BRUSSELS, April 25 (Xinhua) -- The European Court of Justice has banned wild bird hunting in Malta during the spring season of 2008, an EU official said Friday.

    "The decision of the court emphasizes the importance of protecting the common natural heritage of the European Union in preventing the hunting of birds during this period," said EU Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas Friday.

    "The order applies to the spring period in 2008 but we consider that it sets a clear precedent in relation to spring hunting in subsequent years also in other member states," the official added.

    The European Commission on Jan. 31 took Malta to court for its refusal to ban the hunting of two species of wild birds -- quails and turtle doves -- in spring.

    The Commission, the executive body of the EU, also asked for emergency measures as the spring hunting season was imminent.

    This legal action followed a final written warning to Malta in October 2007.

    Under EU legislation, the killing of wild birds is banned. But some species may be hunted as long as this does not occur during the breeding or spring migration season. The Commission insists that spring hunting in Malta does not meet the conditions for a "derogation."

    The hunting of these migratory birds takes place during their return from Africa to breeding grounds in Europe, before they have had a chance to reproduce. The impact on bird numbers is therefore more significant than it would be in autumn or winter, after the breeding season, says the Commission.