Booga
Wil Wilson
< Shooting of endangered kestrels in Ghawdex >
At least four of seven lesser kestrels (spanjulett sekond) were shot in
aresidential area in Gozo yesterday morning, according to BirdLife Malta.
The incident happened at 11 a.m. in Grunju Street, between Qala and Nadur in
Ghawdex.
The migrating birds apparently attempted to land on a building that is still
under construction.
But they were never allowed to reach their resting point because they were
shot at as soon as they were within range, BirdLife said.
Lesser kestrels have been protected in Malta since 1980. They are a
threatened species globally and there are various projects in Europe,
specifically aimed at helping this species from continuing to decrease,
including BirdLife International.
It is estimated that only about 18,000 pairs remain in Europe, making the
species vulnerable.
The lesser kestrel is also listed in Annexe 1 of the EU Birds Directive
meaning it is a species that requires special protection and conservation
measures.
The lesser kestrel is a regular passage migrant in Malta, often migrating in
small flocks both in spring and in autumn. It is slightly larger than a
pigeon, but its shape distinguishes it easily as one of the small birds of
prey.
BirdLife said it is not unusual for lesser kestrels to be attracted to
buildings, as they are known to associate with man and breed in holes in old
buildings and castles, as well as in cliff sides.
Lesser kestrels nest in colonies and are also known to be sociable birds,
even hunting in groups.
BirdLife said it had received various reports of hunting in Malta and
Ghawdex even though the hunting season allowing hunting of turtle dove and
quail has not started. The season opens on March 25.
BirdLife said these illegal acts are typical of the majority of the hunters'
attitude and disrespect towards the laws.
BirdLife also pointed out that the season for hunting at sea closed on
Friday.
___________________________________________
This article may also be viewed at
http://www.timesofmalta.com/core/article.php?id=120799
I just thought that we could all think on this.
http://www.proactnow.org Please!
At least four of seven lesser kestrels (spanjulett sekond) were shot in
aresidential area in Gozo yesterday morning, according to BirdLife Malta.
The incident happened at 11 a.m. in Grunju Street, between Qala and Nadur in
Ghawdex.
The migrating birds apparently attempted to land on a building that is still
under construction.
But they were never allowed to reach their resting point because they were
shot at as soon as they were within range, BirdLife said.
Lesser kestrels have been protected in Malta since 1980. They are a
threatened species globally and there are various projects in Europe,
specifically aimed at helping this species from continuing to decrease,
including BirdLife International.
It is estimated that only about 18,000 pairs remain in Europe, making the
species vulnerable.
The lesser kestrel is also listed in Annexe 1 of the EU Birds Directive
meaning it is a species that requires special protection and conservation
measures.
The lesser kestrel is a regular passage migrant in Malta, often migrating in
small flocks both in spring and in autumn. It is slightly larger than a
pigeon, but its shape distinguishes it easily as one of the small birds of
prey.
BirdLife said it is not unusual for lesser kestrels to be attracted to
buildings, as they are known to associate with man and breed in holes in old
buildings and castles, as well as in cliff sides.
Lesser kestrels nest in colonies and are also known to be sociable birds,
even hunting in groups.
BirdLife said it had received various reports of hunting in Malta and
Ghawdex even though the hunting season allowing hunting of turtle dove and
quail has not started. The season opens on March 25.
BirdLife said these illegal acts are typical of the majority of the hunters'
attitude and disrespect towards the laws.
BirdLife also pointed out that the season for hunting at sea closed on
Friday.
___________________________________________
This article may also be viewed at
http://www.timesofmalta.com/core/article.php?id=120799
I just thought that we could all think on this.
http://www.proactnow.org Please!
