Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1517660
7 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 20 MARCH 2024 NEWS KARL AZZOPARDI kazzopardi@mediatoday.com.mt Authorities crackdown results in discovery of 27 illegal bird trapping sites across Malta and Gozo OVER the past two weeks, the Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS) has spearheaded efforts resulting in the discovery of 27 ille- gal trapping sites across Malta and Gozo. The crackdown, aided by the po- lice and video evidence provided by CABS, has led to the identifi- cation of 24 suspects expected to face court proceedings for their involvement in trapping during the closed season. Authorities seized 33 sets of clap nets, numerous illegal bird callers, and a total of 263 live birds, pre- dominantly finches, in operations targeting hotspots near the coast- lines of Fawwara, Dingli, Żurrieq, as well as Sannat and Qala in Gozo. One illegal trapping site was un- covered near the Basilica of the Na- tional Shrine of Ta' Pinu in Għarb. Video footage released by CABS depicts Gozo police officers appre- hending trappers, with one indi- vidual being handcuffed following an attempt to flee. A significant breakthrough oc- curred when the Environmental Protection Unit (E.P.U.) investigat- ed a compound near Siggiewi, re- ported by CABS as a site for illegal trapping. Officers discovered three large active clap nets and a substantial collection of live birds, including protected species like Red Throat- ed Pipits and Short-toed Larks. Among the seized birds was a Rus- tic Bunting, a rare visitor to the Maltese islands. In total, 107 live birds were confiscated and handed over to BirdLife Malta for reha- bilitation. The trapper was appre- hended on-site. CABS have reiterated their criti- cism of the Maltese government's 'finch research' program, con- demning it as a cover for poaching activities. Fiona Burrows, CABS Wild- life Crime Officer, highlighted the government's "inconsistent claims", alleging that sites regis- tered for scientific trapping in au- tumn are often utilized for poach- ing in spring. "Trusting trap site owners with 'scientific trapping' is like letting the fox guard the henhouse," she said. Additionally, CABS announced its intention to provide all collect- ed data to the European Commis- sion in support of its case against Malta's finch trapping 'research project' at the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in Luxemburg. Axel Hirschfeld, Press Officer for CABS, expressed confidence in the ECJ ruling in favour of bird conserva- tion, despite government efforts to defend its stance. CABS affirmed its commitment to ongoing surveillance operations on Malta and Gozo until the end of April, emphasizing its dedication to combating illegal bird trapping and safeguarding vulnerable avian species. Video footage released by CABS depicts Gozo police officers apprehending trappers, with one individual being handcuffed following an attempt to f lee Top: CABS volunteer with caged Red-throated Pipits seized in Siggiewi; Middle: An illegal trapping site uncovered near the Basilica of the National Shrine of Ta' Pinu in Gharb; Above: An Aerial shot of a Siggiewi site where 107 birds were seized (Photos: CABS) A Golden Plover seized in Siggiewi on Monday (Photo: CABS)