GPS-tracked birds of prey disappear upon arrival in Malta

A number of GPS-tracked birds of prey have disappeared as they arrived in Malta in the past days, BirdLife said

The highly protected birds were being tracked either by GPS or colour rings to study their migration, the NGO explained.

A Czech Black Kite, a rehabilitated Honey-buzzard and a colour-ringed Lesser Spotted Eagle were amongst these studied birds that vanished over Malta.

BirdLife said that illegal hunting on land as well as at sea continued to take its toll on protected species.

Other species targeted over the past two weeks included a Short-toed Snake-Eagle shot down at sea, Black and White Storks and other eagle species that are all highly targeted for taxidermy.

Those illegalities were happening as enforcement resources are struggling to keep up with reports, especially at sea where police patrols are absent.

Michael Kaden

Michael has worked in media production and journalism for two decades. The owner, editor and presenter of NEWZ is also media producer for local and international newsrooms, and has been creating and designing content for the world's leading broadcasters and entertainment companies.