Two cases of trapping abuse have been documented by the Malta teams of the Committee Against Bird Slaughter on the first morning of the official season.
The organisation said in a statement a CABS team deployed in the Mtaħleb area alerted the authorities after they observed two protected ring ouzels in an aviary close to a trapping site. The cage was shown to the police who freed and released the freshly caught birds. The landowner was cautioned and should be further questioned.
Ring ouzels are scarce visitors to the Maltese islands and are a red-listed species of conservation concern across much of Europe.
In a separate incident, CABS members deployed near Qrendi were able to confirm that a trapping site registered for the capture of song thrush and golden plover was being used to catch protected finch species.
Footage released by CABS shows a man trapping finches with a 20-metre clap net and caged live decoys placed around the installation. The police were called and arrested the trapper. An illegal bird calling machine and 19 live birds, including chaffinches, hawfinches, siskins and greenfinches were seized.
According to CABS, the man arrested in Qrendi is a repeat offender who was caught trapping finches this spring at the same location.
“Although the poacher was awaiting trial for illegal trapping, the government issued this suspect with a licence and registered the trapping site he used illegally in spring,” CABS wildlife crime officer Fiona Burrows said.
She added that “rewarding known wildlife criminals with licences for bird trapping is exactly the opposite of true, effective regulation and enforcement.
Given that two criminal cases were exposed on the very first day of the season we have deep concerns regarding the potential scale of trapping offences occurring in the Maltese countryside during this open season.”
CABS praised the police for their quick response and said its teams will continue to keep a close eye on the situation until the end of the migration season.
All cases will be reported to the Maltese authorities as well as to the European Commission, it said.