There have always been important relationships between earth’s rich biodiversity and the human race. Plants, not only represented an important source of food to man (which through the ages he managed to select the best varieties for cultivation), but have also been used for landscaping and afforestation programmes, a main source of timber, paper, cork, and a source of medicinal usage. Insects formed a major link with the human race in both a positive and a negative way. Honey, a rich source of sugar have been harvested from bees since antiquity, and likewise the production of silk from silkworms provided an economic revolution especially in south-east Asia. But insects have also been a nuisance to man and his animals and to the cultivation of agricultural crops. Deadly diseases such as malaria and many other diseases associated with domesticated animals and crop production has been a main target for research in these last 150 years. Birds are no exception, as this diversity has fascinated many generations. Birds have served utilitarian needs for food, and feathers were used for decoration and bedding. Many cultures have deep associations with birds and rituals. Birds have inspired music, song, dance and literature. Birds also provided utilitarian and, later, recreational activities such as trapping, hunting, breeding, bird watching, drawing, model making and photography.

Bird migration has mystified people and prompted people to study how and why birds migrate.

Studies of migration are now using cutting edge technologies. Birds are important sources of revenue to several people from landowners who rent land for hunting and trapping purposes, to shops that sell outdoor gear and hunting goods to pet shops as well shops that sell optical and photographic equipment.

This Unit will aim in giving to students an overview of what is to be found in the Maltese Islands in terms of plants, insects and birds and briefly describe their role with special reference to human impact. Selected examples from the mentioned groups will be given to understand better their role within the complex ecosystems around us. Information will also be provided on alien species of plants, insects and birds which have been established in the Maltese Islands and the impact we have had via such introductions.

Finally the Unit will also provide a platform to the students on the importance of conserving this biodiversity for all future generations to come.

Main Reading List

• Cocker, M. (2013) Birds and people. Jonathan Cape, London.
• Fenech, N. (1992) Fatal Flight, the Maltese obsession with killing birds. Quiller Press.
• Fenech, N. (2010) A complete guide to the Birds of Malta. Midsea Books. 424 pp.
• Murphy, P.D. (1998) Literature of Nature, an international sourcebook. Fitzroy Dearborn Publishers, Chicago and London.
• Haslam, S.M., Sell, P.D. & Wolseley, P.A. (1977) A flora of the Maltese Islands. Malta University Press, 560 pp.
• Roques, A. et al. (2010) Alien Terrestrial Arthropods of Europe. Biorisk, 2 volumes. ISSN 1313-2652 (online), 1028 pp.
• Lanfranco, G. (1975) Duwa u semm fil-hxejjex Maltin.
• Lanfranco, G. (1993/2000) Hxejjex Medicinali u ohrajn fil-gzejjer Maltin.