to mount up pressure on the government not to allow spring hunting.
Tolga Temuge, one wonders who is actually damaging Malta’s reputation
Johanna Scicluna
Oct 22nd 2009, 12:02
Please advice ... Is the hunting season closed? Since early this morning, we have been hearing continous shooting noise coming from Mriehel By-pass, Qormi area!!!!!!
adrian agius
Oct 22nd 2009, 12:01
an hour ago i was at Ta Qali and there was a barage of gunshots all over the place. Does anybody know at what time hunting is supposed to stop here in Malta??