Illegal trapping site discovered again at Fort Ricasoli, 23 protected birds confiscated & released

On the 25th February 2020, footage was obtained by BirdLife Malta of an unregistered trapping site showing unattended nets on the ground. This site is situated within Fort Ricasoli in Kalkara, which is owned by the Government of Malta, and most of it is currently being leased to the Malta Film Commission.

ALE police officers responded to BirdLife Malta’s report on the day, removing the nets and confiscating 23 protected birds that were being kept in captivity. ERA officers assisted the police with their investigation since WBRU did not respond and lacked adequate capacity to assist police.

Spring is just around the corner, meaning migration for many species will already be underway and Malta will see an influx of spring migrants in the coming weeks. However, this will also bring the temptation to some trappers who will trap birds, despite it being illegal.

The fact that this site was prepared with nets on the ground, and birds kept on site, some of which had been fitted with swivels to be used as live decoys, clearly shows that the trapper was intending to illegally catch birds in the coming weeks.

All the birds were inspected by the government veterinarian, who certified them as being fit for release, despite some not being in peak condition.

The welfare conditions of the birds were poor, as many had injuries to the head, elongated claws and/or beaks, or scaly legs. Whoever was keeping these birds did not house them properly, and their welfare was clearly not of high importance.

The illegally fitted rings and harnesses were all removed by BirdLife Malta, before the birds were fitted with rings from the BirdLife Malta ringing scheme prior to their subsequent release in Għadira Nature Reserve. These rings allow the movements of birds to be tracked afterwards, should they be recaught or found again.

All the birds flew off well after release, and are now back in the wild where they belong. Investigations by police are still ongoing.

Footage by Jose Luque Montero. Editing by Jose Luque Montero and Katarzyna Pacon.

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