Gozo Rangers from the Malta Ranger Unit, who were monitoring a Natura 2000 site in the East of Gozo, spotted a Finch trapper “pick and choose which birds were released and which were not,” the MRU said.

The MRU explained that as per SL. 549.42, “Finch trappers are carrying out ‘research’ and are under no circumstances allowed to keep the Finches, but have to instantly release them without delay.”

“Our Rangers managed to document the incident that followed. The trapper is seen to sneakily hold on to a bird, whilst releasing the others, the MRU said. “He then at one point needs to free up both hands to untangle the last one and put the first bird in his pocket.”

Ir added that “the trapper then swiftly packs up and leaves the site; seemingly to avoid getting caught.”

The MRU stated that “the full report has been given to the Victoria Police and we expect them to take legal action against the offender whom our Rangers have identified.”

In a further reminder to Environment Minister Miriam Dalli and Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri, who is also responsible for hunting and trapping, the MRU said that “Gozo still has no specialised Environmental Protection Unit Police on the island – Your inaction gives the Environmental Criminals full impunity.”

The MRU argued that “there is no way for the undermined enforcement to keep up with the amount of crimes and spot checks. Officers in Gozo have lack of training and expertise, but try their best under these circumstances. It’s not fair on them as well.”

The MRU called for “more resources given to the EPU Police in Malta and the setup of EPU Police in Gozo as soon as possible.”

In a note tagged to the European Commission – the MRU highlighted that “the Maltese Natura 2000 sites are not getting the protection they deserve and crimes are thriving especially in those areas due to no proper enforcement.”

Screenshot and video by Malta Ranger Unit

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