Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/451763
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 25 JANUARY 2015 3 News Break-in at Ghadira nature reserve: flamingoes disappear MIRIAM DALLI THE police are investigating a break- in at the Ghadira nature reserve af- ter wardens noticed signs of a forced entry into the reserve. Two resident Greater Flamingoes have also gone missing. BirdLife Malta yesterday said it re- ported the case to the police after the absence of two resident flamingoes was noted at 6:30am and triggered wardens to carry out an inspection of the reserve. "Signs of a forced entry were sub- sequently found, including trampled vegetation, foot marks leading up to a raised fence and a three-metre wood- en plank which could have been used to gain access. Qawra District Police were immediately called to the scene and inspected the reserve and its pe- rimeter, looking for other evidence," BirdLife Malta said. The birds had been very popular with visitors to the reserve, ever since they had been rescued after being stranded from migrating flocks last summer. The first had landed among swimmers at Paradise Bay on 1 Sep- tember, while the second had landed exhausted at a residence in Birzeb- buga on 10 September. The pair had become stable resi- dents at Għadira Nature reserve, feed- ing in the lagoon and slowly gaining their transformation from grey juve- niles to pink adults. Inseparable since their arrival, the two flamingoes were a mainstay attraction for reserve visi- tors, often seen feeding and roosting together, as well as giving a spectacle as they flew around the reserve. "The circumstances leading to their sudden disappearance bring memo- ries of past incidents. Having been residents at the reserve for so many months, it is highly unlikely these two inexperienced birds chose a stormy windy night to venture out to sea or migrate," Nature Reserve Manager Mark Gauci said. The flamingo pair was last seen yes- terday evening, as weather conditions over the night worsened to torrential rain and gale force winds. Throughout their stay the flamingoes had become quite used to the regular visitors to the reserve, and were unbothered by the hustle and bustle of the nearby beach. "The incentive to add these birds to collections is one that still haunts us to this day. While we do our best to rescue and conserve such rare occur- rences, we cannot discount the fact that others are still intent at harming such efforts, at time recurring to or- ganized criminal activity," Conserva- tion Manager Nicholas Barbara said. Any information on the flamingoes' whereabouts or about the Għadira in- cident to contact the police on 119 or BirdLife Malta on 2134 7644. THE CEO of hunting fed- eration FKNK has taken umbrage at comments by two Attard councillors on Facebook expressing themselves in favour of banning spring hunting, lodging a protest with the government's local coun- cils department. In an email erroneously sent to parliamentary sec- retary for economic growth Jose Herrera – the junior responsible for local coun- cils is Stefan Buontempo – as well as the Department of Local Government, the Local Councils Associa- tion and the Attard local council, Lino Farrugia said the FKNK had "to lodge a strong protest" over the Facebook comments. "We are aware that any person in his personal capacity can have and voice his opinion with re- gards the upcoming 11 April referendum, how- ever, we believe that the Attard Local Council Vice-Mayor, Marco Spiteri, and Councillor, Ralph Cassar, have acted unethically, if not also illegally, when they posted/commented with regards the referendum on the Attard Council official Facebook Page," Farrugia protested. The councillors in question, AD councillor Ralph Cassar and PN deputy mayor Marco Spi- teri, wrote that they would be voting to abolish the law allowing spring hunting to take place. "I will vote according to my conscience, in fa- vour of life and sustainable environment and in favour for everyone to enjoy birds and the countryside," Spiteri said. Echoing Spiteri's comments, Cassar said he wished to inform the residents of Attard that he would be voting 'No' in the referendum. In a reaction to the FKNK protest, Altern- attiva Demokratika said FKNK was trying "to shut people up" and reporting them to Cabinet members. "The FKNK wrote to the parliamentary sec- retary to censure the councillors who declared they would vote 'No'. FKNK have continued with their anti-democratic stands. Some weeks ago they attempted to convince Parliament through a petition to remove the right of an abrogative referendum," AD chairman Arnold Cassola said. "This anti-democratic behaviour is an addi- tional reason to vote 'NO' against the FKNK, that despises democracy and freedom of ex- pression." SHOUT, the Spring Hunting Out campaign, yesterday announced more ambassadors who will be supporting a NO vote to stop spring hunting. Joining Moira De- lia, Saviour Balzan, Joseph Mangion, Seb Tanti Burlo, Frank Zammit, Renzo Spiteri, Nick Morales, Carina Camilleri and Iggy Fenech are Sliema local councllor Pierre Portelli, Co- ryse Borg and Ed- ward Caruana Din- gli. "An abrogative referendum is the most democratic tool we have, with everyone's vote being equal and valid, it is therefore right for people to stand up and make their voices heard on this issue. On announcing the latest ambassadors," campaign coordina- tor Romina Tolu said. "The Spring Hunting Out Campaign am- bassadors are courageous enough to speak out. It is extremely encouraging to have many high profile Maltese from all walks of life supporting the campaign." Pierre Portelli, Sliema local councillor, said: "I am voting no, because I honestly believe that we ought to let migrating birds live and not be killed in spring. We need to safeguard the environment for us, but moreover for the future generations." Edward Caruana Dingli, a swimmer and holder of a number of national records, said: "Hunting in spring cannot be considered a fair sport, the sheer density of hunters in the Maltese countryside equipped with firearms is extremely destructive." Actress Coryse Borg said that while many hunters abide by the rules, "unfortunately there are those who not only flaunt but break them. It is not just Turtle Dove and Quail which end up being targeted in the spring hunting seasons. They hunt other breeds that are migrating, and are therefore contributing to the decimation of these species." Tolu urged everyone to use their vote on 11 April. "This referendum is our chance to make a difference and to do the right thing for birds, for people's right to enjoy their countryside, for Malta. So say 'NO' to lies and deceit, 'NO' to the bullies, and vote 'NO' to get spring hunting out." 'Anti-democratic' hunters file complaint against local councillors over FB status Spring Hunting Out campaign announces more ambassadors Two resident Greater Flamingoes have gone missing Lifted fence and disturbed ground Police officers investigate break-in Coryse Borg, Edward Caruana Dingli (centre) and Pierre Portelli AD local councillor Ralph Cassar