Malta Rangers Catch Alleged Poacher Trapping Birds During Gozo Patrol

The Malta Rangers Unit has revealed that during one of its routine patrols in Gozo, a suspected poacher was caught attempting to trap birds along the coast near Għasri.

In a statement shared on Facebook, the Rangers said they observed the individual setting up trapping equipment shortly after arriving on site. Although the suspect attempted to conceal his identity with a balaclava, officers documented the scene and gathered enough evidence for identification. The Gozo Police were immediately alerted and quickly responded.

Authorities confiscated a set of clap nets and five cages containing various finches. According to the Rangers, several of the birds, believed to have been taken from the wild and not ringed, were found injured and bloodied, reportedly due to stress and attempts to escape the small cages.

The Unit noted that bird migration has yet to fully commence, despite ongoing illegal trapping attempts. They also reminded the public that trapping season has been closed for months and is not expected to reopen before late autumn.

The Rangers called on Environment Minister Miriam Dalli and Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri to address the continued lack of an Environmental Protection Unit in Gozo.

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