Latest scientific publications on eight new species of insects and one of fish in Maltese waters are among the latest discoveries by the Conservation Biology Research Group, at the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Malta (CBRG-UM).
This research group led by Prof. Adriana Vella, have been increasing the discoveries of new species using both morphological and molecular genetics tools. The latter also possible through the BioCon-Innovate Research Fund for excellence awarded to Prof. Vella by the University of Malta after external review and assessment.
This fund has helped to expand the research work that has been developing through the years in the Wildlife Molecular Genetics Research Laboratory by the CBRG-UM. This laboratory, run by Prof. Vella, has been at the fore in undertaking unique biodiversity research in the Maltese Islands and has also attracted foreign research students and internships, allowing undergraduate, postgraduate and postdoc research to advance expertise in this field at the highest levels. Therefore the latest skills in wildlife investigations and conservation are more accessible locally, aiding the urgent needs of the country to progress in effective monitoring and management of protected species and habitats.
Conservation research and management of natural resources and biodiversity need to sustain innovation and scientific discoveries that may promote effective safeguard of Maltese and thus also European species.
Authors of the different publications include: Prof. Adriana Vella together with Dr Clare Marie Mifsud, Dr Noel Vella, Dr Sandra Agius Darmanin and Ms Sylvana Tabone.
Thanks are due to UM research students but also interns and volunteers (especially of the ENGO), including interested sea-users and fishermen that support such conservation research, necessary to pass on a more accurate account of the Maltese natural heritage, which may be preserved for future generations.
Links to the latest publications:
