Quail
Surfbirds News: RSPB Archives
The European Commission has announced today that it will fire a final warning shot at Malta over continued illegal spring shooting and hunting of quails and turtle doves, in contravention of the European Union's Birds Directive.
The commission decided today to send a final written warning ('reasoned opinion') to the island's government.
Malta is located on an important bird migration route in the Mediterranean. The European Union's Birds Directive specifically protects birds during their perilous spring migration from Africa to their breeding grounds further north in Europe, including the UK.
Quail, from the surfbirds galleries © Graham Catley
Turtle dove and quail are both suffering from declines across Europe, and in the UK both species appear on the red list of Birds of Conservation Concern.
With its partners across Europe, the RSPB has been campaigning for action against Malta's illegal spring bird hunting and shooting. Alistair Gammell, the RSPB's international director, said: 'Every spring since Malta joined the European Union in 2004, the island's government has allowed its hunters to break European law by shooting and hunting turtle doves and quails – these practices must stop.
|
