4% of the population (hunters and trappers) gets to enjoy the majority of the limited countryside available in Malta. They have access to it; they have made it their own; and, venturing into these areas is done at your own risk.
According to MEPA agricultural land covers 49% of the surface area of the Maltese Islands. Natural vegetation (the countryside) covers 22% and urban areas cover 23% respectively. Hunting is allowed all over the Maltese islands except for bird sanctuaries, urban areas and their buffer zones. The bird sanctuaries where hunting and trapping is strictly prohibited represent approximately 5.2% of the area.
The bird sanctuaries as outlined in the Legal Notice 79 of 2006 include Ghadira, Is-Simar, Buskett, Comino, Filfla, Girgenti, and Il-Qawra in Gozo. However a significant part of the “bird sanctuaries” listed in the Legal Notice also consists of the following areas:
- Luqa Airport
- Ta’Lambert Heliport
- Addolorata Cemetery and other cemeteries in Malta and Gozo.
- Marsa sports ground
- Portes-des-Bombes and the surrounding bastions
- Manoel Island
- and Radio stations operated by the Department of Civil Aviation!
Therefore, the majority of the Maltese population and the tourists visiting our islands are left with a very small area within the countryside where they can enjoy nature without being confronted or disturbed by the hunters and trappers.
Next time you witness illegal hunting and trapping make sure you take action.