Tag: BirdLife Malta
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Shot protected bird lands at St Edward’s College as government considers reducing hunting penalties
A protected Eurasian Hobby (Falco subbuteo) suffering from shotgun injuries was found in the grounds of St Edward’s College as students returned to school for the start of the new scholastic year. BirdLife Malta was called to collect the injured bird after it was discovered on the school grounds. A government veterinarian subsequently confirmed that…
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Highly Protected Black Stork shot down in Buskett on Monday
BirdLife Malta has recorded the shooting of a Black Stork in the limits of Buskett, in the latest case involving the illegal killing of a protected bird. The Black Stork enjoys highly protected status under Maltese law and is considered a rare visitor to the Maltese Islands. Hunting for Turtle-dove was closed earlier this week…
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Rampant and indiscriminate killing of wild birds during Turtle-Dove Spring hunting season
BirdLife Malta has reported at least 14 illegal bird killings during theis year’s turtle dove spring hunting season, once again highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the practice. According to the organisation, while the spring migration initially began with lower bird numbers and less species diversity than usual, incidents of illegal hunting increased sharply during the…
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BirdLife Malta condemns Government’s move to reopen Finch trapping licences
BirdLife Malta has strongly criticised the government’s decision to reopen applications for General Trapping Licences, calling it a major step backward for Malta’s environmental obligations under the European Union. Finch trapping, which was supposed to be phased out after Malta joined the EU in 2004, is now being actively regenerated, despite repeated legal rulings against…
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BirdLife Malta training strengthens national efforts on nature restoration
BirdLife Malta held a four-day, in-person training on nature restoration between 19th and 22nd January, bringing together key government entities and environmental organisations to strengthen Malta’s national restoration capacity. Participants included the Environmental Resources Authority (ERA), the Energy and Water Agency, Nature Trust, Majjistral Park and Friends of the Earth. The sessions focused on international…
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Injured Barn Owl raises fresh concerns over illegal hunting in Buskett sanctuary
A Barn Owl released as part of the Federazzjoni Kaccaturi Nassaba Konservazzjonisti (FKNK) reintroduction project has been shot and injured in Buskett, prompting renewed criticism over persistent illegal hunting and the effectiveness of publicly funded conservation initiatives. The owl was discovered on 18th November by a family walking with children just a few metres from…
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Endangered Saker Falcon found shot in Gozo, BirdLife Malta raises alarm over enforcement gaps
An endangered Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug), one of the rarest birds of prey to visit Malta, has been found shot near Żebbuġ, Gozo, according to BirdLife Malta. The organisation said the bird was discovered with an old, maggot-infested wing fracture and did not survive despite rescue efforts. The Saker Falcon, the largest falcon species that…
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Endangered Egyptian Vulture Hugo safely continues migration after stopover in Malta
BirdLife Malta has confirmed that a rare Egyptian Vulture, named Hugo, successfully continued his migration to Africa after a brief and risky stopover in Malta coinciding with the opening of the hunting season on 1st September. The young bird, one of only two chicks hatched this year at Italy’s Endangered Raptors Centre (CERM) in Tuscany,…
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BirdLife Malta slams FKNK’s “sustainability index” on hunting as misleading and unscientific
BirdLife Malta has strongly criticised a “sustainability index” recently published by the Federation for Hunting and Trapping – Malta (FKNK), describing it as misleading, unscientific, and dangerous for the future of wild birds such as the Turtle-dove and Quail. According to BirdLife, the index, designed to present spring hunting as sustainable, “lacks any scientific credibility”…
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Environmental groups launch legal fundraiser to overturn controversial Comino hotel approval
Ten environmental and heritage organisations have united in a public appeal to challenge the recent approval of a major tourism development on Comino, warning that the project could lead to irreversible damage to one of Malta’s last natural sanctuaries. The permit in question, PA/04777/20, greenlights the construction of a 140-bed luxury hotel, 16 private villas,…
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BirdLife Malta welcomes launch of Mediterranean Sulphur Emission Control Area
BirdLife Malta has welcomed the official implementation of the Mediterranean Sulphur Emission Control Area (SECA), which comes into force today, 1st May 2025. This major environmental milestone aims to reduce harmful sulphur emissions from ships, improving air quality and public health across the region – particularly in coastal communities like Malta. Under SECA regulations, ships…
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BirdLife Malta claims Turtle-dove quota illegally reached before season opens
BirdLife Malta has alleged that Malta’s national spring hunting quota for Turtle-doves, set at 1,500, has already been illegally reached before the season officially opens on 21st April. According to the NGO, its Spring Watch teams observed over 80% of hunters in recent days illegally targeting Turtle-doves instead of the legally permitted Common Quail. The…