Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1516098
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 18 FEBRUARY 2024 5 ALMANAC Nature Notebook 906. Woodlice THE woodlouse (or pillbug or rolypoly bug) is familiar around our homes, especially ground-floor residences. Despite their names they're neither bugs nor lice. They are crustaceans, relatives of shrimps and crabs. But unlike their aquatic cousins, woodlice (M. ħanżir l-art) live on land, though they still favour humid places since they breathe best in moist conditions. So we often find them in dark, damp earthy areas, like underneath logs and flowerpots – and car- pets! Woodlice cause no damage to people or property. They feed on rotting vegetation, speeding up the return of nutrients to the soil. Their habit of rolling up into a ball and presenting their relative hard armour is their defence trick against attackers. But not all woodlice species do this, some just scamper off and hide. Oh, and some wood- lice species are actually endemic to Malta. Friends of the Earth Malta welcomes the transition to renewables Friends of the Earth Malta (FoEM) welcomes the news about the first potential floating solar farm, with the government issuing an open call for interest to develop a 50MW solar project off the Maltese coast. Mal- ta has one of the lowest shares of renewable energy in the EU, so there is a dire need to ramp up efforts to reduce fossil fuel dependence and increase energy security, in light of the climate and energy crises. Given this, the eNGO is pleased to see the government prioritising the tran- sition to renewable energy sources and the ambition for the country to be climate neutral in 2050. Victor Falzon, Desirée Falzon (photo) www.birdlifemalta.org Green idea of the week 781: Read more here: https://foemalta.org/press-releases/ solar-offshore/ 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 Intimate Zfin From 15-16 March Place: National Museum of Archaeology Intimate Zfin is where music meets dance in unexpected spaces. It is an opportunity to see the company's extraordinary dancers up close. Performing live in the space, Alexandra Alden and her band focus on the themes of belonging, home and braving the unknown. Give nature a voice. Become a BirdLife member Concert by the Band of the Armed Forces On 15 March Place: St. Aloysius' College The prestigious Band of the Armed Forces of Malta is tuning up for an unforgettable concert on 15th March 2024, at St Aloysius College Auditorium. All proceeds from tickets will be towards charity. A GOOD WEEK Good Week/Bad Week A BAD WEEK A collector has snapped up two life- size Daleks at auction for more than £2,000. The red and gold replicas of the Doctor Who aliens went under the hammer at John Rolfe Auctions in Tetbury on Sunday, with a guide price of £500-£800. The BBC has dropped a contestant from The Apprentice spin-off show after he was accused of posting antisemitic comments on social media. Asif Munaf has previously apologised "for any offence caused by" his posts about Israel, but denied antisemitism. A film collector bought the gold Dalek for £1,150 and the red one for £1,100. The Board of Deputies of British Jews complained to the BBC on Wednesday about his "despicable antisemitism".