<p>This is part 2 of a special investigation. You can find part 1 in your feeds now.</p><br><p>For 15 months, <em>The New Arab</em>, in cooperation with Bridges Investigations, explored the shadowy world of Maltese bird hunters.</p><br><p>We uncovered how Maltese hunters, frustrated by local laws, were travelling to Egypt to slaughter migratory birds in vast numbers. Their hunting activities have been described as an environmental disaster, and a threat to the thousands of migratory birds who rely on Egyptian wetlands.</p><br><p>We went undercover in Fayoum. Followed the smuggling routes from Egypt’s lakes to Maltese homes. And saw how Europe’s conservation efforts collapse when its citizens pull the trigger abroad.</p><br><p>This is more than a story of poaching. It’s about wasted conservation money, destroyed <em>ecosystems, and a system </em>that rewards hunters while silencing conservationists.&nbsp;</p><br><p>The Poachers Trail was a investigation by The New Arab and Bridges Investigations (<a href="https://x.com/BRIDGES4I" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@BRIDGES4I</a>), with the support of the <a href="https://www.journalismfund.eu/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Journalism Fund Europe</a> (<a href="https://x.com/journalismfund" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@journalismfund</a>).&nbsp;</p><br><p>It was written and hosted by Mahmoud Elsobky (<a href="https://x.com/ElsobkyMahmoud_" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@ElsobkyMahmoud_</a>), with additional help from Wael El-Sayegh.</p><br><p>Andrea Glioti is The New Arab’s Investigation editor.&nbsp;</p><br><p>This podcast was produced by Hugo Goodridge.&nbsp;</p><br><p><em>To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at&nbsp;</em><a href="https://twitter.com/TNAPodcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>@TNAPodcasts</em></a><em>&nbsp;or email&nbsp;</em><a href="mailto:[email protected]" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>[email protected]</em></a></p><br><p><br></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>