Malta – 20. 05. 2026

28 poachers caught in Malta – operation complete

20.05.2026

Our bird protection camp in Malta has come to an end after 10 weeks. In total, we were able to catch and help convict 28 poachers: 24 of them were using clap-nets and bird traps, primarily to catch finches, but also other songbirds, quails and turtle doves. Four people were reported for illegal hunting. They had shot kestrels, turtle doves and waders; one was caught in a protected area where hunting is prohibited. 

The police seized a total of 42 pairs of clap-nets, one cage trap, 12 electronic decoys and 61 birds from the offenders. With the end of the bird migration, hunters and poachers are now taking a break – we will resume our operations in Malta in August with a campaign against the illegal trapping of waders.