Island wetlands of Malta

Għajn Rihana is a large valley with numerous dams that passes between L-Imselliet, Mosta and Burmarrad. It is broad and relatively flat-floored. There are two main tributaries - Wied ta' Sejkla and Wied ta' l-Arkata. Wied ta' l-Imselliet and Wied tal-Ħżejjen form the upper parts of the valley system. The valley then continues as Wied ta' Għajn Mula. The downstream part of this valley, joining Wied il-Għasel at Għajn Rihana, is located on the opposite side of Burmarrad Road and is locally referred to as Wied ta' Għajn Rihana. Għajn Rihana and its tributaries are important examples of wetlands and, particularly in the past supported extensive watercourse communities. However, they have become highly degraded in places, largely as a result of practices of surrounding farmland, despite being protected as an Area of Ecological Importance and Site of Scientific Interest. The field survey recorded the presence of watercourse communities (dominated by Juncus subulatus, Rumex conglomeratus, as well as the Arundo donax), interspersed and dominated in places by ruderal vegetation. Agricultural land is one of the main uses within the area and associated vegetation and including trees planted at the boundaries has thus influenced the habitats. Species recorded included the parasites Phelipanche mutelii and Orobanche crenata as well as the host Vicia faba and numerous other ruderals including Avena barbata, Lobularia maritima, Borago officinalis, and Papaver rhoeas. Trees associated with adjacent farmland included Ficus carica, Olea europaea, and Citrus sp were recorded. The invasive alien Ricinis communis was also present. The local painted frog Discoglossus pictus pictus was also recorded to be present at this site. The area is also important for birds.