Ornithologists, conservationists and bird lovers discussed how Maltese trappers could continue to enjoy birds without harming wild populations or their natural countryside.

An international seminar organised by LIFE+ information Project on Bird Migration and Trapping heard former trapper Joe Sultana, now an ornithologist and scientific bird ringer, that trapping in Malta has been practiced for many years, when birds were plentiful and alternative options to trapping were not readily available.

During the seminar hope was expressed that Malta’s natural environment could slowly recover, aided by trappers redirecting their love for birds into actions that do not threaten the populations and habitats of wild birds.

“The central Mediterranean is an important wintering area for finches, and several finch species also breed on central Mediterranean Italian islands like Lampedusa and Pantelleria.” said Bruno Massa, ornithologist from the University of Palermo.

“Stopping trapping in Malta will benefit over wintering populations and also allow some of the finch species to re-establish breeding populations over time,” Prof. Massa said.

Geoffrey Saliba, BirdLife Malta’s campaigns coordinator said the project was seeking to understand how trappers felt about the changes and to help them enjoy alternative activities which would enable them to enjoy birds while respecting the law and the environment.

Belgian former trapper Jaak Aerts said:

“Most trappers are bird lovers, so when trapping was banned in Belgium many trappers, understanding the reasons why, took up captive bird breeding instead.

“Many also participated in national or international cage bird competitions. These hobbies allowed us to maintain our passion for birds even after the bird trapping ban.

“I think many Maltese trappers could also find these hobbies fulfilling now that finch trapping is not permitted in Malta.”