Ta’Ċenċ, located in the southwest of Gozo, is characterised by a number of geomorphological features which support habitats of pristine quality. The area is in fact ecologically important and hosts a wide diversity of flora and fauna. At this Natura 2000 site one can find reptiles, small mammals such as the Algerian hedgehog, birds and rare or endemic plants. The distinctive geomorphological features, its unique biodiversity and remoteness contribute to the area renowned as being one of high landscape and scenic value.

The area, between Fuq tal-Gruwa/Ix-Xagħra l-Kbira and Ta’Nanas, consist mostly of phrygana, a garrigue type of habitat dominated by low, often cushion-shaped, shrubs. The Ta’ Nanas area houses a relatively large but localised population of the sub-endemic Sicilian squill, as well as fairly extensive patches dominated by the Mediterranean false-brome. Ta’ Ċenċ also supports dense populations of the tree spurge. In fact, the community within this site represents one of the best examples throughout the Maltese islands.

This Natura 2000 site is also an important breeding area for a wide variety of birds, such as the yelkouan shearwater and the Maltese national bird, the blue rock thrush. Ta’ Ċenċ is also the only known site in the Maltese islands where the storm petrel breeds and it hosts the largest population of Cory’s shearwater.

This Natura 2000 site will be subject to the preparation of a management plan and/or legislation in the near future, as part of an EU-funded project that Mepa is undertaking for the management planning all the terrestrial Natura 2000 sites of the Maltese islands.