Sunday, September 15, 2002
< BirdLife says 'indiscriminate' hunting goes on daily >
by Herman Grech
Hundreds of Marsh Harriers migrating over the Maltese islands were welcomed
by
the rattle of gunfire in yet another incident of illegal hunting, BirdLife
lamented yesterday.
An exceptional passage of Marsh Harriers, which are protected birds,
occurred
late on Friday, as the autumn raptor migration was in full swing.
But by yesterday morning, BirdLife received reports that many birds of
different
species were shot down in Buskett, a bird sanctuary, and in different parts
of
Gozo.
Just two weeks into the hunting season, BirdLife said it had received
reports of
indiscrimate hunting on a daily basis, BirdLife president Joseph Mangion
told
The Sunday Times.
"Most of the birds being targeted have been protected for no fewer than 22
years. Even if we enforce current legislation we should be miles better. We
really have to put our house in order," Mr Mangion charged.
BirdLife members carrying out observations at Buskett noted that the weather
conditions on Friday were just right for raptor migration.
By the end of the day, they had counted over 1,000 Marsh Harriers at Buskett
alone, as well as over 100 Honey Buzzards, 10 Montagus Harriers, six
Ospreys,
four Black Kites, a Black Stork and a Booted Eagle.
Mr Mangion said that police presence at Buskett was instrumental in avoiding
a
bigger massacre.
Migrating birds were also observed in other parts of the islands, and with
them
rampant shooting, especially in Gozo in the Nadur, Wied tar-Ramla and
l-Ghammar
areas, he said.
At Mizieb shooting on birds attempting to roost reached a climax closer to
dusk,
Mr Mangion said.
Hunters at Mizieb were reported shooting at will even in the dark. Shooting
was
also reported from the Kuncizzjoni area north of Rabat.
BirdLife once again urged the authorities to step up resources for law
enforcement given that such exceptional migration days was occurring
regularly.
Mr Mangion said it was impossible to give the toll of protected birds shot
since
the start of the hunting season.
"We simply can't be present in all the places where hunting takes place. But
the
number of reports we are getting is nothing short of worrying. We also fear
a
lot of illegal hunting is going on at sea."
___________________________________________
This article may also be viewed at
http://www.timesofmalta.com/core/article.php?id=108729
david camilleri
http://www.MaltaTouristAction.org
Proact, campaigning for birds and their habitats .... your contribution
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