Malta is facing a sharp rise in illegal hunting activity, particularly targeting the vulnerable turtle-dove species, according to a statement by BirdLife Malta. The organisation reports that since the start of its Spring Watch on 10th April, gunshots have been heard daily across both Malta and Gozo, despite the spring hunting season for turtle-doves not yet officially open.
BirdLife Malta revealed that enforcement remains stretched thin, with a number of serious incidents already under investigation. In one notable case on Sunday in Bidnija, a hunter was apprehended by Environmental Protection Unit (EPU) officers after allegedly shooting a turtle-dove with a weapon equipped with a silencer. A dead turtle-dove and the hidden weapon were recovered at the scene. Simultaneously, a second case in the south of Malta could not be pursued due to limited enforcement resources.
The organisation also reported that on 11th April, a rare black stork sighted in the northwest of Malta was shot at and has not been seen since.
At least four confirmed cases of illegal hunting are expected to be prosecuted, according to BirdLife Malta. The incidents occurred amid a reportedly low police presence in the countryside, which the NGO argues has hampered effective response to widespread violations. Additional reports have also been filed by the Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS) and the Malta Ranger Unit (MRU), which are collaborating closely with BirdLife Malta.
Under Maltese regulations, one enforcement officer is required for every 1,000 hunting licenses issued. Based on previous years, over 8,000 licenses are expected this season, meaning at least 56 officers should be patrolling. However, the Wild Birds Regulation Unit (WBRU) has yet to publish the official number of licenses issued or their geographical distribution, despite repeated requests.
Concerns have also been raised about a controversial trapping initiative for turtle-doves, being conducted under the guise of scientific research by the hunting federation FKNK. BirdLife Malta claims this effort lacks a legal basis and appropriate oversight, and no public legislation has been issued to authorise the project. The organisation says the trapping plan is a renewed attempt to sidestep the EU Birds Directive, which prohibits spring trapping of turtle-doves—a practice already rejected by the European Commission in 2011.
In its statement, BirdLife Malta criticised the Maltese authorities for what it described as “state-enabled illegalities,” including insufficient enforcement, strategic timing of the hunting season to coincide with turtle-dove migration, and continued opacity around catch data. The WBRU has yet to release statistics from last year’s season, which are required to justify the opening of a new spring hunting period under EU rules.
“This continued persecution of a species in decline, through both hunting and trapping in 2025, persists while Malta remains under an open infringement procedure on the matter,” said Nicholas Barbara, Head of Conservation at BirdLife Malta.
The NGO is calling on the public to remain vigilant and report any illegal hunting or trapping activity. Reports can be made by calling 21347645 or 79255697, or via Facebook Messenger to BirdLife Malta. The organization is also preparing a formal complaint to the European Commission, urging immediate action as Malta continues to diverge from EU recommendations and legal safeguards.
News Editor
Journalist and Newscaster
Leave a Reply