David Darmanin
At a press conference launching an international junior conservation camp yesterday, BirdLife officials said they were concerned about their safety after outlandish statements expressing xenophobic sentiment were released by the Maltese hunters’ federation FKNK.
“Birdlife Malta has been organising Raptor Camps since the 1990s. This year, we are hosting 42 participants from seven different EU countries. Raptor camps are organised in all countries where bird migration may be witnessed,” Birdlife Malta executive director Tolga Temuge explained, adding that in Malta, this event also serves as a deterrent to illegal hunting.
But because the police have remained silent over “criminal” messages and threats directed towards birdwatchers from FKNK’s part, the bird conservationists have officially drawn the attention of the Commissioner of the Police by means of a letter demanding the safety of its volunteers.
“The FKNK has repeatedly issued press statements threatening birdwatchers and BirdLife,” BirdLife Malta President Joseph Mangion remarked.
“Since the police have not taken any action to rein in the Federation’s leaders, the statements have become more sinister and xenophobic in tone, to the point where they feel they can issue warnings on what renowned conservation experts visiting our island can or cannot do. They clearly feel that they are above the law and as long as the police fail to take any action and the government remains silent, the situation is likely to get worse.”
At a Girgenti site yesterday, a hunter went as far as warning one of the foreign BirdLife volunteers not to go back there anymore.
“We asked the police to ensure our safety during this camp as well drawing their attention on their need to take action against the leaders of FKNK, who are provoking this type of behaviour that impinges on the criminal code,” Mangion said. “If one of this camp’s uses is to help in increasing respect for the law, why is it that FKNK are not supporting this initiative? Has FKNK ever expelled any of its members after they were caught hunting illegally?”
Meanwhile, Temuge said that the number of protected birds found dead or injured has considerably increased since last year.
Presenting a dead Juvenile Night Heron, which had to be euthanised after it suffered severe gunshot injuries yesterday, Temuge said: “This is the sixth of this species we received in the last couple of weeks. Can you imagine how many more are being shot?”
Throughout 2007, BirdLife got hold of 82 protected birds that were either injured or dead after being shot. The natural history museum received 480.
“This number is incredibly high, when taking into account that offenders will do their best not to leave traces. Besides, if they’re going for a trophy rest assured they will want to keep it to themselves,” Temuge commented.
While stressing on the need for events such as the Raptor Camp as a deterrent to unlawfulness, Temuge said BirdLife volunteers were pacifists, and that any provocation was coming from the hunters’ side.
“FKNK president Lino Farrugia was recently charged on illegal bird trapping and for resisting the police. Before the elections he said he will not take action if FKNK members disrespect the law, so it is clear that the provocation is coming from them. Obviously, we never react to this provocation. My main concern is that these bullies tend to attack the property of BirdLife volunteers. In two years, we have filed 17 reports of vandalism on our property. Not one of the offenders has been brought to justice. We fear our conservation sites may be in danger.”

ddarmanin@mediatoday.com.mt