BirdLife issues urgent call for schools to be declared bird sanctuaries

by Gozo News · October 8, 2024

Following the rescue of another protected bird after being shot near a school, BirdLife Malta is urgently calling for a 200-metre buffer zone around schools to be designated as bird sanctuaries, “a measure that could significantly reduce illegal hunting in these areas.”

“Schools should be places where students can learn to appreciate and connect with wildlife, not where protected species are gunned down just outside their grounds,” said BirdLife Malta CEO Mark Sultana. “We’ve submitted this proposal to the Ornis Committee, and we don’t anticipate any opposition from its voting members

BirdLife Malta said that a teacher at the Archbishop’s Seminary in Rabat, Malta, made a troubling discovery on the Monday afternoon. “After hearing rustling in the bushes, he found an injured European Honey-buzzard that had been shot.”

“Unable to get assistance from the Environmental Protection Unit (EPU), he contacted BirdLife Malta, who quickly sent a team to retrieve the bird and take it to the attention of a veterinary,” the NGO said.

This incident marks the 22nd shot bird, BirdLife Malta said it has recovered since the 1st of September. Among the shot birds, 12 have been birds of prey, including species such as Eurasian Hobby, Lesser Kestrel, Common Kestrel and Eleonora’s Falcon.

The NGO stated that in the last two weeks alone, seven European Honey- buzzards have been rescued.

BirdLife Malta went on to say that “other targeted species include Common Greenshank, Night-heron, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Common Hoopoe, European Bee-eater and European Turtle-dove. Additionally, police on both Malta and Gozo rescued numerous other birds, as the hunting season continues to take a toll on the peak autumn migration.”

BirdLife Malta warned that birds of prey are “especially vulnerable as they seek trees to roost, making them easy targets. Hunting near schools not only endangers wildlife but also puts children at risk.”

BirdLife Malta has said that the public can report any sightings or illegalities they may come across by reaching the NGO on this number: 79255697, or by calling the police on 119.