Birdlife launches billboards against trapping
- International seminar discusses alternatives to trapping
- International seminar on bird trapping to be held in Malta
- Illegal trapping recorded in 60 locations – Birdlife
- FKNK wants to extend trapping despite accession treaty agreement
- Study shows increase in finch numbers – Birdlife Malta
- Mixed fortunes for Malta’s breeding birds
- BirdLife releases official documents showing MEPA’s commitment for the LIFE + Project
- International impact of our hunting and trapping
- Illegal wader trapping continuous throughout summer – Birdlife
- Illegal bird trade rampant in Malta’s capital city
- Habitat destroyed at trapping sites in the Important Bird Area near to Dwerja
- Rare song birds seized from illegal trapper
- Massive illegal trapping site found by Raptor Camp – BLM
- International birdwatchers gather in Malta as Migration kicks in
- Trapping sites readied for spring migration despite Accession Treaty – BLM
As part of the new EU LIFE + Project on Bird Migration and Trapping six billboards have been erected across Malta with the message “Gawdihom Hielsa” (Enjoy them free). The billboards show an empty trapper’s cage and three free finches, which are the main targets of trappers, sitting on top of the billboards.
The new EU Life + Project on Bird Migration and Trapping is the only Life+ project that Malta managed to obtain to date and it will run for two years. The information project aims to raise awareness on the importance of Malta for bird migration, with a special focus on the species which have been targeted by Maltese trappers. The project will also highlight the negative impacts of bird trapping on Malta’s breeding birds and its natural environment.
Trapping is illegal in the EU under the Birds Directive. The trapping of birds using clap nets and live decoys is a very effective method to catch wild birds. It can have serious repercussions on local breeding populations of the target species, in some cases causing localised extinctions. Wild birds in the vicinity of a trapping site are lured in by the calls of decoy birds in cages and are then caught when the clap nets are fired over them.
During the Accession Treaty negotiations Malta obtained a period to gradually phase out trapping until the end of 2008, which has now passed. Under these binding agreements with the European Union, the trapping of only seven species of finch was allowed in Malta until the end of 2008.
“During Accession Treaty negotiations the Commission acted reasonably and gave Malta a five year transition period to phase out trapping. However it is apparent that many people are still not aware of the serious implications of trapping on our wild life and the legally binding agreements. This EU LIFE+ project also aims to raise awareness on these issues.” said Geoffrey Saliba BirdLife Malta Campaigns Coordinator.
Malta is an important resting spot on the central migratory flyway, with large numbers of birds migrating over Malta every year between European breeding grounds and African wintering grounds. Trapping not only affects local wild bird populations but also impacts on the natural environment as vegetation is cleared, burnt or killed off with toxic herbicides to clear space for nets.
“One of our aims is to establish a constructive dialogue with individual trappers. We know that many feel frustrated with the situation. We therefore hope to exchange views and find ways to channel their enthusiasm for birds in more constructive ways.” concluded Saliba.
The project is 50% funded by the EU LIFE Unit with additional contributions from MEPA and the project partners. It is a partnership between BirdLife Malta, Media Today and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (BirdLife partner in the UK).
Photo shows an artist’s impression of the campaign billboards which will be erected in the coming days.
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