Island wetlands of Malta

The Għadira Wetland falls within a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Area (SPA) found within the Mellieħa locality boundary. To the north of the site is the Marfa Ridge whilst to the south is the Mellieħa Ridge. The site is one of the richest in biodiversity, particularly for avifauna. It supports one of the most successful bird sanctuaries in the country, acting as a nesting and breeding site for several protected species. The latter aspect attracts many visitors to the area, making the Għadira reserve the most popular Wetland Reserve in Malta, with around 8,000 visitors a year, many of whom include school children. In view of this, this SAC is an important site for ecotourism and environmental education. The Ghadira Wetland is one of two Ramsar sites in the Maltese Islands.This inland surface water body is protected as a lake under the Water Framework Directive (200/06/EC, LN 198/04). Studies undertaken between 1985 and 1986 showed that salinity in the reserve’s wetland varied from 7 to 40%. The salinity fluctuations are related to precipitation and sea water seepage. In summer the precipitation is at its lowest and the sea water seeps in the wetland. Increased evaporation contributes to increase the levels of salinity. The Coastal Lagoon (habitat 1150*) at l- Għadira is considered to be probably the best example of this habitat in the Maltese Islands. The lagoon supports a thriving population of the endemic Annex II species, the Maltese Killifish and a considerable number of Annex I bird and migratory bird species. The lagoon also presents suitable foraging habitat for bats. Over 100 species of invertebrates are known from the reserve as well as the only species of amphibian in the Maltese Islands, the Painted Frog.The main reason behind the creation of the Għadira wetland was to provide a variety of bird species with ideal breeding grounds, as well as an important feeding and resting area for migratory birds. The Black winged Stilt is establishing a breeding population within the Għadira lagoon. Other breeding birds at the reserve include the Little Ringed Plover and the Moorhen, and the passerines the Zitting Cisticola, the Sardinian Warbler and Cetti’s Warbler.The Short-toed Lark has a breeding population of 3-5 pairs at the garrigue patch situated in the western end of the site. The reserve is an important stopover in both spring and autumn migration periods. Over 100 migratory bird species have been recorded at L-Għadira Wetland Reserve and flocks of herons and egrets can exceed fifty birds at any one time. Passerines also winter within the reserve.The dune habitat is heavily disturbed as a result of the road that intersects the dune system, disconnecting it from the beach. Reclamation for agriculture and habitat modification prior to the Wetland Reserve creation obliterated the largest part of the remaining inland dunes. Nowadays, a remnant habitat, of an area of 11,300 m2 patch is present within the outer grove of the Għadira Wetland Reserve. This habitat patch is still densely vegetated with alien species, including invasive Acacia and ruderals. Two Annex II invertebrate species are known from this area, a cricket and a beetle.Foresta 2000, an afforestation project that has been carried out on part of the ridge above the wetland has created safe roosting habitat and attracts raptor species. Migrant passerines rest and forage at the garrigue and arboreal habitats.Several activities exert pressure on the ecology of the site. The Għadira area is popular with tourists and experiences pressures from recreational activities as well as pressure from development including impacts from noise, trampling, habitat disturbance and habitat loss.Overuse of fertilizers and pesticides from surrounding agricultural practices exerts pressure on the wetland from eutrophication and water pollution. Hunting is prohibited in the entire SAC/SPA site since the area falls within a Bird Sanctuary, however, poaching is practiced in the areas bordering the SAC/SPA. Poachers’ intrusions and poaching within the Bird Sanctuary, resulting in losses of rare Annex I bird species, is not uncommon. Other activities that involve the removal or collection of animals also impacts wildlife at this site.Trapping might be still present in private land and illegally practiced also in public land. As a practice it is responsible for vegetation clearings and habitat modification, disturbance of wildlife and direct biodiversity loss. Localised dumping is evidenced amongst the Annex I habitats that are close to the access road.