The night heron (kwakka) is a protected species under Annex 1 of the Birds Directive and is a species of conservation concern in Europe due to declining populations.

The adult night heron shown here, a common migrant over the Maltese islands, was received by BirdLife Malta from the police and is suffering from serious gunshot wounds to the head and beak.

With the Administrative Law Enforcement police currently being deployed in limited numbers to prevent wildlife crimes, poachers are targeting protected species, BirdLife said.