Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1530801
3 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 20 DECEMBER 2024 NEWS GozoToday is a weekly newspaper focused primarily on Gozo. It hopes to serve as a source of information on business, culture, entertainment and of course current affairs. Gozo has a special charm about it but it is also a bustling Island with an identity of its own. GozoToday is published every Friday and is available to numerous outlets in Gozo and on the ferries that carry so many visitors to Gozo from Malta and beyond. GozoToday MediaToday Co. Ltd, Vjal ir-Rihan San Gwann SGN 9016 EDITOR: PAUL COCKS Tel: (356) 21 382741-3, 21 382745-6 Website: www.maltatoday.com.mt E-mail: dailynews@mediatoday.com.mt A notorious bird trapping site in Sannat, Gozo, has once again be- come the subject of controversy, with allegations of illegal activities continuing unabated despite po- lice interventions. The Malta Ranger Unit (MRU) reported that its rangers discov- ered electronic bird callers in use at the site, causing disruption to both biodiversity and local resi- dents. According to the MRU, rangers in Gozo came across the site on Sunday with electronic callers for Golden Plover and Lapwing play- ing at full volume, audible from over 400 meters away. Despite the Rangers promptly alerting Victoria Police, officers arriving at the scene were unable to locate the illegal devices. The MRU claimed that the accused trappers turned off the callers up- on spotting the enforcement team through CCTV surveillance. However, just two hours later, the electronic callers were report- edly switched back on, leading to complaints from frustrated Sannat residents. The Rangers again contacted the police but are still awaiting up- dates on whether the illegal equip- ment was confiscated. "Not only are such illegal callers unsustainable and harmful to bi- odiversity, but they also disturb people trying to enjoy peace in their homes. This site exemplifies the impunity of a few who harm nature and biodiversity while showing blatant disrespect for the authorities," MRU stated on their private Facebook page. Intimidation and insufficient enforcement The MRU also highlighted addi- tional challenges faced by its Rang- ers, including intimidation from individuals linked to the trapping site. This intimidation reported- ly occurred after a recent night check, during which nine live birds and trapping nets were confiscat- ed. "The situation escalated to the point where our Rangers had to visit the police station to request assistance," the MRU said. The organisation expressed con- cern over inadequate enforcement measures, noting that officers often fail to conduct thorough checks of trapping sites. "Rangers witnessed trappers re- moving illegal decoys and conceal- ing a live decoy bird, seemingly of a protected species, under clothing," the MRU said. Despite alerting the Gozo Police, no immediate action was taken. The MRU highlighted that evi- dence gathered by Rangers is often the only avenue for pursuing legal action, given the lack of properly trained Environmental Protection Unit officers in Gozo. "Every time offenders evade jus- tice due to insufficient enforce- ment resources, it emboldens their impunity and raises safety concerns for our Rangers on the ground," the organisation warned. The Malta Ranger Unit has called on Ministers Miriam Dalli and Clint Camilleri to address the issue urgently. "We have been alerting the au- thorities for years that this situation creates an unsafe environment for our Rangers. The unwillingness to resolve this will be documented in our yearly report, and should any- thing happen to our Rangers, we will reference all communications with the authorities on this mat- ter," the MRU said. The MRU concluded by reaffirm- ing its commitment to its work in Gozo but stressed that immediate action is needed to ensure the safe- ty of its Rangers and the protection of the island's biodiversity. The organisation has pledged to continue monitoring and report- ing illegal trapping activities, urg- ing the government to provide the necessary resources and support to combat these crimes effectively. Illegal bird trapping in Sannat continues despite police interventions, MRU claims Screenshot from footage showing bird trappers at a site in Sannat (Photo: MRU)