The hunters’ federation, FKNK, said it has “no particular concerns” about the appointment of anthropologist Mark Anthony Falzon as the next chair of the Ornis Committee, which advises the Government on hunting and trapping issues.

“Having already worked with Prof. Falzon in recent years, including at Ornis Committee level, and since unfortunately Louis Cassar has decided to step-down, we believe that Prof. Falzon can adequately handle his appointment,” FKNK CEO Lino Farrugia told timesofmalta.com.

“Notwithstanding Prof. Falzon's Birdlife background – similar to Dr Cassar's – we do not have any particular concerns, especially due to Prof. Falzon's professional academic qualifications, besides his other balanced and reasonable qualities,” Mr Farrugia added.

Prof. Falzon was a member of Birdlife’s forerunner, the Malta Ornithological Society, until 1996.

He has also carried out extensive anthropological fieldwork on hunting over the past several years.

Dr Cassar, who was appointed last March, will step down to focus on other commitments when his term ends on December 31.

The FKNK said it had been satisfied with Dr Cassar's chairmanship.

“It is also good to know that Dr Cassar may still actively contribute to the work of the Ornis Committee,” Mr Farrugia said.

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