Malta – 15. 04. 2025

Illegal turtle dove hunting in Malta

16.04.2025

Contrary to current EU law, Malta has once again authorised spring hunting for quail. However, the majority of hunters seem to have little interest in comparison to high flying birds. Instead of hunting on foot in fields - the typical resting habitat of quails - they take position in high hunting towers and shelters in groves where turtle dove come to roost. It is evident that many Maltese hunters shamelessly exploit the quail hunting season to target endangered turtle doves. To make matters worse, the government in Valletta has declared that the turtle dove may also be shot from 21 April, regardless of its EU-wide protection in spring.

More on our anti-poaching operations in Malta here.