An online petition by three NGOs - Din l-Art Helwa, Gaia Foundation and Nature Trust - is calling for support for a ban on hunting within the Majjistral Park.

The nature and heritage conservation area in the northwest of Malta was set up in 2007 and is managed by the three NGOs. The site forms part of an EU network of protected areas known as Natura 2000.

It is home to a variety of plants and animals including endemic species, seven breeding birds and other numerous migratory ones.

Some rare visiting birds have recently been recorded in the area. In the past few months, over 500 visitors have joined guided walks in the park to learn more about nature, while thousands of others have visited.

The petition may be found on http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/Majjistral/index.html