Rangers from the Malta Ranger Unit in Gozo said they were “out on a patrol along the coast where they had received reports of fires made near pine trees, when they also spotted a man targeting protected birds.”

The Gozo Rangers said they heard “distinct loud electronic callers for ‘Whimbrel,’ a protected wader bird which is not even huntable during the autumn season.”

The Rangers called Victoria Police on site who “arrived in less than 10 minutes.”“The poacher, who tried his best to hide his identity (as well the illegal callers) was fully identified by our Rangers and legal actions are expected to be taken by The Malta Police Force,” the MRU said.

The MRU explained that the use of electronic bird callers for bird species not listed in schedule II (huntable) of SL. 549.42, “does not lead to an administrative fine but instead is considered a crime and will result in Court action.”

Photos: Malta Ranger Unit

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