Malta – 16. 03. 2026

Illegal Turtle dove hunting in Malta

21.04.2026

As spring bird migration in Malta is reaching its seasonal peak illegal poaching has escalated in lockstep with the numbers of birds arriving. In breach of EU law, the Maltese government’s 2026 spring quail season continues to serve as a "smokescreen" for illegal turtle dove hunting. Monitoring teams estimate that two-thirds of shots target these endangered birds from hidden groves rather than quail in open fields. Recent CABS reports led to three arrests by the Environmental Protection Unit (EPU) - including poachers in Marsakala, Girgenti, and Mosta. Despite these enforcement successes, spring hunting in Malta remains largely out of control.

Read todays full Press Release here.