Habitats

The term habitat refers to the type of area or locality where an organism occurs naturally. The natural habitat of a species satisfies an animal’s or plant’s requirement to survive in terms of food, growth, reproduction, shelter and living space.

Various terrestrial and marine habitats of importance are known from the Maltese Islands, some of which are particularly unique. Amongst these one can mention the cliffs bordering the western side of the islands which harbour a variety of endemic species and serve as a shelter for a number of breeding birds. Considering the marine environment, of significance are the seagrass meadows, known to serve as a home for a number of marine invertebrates.

Terrestrial habitats include:

• Woodland (e.g. Mizieb, Buskett)
• Maquis (e.g. Girgenti)
• Garigue (e.g. Comino)
• Steppe (e.g. Wardija)
• Rock Pools (e.g. Ta’ Cenc)
• Valley and Watercourses (e.g. Wied il-Luq)
• Saline Marshland (e.g. Il-Ballut ta’ Marsaxlokk)
• Sand Dunes (e.g. White Tower Bay, Ramla Bay)