Although the spring hunting season was abruptly brought to a end three weeks ago, and would have closed 16 days ago had it been allowed to run its full course, BirdLife Malta said yesterday that reports of illegal hunting and shooting of protected bird species continue flooding into its offices.
Late last week a mutilated honey buzzard was brought to BirdLife’s offices, the organisation said yesterday. The bird had been downed by a shot to the wing, after which, in what can only be termed an act of sadism, its wing feathers were removed – leaving the bird flightless and dying.
The mutilated bird, a protected species, was turned in to BirdLife by by a concerned citizen who found it in Zabbar. The bird had a recent gunshot wound on its wing, while its primary and secondary feathers had been hacked off, most likely with a pair of scissors. The bird, which had reached BirdLife’s offices alive, had to be put down by a veterinarian.
“This mutilation really shows the mentality of some of the so-called hunters out there and the complete lack of compassion they have for wildlife,” commented BirdLife Malta conservation manager Dr Andre Raine.
“Not only have they shot a protected bird of prey, but they have mutilated it beyond any hope of recovery. It is a particularly sadistic final act to do to an injured and defenceless bird.”
Since the closing of the hunting season on 10 May, BirdLife has received reports of no fewer than 51 incidents of illegal hunting from reliable sources. The organisation said yesterday many of the cases involved hunters shooting on a daily basis despite the closure of the hunting season, while several more involved hunters shooting at protected species.
Dr Raine added, “There is a clear need for increased government support for the law enforcement units. Illegal hunting is not only a problem during spring but also during the autumn migration of these wild birds. Before the autumn hunting season opens in September, the ALE should be provided with the necessary legal instruments as well as stronger resources to allow them to clamp down on illegal hunting.”
Sadly, yesterday’s report of the mutilated honey buzzard does not represent any rare occurrence and other mutilated birds have been turned in to BirdLife. In similar incidents, two common kestrels were handed in after having been shot in their wings, while the wing feathers had been crudely hacked off with scissors.
A female marsh harrier had also been turned in recently, after the close of the hunting season, with gunshot wounds to both wings. The bird also had to be put down by a veterinarian.