species
More than 10 protected collared doves found dead in Mtarfa
Photo: Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Rangers found the birds on 5 September. Vets are examining them, and the cause of death is not yet known.
The Malta Ranger Unit found more than 10 dead collared doves in a small area of Mtarfa on Saturday 5 September 2026. The Environmental Police Unit collected the birds, which are being X-rayed and examined by a government vet.
The cause of death has not been established, so it is too early to say whether they were shot, poisoned or died of disease.
The collared dove is a common sight in Maltese towns and fields, but it is a protected wild bird. Rangers take reports of wildlife crime on WhatsApp at 7937 8118.