S.L. 549.138 Art. 3Research according to set framework and special licence conditions. S.L. 549.137. S.L. 549.137. S.L. 549.137. S.L. 549.137. 3

(1) The research period and its associated parameters shall be in accordance with the provisions of these regulations, with the provisions of the Framework Regulations and the special licence conditions.

(2) For the purpose of these regulations, specimens from the relevant species shall only be captured by nets known as clap-nets in accordance with the Framework Regulations and the special licence conditions.

(3) Special licence holders may capture and handle birds from the relevant species to determine which specimens are fitted with a scientific ring, to record the scientific ring identification numbers (control), followed by the immediate release back into the wild of all specimens from the same research site, and submit the ring recovery form supplied for this purpose by the Wild Birds Regulation Unit within the period established by the Unit following closure of the research period, in accordance with the special licence conditions and the Framework Regulations.

(4) Licensed bird-ringers in possession of a special licence issued under the Framework Regulations may affix a scientific ring on specimens pertaining to the relevant species, followed by their immediate release back into the wild from the same research site. The relevant data shall be recorded and submitted to the Wild Birds Regulation Unit within the timeframe set out in sub-regulation (3) and in accordance with the conditions of the special licences and the Framework Regulations. DETERMINE MALTA’S REFERENCE POPULATION OF

SEVEN FINCH SPECIES)