Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1540705
JAMES DEBONO jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt 2 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 26 OCTOBER 2025 NEWS BUDGET 2026 MONDAY Live blog on maltatoday.com Salary Calculator Analysis by economist JP Fabri TUESDAY Special print edition maltatoday Aliens, predators and trampling: Challenges GOZO'S unique habitats face ongoing pressures. The alien mosquito fish is disrupting the balance in Dwejra's Inland Sea. Feral cats prey on rare insects at L-Inħawi tar-Ramla, while rats threaten bird colonies on Fungus Rock. A globally ra- re flower near Xlendi Tower is also at risk from trampling. These examples highlight the delicate balance of the island's ecosystems. Updated management plans now address these pressures across six terrestrial Natura 2000 sites in Gozo: L-Inħawi ta' Għajn Barrani, L-Inħawi tar-Ramla, L-Inħawi tad-Dwe- jra u tal-Qawra (including Ħaġret il-Ġeneral), L-Inħawi tax-Xlendi u tal-Wied tal-Kan- tra, Il-Qortin tal-Magun u l-Qortin il-Kbir, and L-Inħa- wi ta' Ta' Ċenċ. These sites support a range of protected species that require careful management. ERA is present- ly receiving feedback from the public on these plans. Predation and wildlife Predation is a major factor af- fecting the breeding success of protected wildlife, particularly seabirds and rare invertebrates. On the cliffs of Dwejra and Ta' Ċenċ, the Scopoli's Shearwa- ter, Yelkouan Shearwater, and European Storm-petrel face ongoing threats from rodents and feral cats. Conservation efforts at Dwejra include moni- toring and controlling rat pop- ulations, including on Fungus Rock. Similar measures are ap- plied at Xlendi and Ta' Ċenċ. Inland, the fragile sand dune habitats at L-Inħawi tar-Ram- la are particularly vulnerable. Two protected endemic inver- tebrates—the Giant Cricket and the ground beetle—face predation risks. To support the Giant Cricket, conservation measures focus on reducing fe- ral cat predation through neu- tering and relocation programs at Ramla and Ta' Ċenċ. Bats in need of protection The Lesser Horseshoe Bat has an established presence at L-Inħawi tax-Xlendi u tal- Wied tal-Kantra, where nine individuals have been record- ed. Efforts focus on safeguard- ing their roosting sites in tun- nels and mitigating threats from noise and light pollution generated by nearby residential or commercial activities. The Maghreb/Algerian Myo- tis is far more elusive, with on- ly one individual observed at Il-Qortin tal-Magun. The pri- mary objective for this species is to conduct studies to close knowledge gaps regarding its population size, distribution, and roosts. These operational measures will precede the de- velopment of long-term con- servation strategies. Cars, tourists, and trampling Recreational activity also pressures Gozo's sensitive hab- itats. Uncontrolled vehicle ac- cess and trampling can damage cliffs and rocky areas, affecting vegetated sea cliffs, calcare- ous rocky slopes, and clifftop shrubs at Dwejra, Xlendi, and Ta' Ċenċ. Physical barriers and signage have been introduced across these sites to guide ac- cess and support habitat recov- ery. Trampling is a particular con- cern at Ramla's sand dunes. Conservation measures include retaining cordons, installing clear signage, and managing pedestrian access to allow damaged areas to recover. Invasive plants Invasive plants are a wide- ERA published updated draft plans for six protected sites in Gozo which give overview on threats facing animals, plants and eco systems in these sensitive locations Dwejra Inland Sea where the alien mosquito fish is disrupting the ecological balance (Photo: Kurt Sansone/MaltaToday)