Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1443447
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 16 JANUARY 2022 9 ALMANAC Nature Notebook 797. Mediterranean Freshwater Crab SKULKING in a handful of permament freshwater streams that trickle on our Islands is a very special animal: the Mediterranean freshwater crab (M. qabru). It's special not only because most crabs are marine animals, but also because it's so rare. Most people know about the qabru not because they ever saw one, but because school- children often learn about this fascinating animal, our national crustacean; they learn about how it lives in damp muddy burrows and how it emerges, usually at night, to grab snails, slugs and tad- poles for lunch. The freshwater crab is a protected species, but un- less its declining habitat too is rigorously protected from pollution, development and over-extraction of groundwater, this charismatic crustacean will go the way of the old one-cent coin that once sport- ed its image. Victor Falzon, Aron Tanti www.birdlifemalta.org Green idea of the week 690: Register for the event here: www.foemalta.org/event Be Active' – Be Seasonal cooks Aged 16-20 and passionate about the environment...and food? Take a step into the culinary world to learn some new sustaina- ble recipes to BE ACTIVE and help reduce your carbon footprint. Food is a major part of our life. Many of us are fortunate enough to be able to have a choice of what food we consume - choose to eat more locally, sustainably, and organically to help our planet Visit Friends of the Earth's website for more information about our work, as well as information about how to join us. You can also support us by sending us a donation – www.foemalta.org/donate Don't miss this Titane Date: 4 Febuary Place: Spazju Kreattiv Cinema Following a series of unexplained crimes, a father is reunited with the son who has been missing for 10 years. Titane: A metal highly resistant to heat and corrosion, with high tensile strength alloys. Give nature a voice. Become a BirdLife member ŻfinDays - Double Bill Date: 18 Febuary Place: University of Malta - Valletta Campus An annual programme of short works by choreographers currently in the spotlight on the international dance stage. A GOOD WEEK Good Week/Bad Week A BAD WEEK Will Smith has revealed the first trailer for a gritty reboot of the 90s classic The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air now entitled just Bel-Air. The show was first conceived three years ago by an aspiring film marker who re imagined the comedy into a drama Opera singer Maria Ewing, known for her electrifying stage performances in Carmen and Salome, has died aged 71. The former wife of director Sir Peter Hall was a magnetic talent singing with the Royal Opera and Metropolitan Opera, among others. The show will be available for streaming on Peacock. She died on Sunday at her home in Harrison Township, Michigan.