Ghar Dalam graded special area of conservation

Ghar Dalam in Birzebbuga has been graded as a Special Area of Conservation within the EU's Natura 2000 framework.

Ghar Dalam is known for its palaeontological importance and for the archaeological remains unearthed there. A tiny endemic woodlouse, scientifically called Armadillidium Ghardalamensis, is known only from Ghar Dalam and another cave nearby.

This animal, which has lost its eyes and colouration due to its habitat, was found and described in 1991 by the Sicilian scientist Domenico Caruso and the Maltese entomologist Carmelo Hili.

Ghar Dalam is maintained and managed by Heritage Malta, the national agency for museums, conservation practice and cultural heritage. The cave and museum are open to the public daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.