Take Action Against Illegal Hunting in Malta

Pallid Harrier: A very rare male Pallid Harrier, another victim of illegal hunters in 2007 (photo: A&H Raine).

Malta, an archipelago in the heart of the Mediterranean, is notorious among bird-lovers throughout Europe. Its reputation is earned because of the ongoing widespread hunting of protected species that is at its worst during the migration seasons. Since Malta is located on one of the main European-African migration routes, the senseless killing of migrants ensures that many birds do not reach their final breeding, or wintering, destination. Every year raptors are slaughtered as they come to the island to roost. Every year, those who want to help end the slaughter gather to take action to prevent the massacre. BirdLife Malta's Raptor Camp, held between 8th and 23rd September, is a chance for like-mined people to travel to Malta to help birds survive the crossing.

The primary objective of the Raptor Camp is to help bird protection by recording illegal hunting and this is done through the presence of birdwatchers acting as a deterrant to the hunters. Birdwatchers will bear witness to, and document, any illegal shooting of protected species, through photo and video equipment. The entire action will be coordinated with local law enforcement authorities who will be called to step in when necessary.

Verdala: Verdala Castle in Busket forest - the valley (IBA) in which Birdlife Malta held the camp for the past years (photo: Charles Polidano).

The Raptor Camp is based on the outskirts of Buskett, Malta's oldest woodland, which is designated as an Important Bird Area for its migrating raptors. The camp has been held annually since 1998 and participants have flown in from many European countries including Germany, Italy, Sweden and the United Kingdom. This is an opportunity to conduct some serious conservation work through the monitoring and prevention of illegal hunting.

Marsh Harrier: Two of the many Marsh Harriers shot illegally in Malta this year (photo: A&H Raine).

At the same time, the Camp is also an opportunity to witness the spectacle of the vast numbers of raptors that migrate over Malta en route to other destinations. For the duration of the camp, participants will also be taking detailed information on a wide range of migratory species. The focus will of course be on birds of prey and the autumn can bring in large numbers of a range of species. These include Honey Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Montagu's Harrier, Common and Lesser Kestrel, European Hobby, Red-footed Falcon, Osprey and Black Kite. Rarer raptors include Pallid Harrier, Hen Harrier, Eleonora's Falcon and Lesser Spotted Eagle. These birds migrate over Malta during the day and as night falls, many will attempt to roost in woodland areas on the island. While raptors are the main focus, other migrants include European Bee-eater, Golden Oriole, hirundines, Black and White Stork, Purple Heron, Night Heron, Squacco Heron and Common Crane.

Whilst birds of prey are still on their way from Sicily or Italy during the morning, BirdLife organises cultural and environmental excursions. These include trips to the many areas of natural beauty and Malta''s prehistoric temples. Presentations will also be made by local experts in the conservation of environmental and cultural heritage. The afternoons are wholly dedicated to monitoring illegal hunting activities and bird migration. During peak periods migration can be observed at a very close quarters and every year hundreds of raptors are recorded coming down to roost in the woodland - a spectacular experience.

This year, support is needed more than ever as BirdLife Malta has succeeded in cutting short the illegal spring hunting season and is now planning to step up its campaign in autumn with the aim of ending illegal hunting on the islands.

For more information contact Nicholas Crockford, Development Manager, BirdLife Malta or visit the BirdLife Malta web site.

Red-footed Falcon: Brought in to BirdLife Malta office on 3rd May 2007 with gunshot injuries to the wing (photo: A&H Raine).