The dead bodies of 150 protected birds have been found on the Mediterranean island of Malta. Conservationists said the bodies of the protected birds were found hidden in small stashes under stones and woodland scrub. They said more carcasses were expected to be found as only one-third of the hunting area in the Mizieb woodland had been searched. Calling it a major crime, they have criticised the Maltese government for failing to halt illegal hunting of protected birds during the island's autumn season. Malta lies along a major bird migratory route between Europe and Africa. BirdLife Malta has called on the government to start treating the illegal hunting as a political priority.