Joint operation confiscates illegal hunting and trapping devices

A joint operation by the Environmental Protection Unit, Malta Ranger Unit and Birdlife Malta throughout the past few days has seized illegal hunting and trapping devices across Malta.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, BirdLife Malta mentioned how a number of illegal devices, such as electronic callers and speakers, were confiscated from hunting and trapping sites in Mġarr, Ta’Qali and Ħal Farruġ.

According to a Birdlife Malta spokesperson, electronic callers for the purpose of trapping and hunting are illegal, but are legally allowed for 'finch research'.

In Mġarr three callers and five speakers were seized, in Ta’Qali, four speakers, two mist nets and one trapping site with unattended clap nets were dismantled. 

In Ħal Farruġ, two trapping sites with unattended clap nets were also dismantled. Another five callers and 13 speakers were seized. 

“These illegal devices and unattended nets pose a deadly risk to wildlife, but thanks to this joint effort, countless birds were saved,” BirdLife Malta said.

Apart from these sites, BirdLife Malta reported a finch trapper in Mellieħa who illegally started finch trapping before the season started on 20 October. 

Live finches and nets were confiscated, and BirdLife Malta said a court action is expected to follow.

“Despite the season opening on 20th October, BirdLife Malta collected evidence of illegal trapping already taking place, as electronic callers were heard and active trapping observed.”