With reference to the article entitled Shot Bird or Poisoned? (TMIS, 15 April) we are writing to express our concern about the implications of your article, which seems to question the veracity of the report issued by BirdLife Malta on the occasion. The image distributed with our press release on 10 April was not the image shown on di-ve.com. We sent the same material to all local media outlets, including The Malta Independent, so we are at a loss as to why any suspicion has been raised about the veracity of our organisation’s report and evidence. It is perfectly clear that the use of the particular image by di-ve.com was a choice made by the journalist reproducing our report and that there was no attempt by our organisation to issue any false reports. To do so would run counter to our interests.

We are not at a loss for images related to shot or injured protected birds, as this illegal practice occurs all too frequently on the Maltese Islands. Since the start of the spring hunting season in particular, our office has been flooded with reports of illegal hunting activities, which are unfortunately too numerous to report. BirdLife Malta chooses to highlight only those killings and injuries of particular species that are important to conservation efforts in Malta and abroad. However, BirdLife encourages all concerned citizens making such reports to take the case to both Mepa and ALE, as the authorities responsible for such breaches of the law. On this occasion, BirdLife sent the images of these two birds to the authorities.

Furthermore, on the advice of BirdLife, the person involved handed the juvenile Marsh Harrier to the Gozo Police.

Your article raises questions about our credibility that we find unjust and unfounded.

Tolga Temuge

Executive Director

BirdLife Malta