The planning authority has released a call for applications for a special autumn live-capturing licence for the limited trapping of song thrush and golden plover.

Only people with a valid carnet de chasse for 2012 and 2013 issued in terms of the Wild Birds Regulations of 2006 are eligible to apply for such a special licence.

Applicants must also be able to show the trapping sites where the live capturing will take place and ensure these are registered with the Police Commissioner.

Application forms may be collected from all Maltapost branches in Malta and Gozo or can be downloaded from www.mepa.org.mt.

These can be handed in from tomorrow until Monday at Maltapost branches during office hours.

There will be a €2 fee and applicants have to present their identity card and carnet de chasse booklet.

Licensed trappers will only be allowed to have in their possession – at the capturing site or when travelling to or from the capturing site – up to 10 birds of either golden plover or song thrush that may be used as live-decoys.

For a bird to be considered as a live decoy, it has to have a single-use ring approved and provided by the Director of the Environment.

When applying for the licence, trappers will have to give the number of live decoys of either of the two species they intend to use at the capturing site.

Single-use rings approved by the director will be available at 50 cents per ring.

For information email avifauna@mepa.org.mt call 2290 7314, 2290 7319, 2290 7120 during office hours or visit www.mepa.org.mt/biodiversity-autumntrapping2012.