BirdLife Malta is urging the public to report any illegal hunting and trapping during the spring migration period.

“Malta’s citizens have the power to help the authorities protect Europe’s migratory birds and through this campaign we will share information on how to report illegal activities to the police,” BirdLife Malta conservation and policy officer Nicholas Barbara said.

The organisation’s website, www.birdlifemalta.org, has been updated explaining illegal hunting and trapping, listing police contact numbers and giving advice on how members of the public can effectively place a report.

As the spring migration started, migratory birds were being hunted and trapped illegally, BirdLife said.“Apart from our own surveillance operations, increased cooperation with the public is producing results. Thanks to a report passed on to BirdLife a few days ago, an illegal trapper was caught by the police,” Mr Barbara added.

In other cases, people stood guard over freshly shot protected birds, preventing poachers from retrieving them until they were recovered by BirdLife teams.

A grey heron died soon after it was shot and a marsh harrier was given veterinary treatment and could be rehabilitated, BirdLife said.

“With a seriously under-resourced police force to counter the level of illegal hunting and trapping, it is important all possible assistance is given to the authorities to stop this criminal activity. The public can make a difference,” Mr Barbara said.