A protected Osprey was reportedly shot down near Birżebbuġa on Monday morning, BirdLife Malta said.
BirdLife volunteers witnessed and filmed the incident during an annual Raptor Camp. Times of Malta reported that the NGO said the incident happened after four Ospreys were seen roosting in the Buskett area on Sunday evening.
Following the incident, BirdLife Malta called 119 immediately and was reportedly informed that the Environmental Protection Unit (EPU) were not available.
Following a third call, an EPU unit was reached, and details were passed on. The NGO said that it believes neither the bird nor the hunter were located.
UPDATED: FKNK Statement
A statement issued by Federazzjoni Kaccaturi Nassaba Konservazzjonisti (FKNK) condemned the illegal shooting on a protected species – in this case, an osprey.
BirdLife Malta released a video of an osprey being shot during a camp held by the NGO near Birżebbuġa.
Following the release of the video and statement by Bird Life Malta, the FKNK released a statement saying that such actions tarnish the reputation of hunters in Malta who abide by the law.
‘The FKNK is ready to take the required disciplinary measures against those who ruin or attempt to tarnish the continuous work by FKNK and the thousands of members under its name.’
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