Joseph Mangion, President of BirdLife Malta said that “The hunting ban after 3 pm during the peak migration of birds of prey in September is a necessary measure to avoid the killing of these protected species by poachers. Last year’s ban proved to be effective as it helped the law enforcement units that monitor the hunting hotspots with their limited resources.”

The conservation organisation on the other hand expressed its disappointment regarding the opening of the trapping season for four species that are not included in the list of species that can be trapped till the end of 2008 as agreed in the Accession Treaty Agreement signed by Malta and the EU. Under this Agreement, Malta is obliged to phase out the trapping of seven songbird (finch) species by the end of 2008. Trapping of Turtle Dove, Quail, Golden Plover and Song Thrush this autumn as permitted by yesterday’s Legal Notice, therefore, is not part of the agreement. BirdLife Malta argued that this is in violation of the Agreement and a direct breach of the Birds Directive which may lead to more infringement procedures.

On a separate note Mr. Mangion drew attention to the phenomenon of Raptor (Birds of Prey) migration in September that the Maltese people are lucky to witness on a large scale. “Migration is nature’s one of the most spectacular events and Raptor migration in September and October months is particularly significant in our islands. BirdLife Malta will organise Raptor watching days in September for its members and also for members of the public who want to witness this phenomenon.” concluded Mr. Mangion.

The government has announced the dates of the hunting and trapping season in the coming Autumn after being presented with recommendations from the ORNIS committee.

Hunting from land will be allowed as from September 1st and will close on January 31. On Sundays and public holidays, hunting will only be permitted up to 1300CET.

No hunting will be allowed between September 15-30 after 1500CET, as a provision to protect birds of prey.

Hunting from sea will be permissible between October 1st and December 31 whilst quail and turtle doves can be hunted between September 1st to October 30th.

Trapping for golden plover and song trush can take place between October 20th and December 31.