Need for a herpetological society in Malta

Societies about natural environment awareness such as MOS (Maltese Ornithological Society), now Birdlife, and SSCN (Society for the Study and Conservation of Nature), now Nature Trust Malta, were founded in the early 1960s by environmentalists who really wanted to do something to conserve our natural heritage. One purpose of the societies was to serve as a medium so the correct knowledge about the environment would be spread.

I admire the work and challenges they had to face. To educate a society that sees wildlife destruction as a tradition is no joke! However I still feel that, after all these years of accomplishments, such as the building of reserves and the protection of important sites, some studies and the importance of other classes of animals have been neglected. Bicref is also doing a lot of good work but there is quite a number. Two nature studies that interest me personally the most are entomology (insects) and herpetology (reptiles and amphibians).

Fortunately in 1998 the ESM (Entomological Society of Malta) was founded and nowadays consists of approximately 30 members. Regular newsletters and meetings are held at the Natural History Museum at Mdina on all types of insects.

I have been studying reptiles for these past years and I feel it is time now that a Maltese Herpetological Society should be formed. Its purpose will be to collect a number of individuals that are interested in the study on Maltese wild reptiles and amphibians and serve as a medium to spread correct information about them, finally for their conservation. This society is strictly for the latter and not about any of these new exotic so-called pets.

The only way to conserve our herpetofauna is by studying them in their natural habitat and utilising the information collected about them. Reptiles and amphibians are still in retreat because of their habitat destruction, pesticides and superstitious beliefs. Scientific information is the key to prove the importance of their existence to our islands.

Anyone interested should contact me on bioislets@gmail.com. All these NGO societies should be aided and supported because they are the remaining hope for what is left of our natural environment.