News 08/09/2002

Protected birds shot at Buskett sanctuary as enforcement hits new low

By a staff reporter

They breed in the forests of Scandinavia and migrate at this time of the year to winter south of the Sahara. But last Thursday, a number of these birds ended their voyage in Malta.

On Thursday a flock of 26 honey -buzzards coming in to roost were met with a barrage of shots and at least five of the birds were shot down. Only three birds actually landed in the trees – the rest were shot in the surrounding areas. This was stated yesterday in a statement by Birdlife Malta

"The ALE only showed up in the last half hour of daylight, having been stretched to its limits checking out reports of illegal hunting in various other places. They arrived at Buskett just in time to have their car peppered with spent lead shot from one of the final barrages of the day," the environmental group said.

Birdlife Malta which was founded in 1962 has been campaigning against illegal hunting problem.

"The setting up of Environment Wardens should achieve for nature protection what Local Council Wardens achieved in the enforcement of Traffic Regulations. BirdLife Malta has been requesting such a unit since 1980."

Birdlife Malta said that there was little or no interest in solving the hunting problem. “For all the promises and boards set up to 'monitor' and 'crack down' on illegal hunting, it is obvious that these were little more than short-lived cosmetic moves, and that there is no real motivation to improve matters.”