Island wetlands of Malta

Tas-Salvatur is a disused quarry that is being used as a reservoir for water storage and irrigation, located in south-western Malta between Siġġiewi and L-Imqabba. The quarry is owned by the government and has been inactive for over 35 years. It covers an approximate area of 1,150m2 and is capable of holding a maximum of 5 metres of water in height before water is lost through crevasses. The site is accessible by a dirt pathway from a main road. The site is predominantly surrounded by agricultural fields, however, an active quarry lies directly south of the Tas-Salvatur disused quarry. No important community habitats were recorded. Cupressus sempervirens, Opuntia ficus-indica and Capparis orientalis are present growing on the quarry’s walls alongside other rudimental vegetation. The site is not protected by any legislation.