In only two days the Malta Ranger Unit Rangers in Gozo said that they have documented no less than six sites in Nadur and Ghajnsielem, where trapping nets were left unattended and uncovered.

The Unit highlighted that no one can leave trapping nets uncovered due to the risk of entangling other wildlife and causing injuries to it whilst the trapper isn’t on site – As per law (SL. 549.42),

The Unit stressed that “such practices are not part of conservation or research.”

Three of the six sites were unregistered sites and one of the registered sites for finches was located within a Natura 2000 site, the MRU said.

The Gozo Police dismantled the sites and the Rangers said that they will now file several reports. “We will make sure that the documented offenders are held accountable.”

The MRU added that “we wish to thank the Officers for their dedication to safeguard nature, with limited resources and training due to Gozo not having a specialised Environmental Protection Unit Police.”In a separate incident MRU Rangers on patrol in Gozo monitoring Natura 2000 sites were contacted by a member of the public who had found an injured Kestrel in the Natura 2000 site of Ghasri.

The Rangers said that “it appears that the wing is wounded, and was taken to the Government veterinarian to confirm if it has been shot illegally.”

“We wish to thank the Environmental Protection Unit Police who met up with our Rangers to transport the bird to the Government veterinarian,” the MRU said.

“This is another reminder to Minister Miriam Dalli and Minister Clint Camilleri, that a Gozo without EPU Police gives the environmental criminals full impunity,” the Malta Ranger unit added.

Photos: MRU

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