The FKNK releases 700 Turtle Doves into the Wild on World Migratory Bird Day

On the occasion of World Migratory Bird Day, the Federation for Hunting and Conservation - Malta, released 700 Turtle Doves into the wild as part of its “Turtle Doves Captive Breeding and Release into the Wild” project.

Launched in 2017, the project primarily serves as the only compensatory measure aimed at strengthening the wild Turtle Dove population through a captive breeding and rearing programme. The release of birds into the wild takes place during the closed hunting season, while scientific monitoring is carried out through the use of satellite tracking equipment.

To date, the project has resulted in the breeding of thousands of Turtle Dove fledglings in captivity and the release of more than 4,650 Turtle Doves into the wild. In addition, several GPS-tagged birds have provided important scientific data regarding the migratory patterns of this species across Europe.  Simultaneously, this project continues to highlight the will of the Maltese hunter towards conservation of the turtle dove in a concrete and tangible manner.