Trapping is now technically illegal in Malta, as a transitional period for seven species of wild finch officially came to an end last December. However, government has recently signalled its decision to apply a derogation for the trapping of four other species, in a move which is liekly to incur the wrath of wildlife conservationists. James Debono analyses the impact of trapping on the surrounding environment
According to information tabled in parliament in 2007, there are 4,616 registered trappers in Malta. Separately, a 2004 survey conducted by the Malta Environment Planning Authority reveals over 7,000 trapping sites scattered across the island: some occupying fairly large footprints of what would otherwise be considered arable land.
Trapping sites have in fact become a standard and immediately recognisable feature of the Maltese landscape, and can be found in densely packed formations all along the coast: especially in terraced areas overlooking coastal cliffs.
Apart from its impact on Maltese and European birdlife – which remains hotly contested by environmentalists and trapping enthusiasts – such a large-scale activity is bound to have some form of impact on the countryside itself.
By its nature, the pastime requires the construction of sites which significantly disturb the surrounding landscape. Many of these trapping sites are situated in some of the richest areas for biodiversity on the Maltese islands, including Natura 2000 sites. Some are illegally built in Special Areas of Conservation, where the act of destroying protected habitat is illegal.
In order to lay down nets and ensure that the elaborate trigger mechanism is fully functional, all vegetation must be removed from the site, and a hide is constructed which allows a trapper to conceal himself while waiting to spring the trap.
Some trappers prepare their sites by removing vegetation using mechanical cutters, toxic herbicides, or simply by burning it. In many cases, soil, sand or gravel is then dumped on the land to create a level surface on which nets can be laid. This practice scars the land in an unsightly manner, and the removal of vegetation often results in soil erosion.
In addition, the practice of dumping inert material to level cliff edges to accommodate clap-netting sites for bird trapping has also destroyed a number of bird nesting sites at the fringes of sea cliff colonies. And since nets are often left unattended on the ground especially at night, some animals and birds sometimes get entangled in the nets and suffer a slow death from starvation.
Trapping and land use Since some trappers have no interest in farming and maintaining terrace walls, land degradation is particularly evident around trapping sites.
Trapping remains a lucrative alternative for landowners. Well-placed trapping sites in Gozo are leased for annual sums reaching €1,400. Since this income demands little effort on the part of the landowner, leasing land to trappers is often preferred to agricultural activities.
If trapping is stopped, one immediate consequence would be the return of vast tracts of land which have been “out of bounds” to ramblers who have been traditionally warned away by the letters “RTO” (Riservato).
Trapping nets Trapping in Malta is mainly carried out using clap nets. These consist of two large nets which are placed parallel to each other on the ground and swing shut towards each other when activated. In preparation for the use of clap nets, trappers remove all vegetation in the trapping area and often dump soil or gravel to create a level surface where the nets can be spread. A number of live decoy birds are also placed around the trapping site – either kept in tiny cages or tied directly to the ground by a harness. Species trapped using this method include Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Hawfinch, Chaffinch, Serin, Linnet, Siskin, Turtle Dove, Golden Plover and Song Thrush.
Another type of net used is a vertical net spread over a tall crop, such as corn, with three sides dangling to the ground and the fourth tied up like a curtain. This net is used to catch Common Quail, which seeks cover in the crops after arriving in Malta at night – they are attracted to the area by a large number of live decoys or electronic lures. In the morning the net is closed completely and a dog is pushed under the net to flush the trapped quails into a corner where they can be removed by the trapper.
Cage traps consist of a large central cage in which live decoy birds, food and water are kept, and separate cages into which wild birds can enter. Wild birds are attracted by the live decoys and enter the cage through small holes to join the decoys. These cages work like fish pots – once the bird goes in it can’t get out. Decoy birds are normally used by trappers to lure wild birds into a trap; however tape lures are also often used illegally. A tape lure repeating the calls of wild birds is a very effective method of attracting birds to a trapping site as it can be left to run repeatedly all night.
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