/library/oar/handle/123456789/51998 2025-12-22T22:23:54Z 2025-12-22T22:23:54Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/64688 2020-11-29T06:13:33Z 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: An overview of the Staphylinidae (Insecta: Coleoptera) of the Maltese islands Abstract: A taxonomic account is provided for the Staphylinidae of the Maltese Islands. All published information available to date on Maltese staphylinids was reviewed. Hence a checklist of the staphylinid fauna of Malta is also included. Global distributions of all recorded species were provided and nomenclature updated where relevant. The main collections of Maltese Staphylinidae were also reviewed and collection data included when available. Two hundred and thirty-four staphylinid species were noted to occur in Malta, thirty two of which are here recorded for the first time from this territory. The new records include: Proteinus cf. brachypterus, Micropeplus staphylinoides, Phloeocharis sp, Aleochara binotata, Amischa leporina, Atheta inermis, Notothecta inflata, Falagria sulcatula, Myllaena dubia, Phytosus balticus, Leptotyphlopsis sp., Anotylus tetracarinatus, Octavius vitalei, Cephennium sp. 1, Cephennium sp. 2, Euthia sp., Scydmoraphes sp., Pseudoeudesis sulcipennis lampedusae, Gynotyphlus perpusillus, Astenus pallidulus, Astenus (Eurysuinus) sp., Leptobium gracile, Procirrus lefebvrei, Heterothops minutus, Cafius cicatricosus, Neobisnius lathrobioides, Philonthus carbonarius, Philonthus quisquiliarius, Quedius pallipes, Leptacinus intermedius, Stenistoderus nothus and Xantholinus morandi. Three subfamilies: Phloeocharinae, Osoriinae and Euaesthetinae are also recorded for the first time locally. Thirteen species that were previously recorded from Malta: Euplectus brunneus, Sepedophilus littoreus, Sepedophilus pedicularius, Aleochara intricata, Myrmecopora minima, Alevonota gracilenta, Geostiba muscicola, Oligota nr. picipes, Bledius mulsanti, Carpelimus punctipennis, Astenus procerus, Achenium brevipenne and Scopaeus (?) bicolor are hereby removed from the staphylinid fauna of Malta as they are either highly unlikely to occur in Malta or were recorded erroneously. The global distribution of all species recorded was also included. Six species: Amaurops mifsudi, Faronus rica, Alevonota melitensis, Geostiba melitensis, Astenus gattoi and Astenus walker are noted to be endemic to Malta. Overall, 9.6% of recorded species were noted to be endemic or subendemic; 12.0% or species are of Mediterranean distribution; 12.4% of species have a restricted distribution, 35.5% of species have a wide geographical distribution, while 26.5% of species have a subcosmopolitan or cosmopolitan distribution. Description: M.SC.RURAL&ENV.SCI.

2019-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/52518 2020-04-28T14:39:15Z 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: An environmental justice index for Malta : a possibility? Abstract: Environmental justice (EJ) research in Europe is somewhat lacking and the subject has thus far barely been considered in Malta, with no EJ indices that monitor and assess the spatial distribution of environmental burdens in relation to social variables. This study aimed to identify significant EJ issues in Malta and explore the feasibility of constructing such an index. EJ issues were identified by consulting relevant literature and local experts from different fields through interviews or questionnaires. Based on this, five environmental variables (air pollution, noise pollution, lack of greenery, overcrowding and overdevelopment, and proximity to locally unwanted land uses) were selected for inclusion in the index. Similarly, education, income, and health were chosen as social variables. For the identified variables, indicators were chosen based on SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely) criteria and availability of secondary data. The indicators were calculated for each locality and processed in a geographic information system (GIS). Cumulative environmental burden and social vulnerability scores were calculated based on quintile ranking of indicators. After normalisation, cumulative scores were aggregated into the EJ index. Spatial autocorrelation performed in GIS showed significant disparities within each variable, cumulative scores, and index. The preliminary evaluation of EJ distribution in Malta demonstrated areas of highest concern in parts of the Northern harbour, Southern harbour and South-eastern districts. There was a statistically significant positive correlation of moderate strength between normalised cumulative environmental burden and social vulnerability scores. This correlation shows that EJ issues are present in Malta: the most disenfranchised groups experience the greatest environmental grievances while the least socially vulnerable experience the least. Method validation was performed through a group interview with four of the previously-interviewed experts, who agreed that the index would be useful for policy development, subject to methodological refinement. Despite limitations, such as lack of availability of updated social data and widely varying sizes of the geographic unit of analysis, the developed index provides a basis for further EJ research in Malta, and contributes to EJ research in Europe and to the development of EJ tools that assess cumulative impacts. With investment and political support, a robust EJ index for Malta that can effectively be used for policy development is therefore a possibility. Description: M.SC.EARTH SYSTEMS

2019-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/52503 2022-04-11T10:28:27Z 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Proposals for sustainable visitor management on Comino, Malta Abstract: Tourism-related issues in Comino, a Natura 2000 site, are on the rise due to overcrowding and inappropriate uses which negatively affect the integrity of local habitats and the visitor experience. Measures for tourism management are needed to address this situation and achieve sustainability in Comino for the benefit of the natural environment and all stakeholders, i.e., visitors, authorities, NGOs, public entities, private enterprises, and the general public. This research aims to study possibilities for improved visitor management on the island. A variety of sources have been thoroughly explored and both quantitative and qualitative data has been compiled, processed, and analysed in this regard. Methodologies employed entailed desk studies, field surveying, expert consultation, statistical analysis, and GIS mapping. Visitors were surveyed onsite and relevant parameters were assessed, i.e., nature connectedness, landscape values, extent of agreement with management measures and pro-environmental options, and willingness to accept restrictive measures, among others. A number of experts were interviewed to assess the sensitivity, the resilience, and the ecological importance of Comino habitats, as well as to analyse actions that are appropriate and needed from a conservation point of view. Findings suggest that tourism activity and uses are clustered in a few specific sites of the island generating pressures on sensitive habitats which are important for conservation. The three main sites of concern are the area between Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, the vegetated land surrounding the main roads, and especially the Santa Marija Bay and surroundings. Trampling, littering, and wildlife disturbance represent the main tourism-related pressures, causing detrimental effects on protected habitats and species, i.e., plant life and birds. This research also notes that Comino is not being advertised by private and public authorities as a protected area of high ecological value, which explains the limited awareness of Comino’s natural assets among visitors. As a result of this research’s findings, a set of recommendations for tourism management in Comino is being outlined. This includes the formulation and implementation of comprehensive educational programmes which aim at encouraging pro-environmental behaviours among visitors and other stakeholders while minimising negative effects of tourism. Appropriate marketing (or demarketing) of Comino as a nature-based tourism destination, onsite signposting, and the creation of a research centre for the interpretation of local flora and fauna are recommended. Restrictive measures for boats and other vehicles on the island are suggested to ensure sustainable uses, which includes permitting systems, eco-taxes, or restricted access, among others. The upgrade of roads and the creation of footpaths are recommended to prevent further impact derived from trampling and dust dispersal. Effective waste management is required to mitigate negative effects caused by rat population. Monitoring visitor numbers and activity, together with the introduction of a park ranger or warden are also key measures to be considered. The commitment, compromise, and cooperation among authorities and key stakeholders are needed to successfully formulate, implement, and enforce these measures, which are likely to benefit both visitors and the natural environment while ensuring sustainable local livelihoods. Description: M.SC.EARTH SYSTEMS

2019-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/52502 2020-04-28T14:30:20Z 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: An integrated analysis of coastal dune vegetation patterns on sandy substrates Abstract: The aim of this study was to analyse the current state of vegetation patterns on Maltese sandy substrates, namely coastal dune environments. Another goal of this study was to assess the relationship between soil granulometric properties and the distribution and extent of various plant species occurring along these sandy substrates. By applying a combination of classical and modern techniques, a thorough survey of vegetation patterns along the remaining sand dune environments and other sandy substrates locally was conducted, addressing a considerable data gap locally. Results indicate that populations of dune-specific plant species are on the decline when compared to other records from studies carried out in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. An increase in both natural and anthropogenic pressures has been observed to continually restrain these coastal biotopes, further constraining biotope growth, hence lowering population size and evenness. With respect to the granulometric properties, various substrates were found to contain an abundance of artificial material, suggesting that anthropogenic influence on these substrates is much greater than anticipated. The presence in large quantities of these materials often stimulated the growth of ruderal and invasive species. The expansive occurrence of these invasive species has driven out native dune specific species out of most coastal dune environments locally. Only a handful of sites are still capable of supporting relatively intact dune ridge morphology and the associated vegetation populations. As highlighted in other parts of the study, these results provide a baseline for local researchers and authorities to monitor and manage these fragile coastal environments. Whilst results obtained address a critical information gap, the field of study is very vast; hence other surveys must be carried out further to this study to continue to further understand the complex relationship of both biotic and abiotic processes interacting along these dune environments. Description: M.SC.EARTH SYSTEMS

2019-01-01T00:00:00Z