The hunting season in Malta officially ended on 31st January 2025, bringing a much-needed break for wintering birds. From 1st February onwards, all forms of hunting are illegal, allowing birds to rest undisturbed, including those beginning their spring migration.
This past season has once again exposed the devastating impact of hunting on Malta’s wildlife. Since the season opened on 1st September 2024, BirdLife Malta has recovered at least 41 protected birds with shotgun injuries, confirmed by veterinary examinations. Police have attended to another 36 cases, bringing the total to over 77 shot birds in five months.
However, these numbers likely represent only a fraction of the true scale of illegal hunting. Many birds go undocumented, either collected for taxidermy or left unreported. Among the species targeted were rare birds like the Black Stork, Merlin, and Eleonora’s Falcon, as well as more common species such as the Honey Buzzard, Common Kestrel, and Night Heron.
Illegal hunting continued even during the festive season. On Christmas Day, a Short-eared Owl was found at Għar Lapsi with lead pellets lodged in its body. Birds like this would typically winter in Malta’s countryside and might even breed—if not cruelly deprived of that chance.
