Protected Black-Winged Stilt Found Injured With Gunshot Wounds In Birżebbuġa
A protected Black-Winged Stilt was found wounded in Birżebbuġa, with tests concluding that the injuries were caused by gunshots.
Local environmental organisation BirdLife Malta was called on-site in the last hours to collect the injured bird, which is known as a Fras-servjent in Maltese, or Himantopus himantopus in Latin.
“The bird was taken to the government veterinarian, and it was confirmed that the wounds in its chest were caused by gunshots,” BirdLife Malta said this morning.
The Black-Winged Stilt is a protected species, which nests around the Mediterranean, including in Malta in the Għadira Natural Reserve in recent years. When left alone, these birds tend to seek shelter in various areas of the coast, and possibly even nest in other places along Malta.
“Although the hunting season is not open yet, an incident like this clearly shows that there are people out there with shotguns ready to hunt such species, for their stuffed bird collections, while these birds are trying to reach the European continent during spring,” it said.
BirdLife Malta also announced that next week a meeting with the ORNIS Committee will be held to discuss whether or not the spring hunting season should be opened in the coming weeks.
During the meeting, a proposal will also be discussed on whether birds such as this one which is protected by law could be legally included in embalming collections.
“These two decisions together could spell disaster for the protection of avifauna in our islands as these birds are arriving in Europe to nest,” the organisation said.
If you come across any case of illegal hunting or injured birds, report it to BirdLife Malta on 21347646 (office hours) or on 7925 5697
Cover image: Right side: BirdLife Malta, Left side: Raymond Galea
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