Habitats of the Maltese islands (11)

Remnants of riparian (close to a water stream) woodlands, located on the bank of a watercourse, still exist along a few watercourses where water flow is abundant.

Examples of trees growing along watercourses include the rare white poplar (scientific: populus alba; Maltese: siġra tal-luq), the Mediterranean Willow (scientific: salix pedicellata; Maltese: żafżafa ż-żgħira) and the Grey-leaved Elm (scientific: ulmus canescens; Maltese: siġra tan-nemus).

Watercourses provide habitat and food to various animals. Amongst the well-known species related to such habitat are the only amphibian found in Malta, the painted frog (Scientific: discoglossus pictus pictus; Maltese: żrinġ), and the endemic Maltese freshwater crab (scientific: potamon fluviatile lanfrancoi; Maltese: qabru).

A huge variety of insect and other invertebrate fauna also thrive in local valleys, such as dragonflies and damselflies, semi-aquatic grasshoppers, mayflies, aquatic and semi-aquatic beetles, such as the large predacious diving beetle (scientific: Dysticus circumflexus; Maltese: wirdiena tal-ilma), water-associating flies, bees and wasps, small crustaceans and many others. Some of these are only found in these habitats and some are only known from one or a few localities in the Maltese islands.

Noting the uniqueness of watercourses, including the rarity of a number of species inhabiting them, their protection is of significance, and this needs to start from each and every one of us. One needs to appreciate that these are part of Malta's natural heritage.

Should you require more information, please contact nature.

requests@mepa.org.mt.