Rangers from the Malta Ranger Unit said that they have been out during several nights and have documented ongoing night time trapping in both Malta and Gozo.
The MRU stated that it will compile a report during January which will also be sent to European entities.
“Since we still don’t have any persistent Environmental Protection Unit Police during late evenings and nights, the offenders keep enjoying their impunity. Moreover, Gozo, still has zero such trained Officers,” the MRU said.
The MRU explained that the video below shows what it said is, “night time trapping of Golden Plover with illegal electronic callers on full volume near a residential area.” The MRU added that “the only thing that can be done by our Rangers in these cases in Malta, is to document and report to the EPU Police once back on duty during the daytime.”
The Rangers warned that “in Gozo, we are still experiencing failure of cases where offenders leave the sites before enforcement arrives.”
The Malta Ranger Unit went on to remind “Ministers Clint Camilleri and Miriam Dalli of the lack of resources given to the Environment and its protection. The ‘protected’ areas are far from protected. The wildlife is declining and the impunity is increasing.”
The MRU noted that “whilst other European Environmental Protection Units are well equipped with monitoring equipment, manpower and political support, Malta seemingly remains with minimum tools to tackle poaching.”
The MRU said that it “has for years called for our Environment Police to get increased resources and increased manpower, but are being ignored – It’s not even on the agenda, why?”
The Malta Ranger Unit extended its sincere thanks to the EPU Police officers “who work very hard with the few resources given. It’s a very frustrating environment to work in and we hope that they are given enough resources sooner rather than later.”
Screenshot and video: Malta Ranger Unit – December 2025