BirdLife Malta has today called on the public to offer support with their annual migration monitoring camp. They are urging the general public “to get involved by reporting the targeting of protected species, findings of injured birds and intimidation experienced in the countryside.”
Raptor Camp 2014, launched by BirdLife Malta yesterday, sees the local team being joined by volunteers from 7 different countries from around the world.
Camp Coordinator, Christian Debono, said, “we are lucky to be joined by so many overseas volunteers for our camps, and whilst we have a small team of dedicated local volunteers, we would like to see more Maltese people getting involved in protecting their wildlife.”
The camp will run until the end of September, BirdLife said that the teams will be focusing on monitoring migration and deterring the illegal shooting of protected species.
The autumn hunting season, which runs from 1st September 2014 until 31st January 2015, allows the hunting of 41 species [1]. However BirdLife say they are already receiving reports of protected species being targeted, such as European Bee-eater, Barn Swallow and Common Kestrel.
BirdLife are asking those who witness the targeting of protected species to report this to the police on 119. BirdLife also want to remind the public of their voluntary injured birds recovery service, which operates throughout the year, to rescue and rehabilitate injured wild birds. This service can be reached on 21347646 or 79255697.
In addition, a new scheme has been set up by BirdLife which, the NGO said, “allows people to report incidents of intimidation or harassment in the countryside throughout the hunting season. This new initiative, entitled Countryside Matters, offers a confidential form to report personal experiences, in complete anonymity.”
“Locals should not feel unsafe on public land in their countryside because of a long hunting season. That’s why we’re offering the chance for people to voice their opinions. The countryside is theirs to enjoy,” voiced BirdLife Malta Director, Steve Micklewright.
“To report an incident of intimidation or harassment, download the form here [2], and return to office@birdlifemalta.org [3]. No personal data will be disclosed,” BLM said.
Anyone interested in volunteering at Raptor Camp should email raptorcamp@birdlifemalta.org [4]
Photo: Raptor Camp volunteers at Red Tower – photo by Stanimira Deleva