Police apprehend poacher in Dingli

A poacher caught trapping a protected Ortolan Bunting has been apprehended by police after being caught red-handed, the Committee Against Bird Slaghter (CABS) said.

The poacher is expected to be taken to court soon.

CABS said that one of its teams spotted a poacher using an illegal bird caller trapping a protected bird close to the Dingli radar station, and within five minutes, the police responded and caught the man red-handed.

“Thanks to the quick response, the poacher was caught red-handed and is expected to be taken to court soon,” CABS Wildlife Crime Officer Fiona Burrows stated.

Police also seized a 15-metre long clap net, an illegal bird caller and a live decoy.

The Ortolan Bunting is a songbird species of conservation concern in most countries of the EU. According to the European Commission one reason for its massive decline is illegal trapping.

Meanwhile, CABS guards have observed the shooting at protected Marsh Harriers in Selmun, the illegal use of bird callers and automatic shotguns capable of firing more than three rounds, and violations of the afternoon curfew.