The rabbit hunting season opened as of the 1st of June, BirdLife Malta explained that some 2,990 hunters allowed to practise this activity from this month until December.

It pointed out that the season coincides with the breeding season of many birds, and with this year’s long spring, there are still have some migrant birds still around, “which are being targeted illegally,” said BirdLife Malta.

BirdLife noted that “ironically last year, just a total of 31 rabbits were reported hunted to the Wild Birds Regulation Unit (WBRU).”

Last weekend, BirdLife said that it rescued two wounded birds, one of which is a migrant, and the other is a local breeding bird. A Common Swift was rescued from Zurrieq with injuries to its left eye and wings.

Then an Eleonora’s Falcon was found near Buskett, Rabat, with a broken left wing. Both birds have been seen by vets and have been “confirmed as having been illegally shot,” said birdLife.

The NGO stated that “with hunters catching an average of 0.01 rabbits each, the likelihood of hunters targeting legally rabbits speaks for itself, and any hunting incidents witnessed deserve attention. We have received calls of hunting observed in coastal areas which are not good hunting grounds for rabbits.”

BirdLife Malta encouraged the public to “remain vigilant” and report any illegal hunting to police on 119 asking for the Environmental Protection Unit (EPU). BirdLife Malta can be reached on 21347645 or 79255697 (outside office hours).

Screen shots from Footage by BirdLife Malta, editing by Murat Gelir

Permalink: Birds illegally shot during rabbit hunting season – BirdLife