https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/142463 2026-04-15T05:23:10Z 2026-04-15T05:23:10Z Cilia, David P. https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/142517 2026-01-06T15:37:14Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Bulletin of the National Museum of Natural History, Malta : volume 2, issue 2 Authors: Cilia, David P. Abstract: Table of Contents:; - A vegetation survey of Wied Dalam, Birżebbuġa, Malta, for October 2024 to May 2025 - Briffa, Melanie;; - Flora Melitensis : a natural history gem from the village of Żabbar, Malta - Sciberras Arnold & Sciberras Jeffrey;; - The genera Murexsul Iredale, 1915 and Muricopsis Bucquoy & Dautzenberg, 1882 in Maltese waters, with the description of a new species (Gastropoda : Muricidae) - Cachia, Charles;; - A new species of Vitrinella Adams, 1850 (Gastropoda : Littorinimorpha : Vitrinellidae) from the eastern Mediterranean - Ovalis Panayotis & Mifsud Constantine;; - Anatomical, morphological, and ecological notes on captive-bred Lissachatina Immaculata (Lamarck, 1822) (Gastropoda : Achatinidae), deliberately released into a central Mediterranean ecosystem - Cilia, David P., Sciberras, Arnold & Deidun Alan;; - Historical gardens as green refugia in the urban fabric : a case study from Villa Guardamangia in Malta - Cilia, David P.;; - Preserving the skeletons in our historic closet - Licari, James

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Briffa, Melanie https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/142516 2026-01-06T15:34:43Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: A vegetation survey of Wied Dalam, Birżebbuġa, Malta, for October 2024 to May 2025 Authors: Briffa, Melanie Abstract: The valley of Wied Dalam (Birżebbuġa, Malta) was surveyed four times (from October 2024 till May 2025), to investigate the plant species composition, species density, and the most dominant species in each habitat type, following ecological restoration and management initiatives carried out in the locality in recent years. This was carried out using a belt transect (3 m) with a quadrat (1 × 1 m), and results were analysed using the Braun-Blanquet Scale. The western side of the valley had a higher species richness of maquis undergrowth species, especially at high densities of Arundo donax L. and Ceratonia siliqua L., while the eastern side of the valley had more ruderal and arid-tolerant species typical of open ground. Species composition and abundance differed due to seasonal conditions and recent anthropogenic disturbance. The rare Allium triquetrum L., and the scarce Glebionis segetum (L.) Fourr., Poa annua L., and Scandix pecten-veneris L. were noted. Numerous plant species that were recorded in past studies were not observed during the surveys, while several invasive plant species still persist throughout the valley. These findings highlight the current situation regarding vegetation composition as present at Wied Dalam throughout the sampling year 2024–2025, as well the importance of long-term vegetation monitoring following ecological restoration actions, such as those undertaken in this location.

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Sciberras, Arnold Sciberras, Jeffrey https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/142515 2026-01-06T15:30:54Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Flora Melitensis : a natural history gem from the village of Żabbar, Malta Authors: Sciberras, Arnold; Sciberras, Jeffrey Abstract: In 2013, a neglected herbarium entitled Flora Melitensis was rediscovered at the St. Margaret College (Primary B) in Żabbar, Malta. Housed in a custom-built cabinet and dating to 1951–1952, the collection originally comprised around 150 plant specimens prepared by teachers and students as part of an innovative natural history curriculum. Upon discovery, the herbarium was in a state of severe deterioration caused by pest infestations, decayed protective materials, and specimen loss. A ten-month restoration project was undertaken to preserve its scientific and historical value. This process included cleaning, freeze-drying, fumigation, specimen and label conservation, and the replacement of missing plants with newly collected or cultivated material. Of the original specimens, 72 were extant and could be saved, while 32 were recollected from the wild, and eight were recollected from cultivated specimens purposely grown for the collection. Historical investigation confirmed the herbarium’s origins within one of Malta’s earliest initiatives to integrate environmental education in state schools. The restored Flora Melitensis, now forming part of the collection at the National Museum of Natural History in Malta, now serves as both a botanical archive and a cultural artefact, preserving a unique intersection of Maltese floristics, pedagogy, and heritage.

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Cachia, Charles https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/142514 2026-01-06T15:25:54Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The genera Murexsul Iredale, 1915 and Muricopsis Bucquoy & Dautzenberg, 1882 in Maltese waters, with the description of a new species (Gastropoda : Muricidae) Authors: Cachia, Charles Abstract: In this study, the muricid gastropod species belonging the genera Murexsul Iredale, 1915 and Muricopsis Bucquoy & Dautzenberg, 1882 that occur in Maltese waters are reviewed. The reviewed determinations exclude Muricopsis inermis (Philippi, 1836) from the Maltese faunal checklist, confirm the occurrence of Murexsul aradasii (Monterosato, 1883) and Muricopsis cristata (Brocchi, 1814), and recognise the presence of the newly recorded Muricopsis cevikeri Houart, 2000 and a new species, formally described as Muricopsis vilhenae n. sp. The new species differs from the sympatric M. cristata by bolder sculpture, a single prominent columellar knob, a consistently pale violet aperture, a non-projecting siphonal canal, and a distinct animal colouration.

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z