https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/376 2026-10-19T05:59:49Z 2026-10-19T05:59:49Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150031 2026-10-14T13:27:57Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The company that cried wolf – part 4 Abstract: De-extinction: The Case of the Dire Wolf? The ‘de-extinction’ of the dire wolf has been one of the highest-profle scientific achievements of 2025. But the impression cultivated online is misleading – the dire wolf has not returned; it is being imitated. Five professors from the University of Malta have reacted to this complex story. In Part IV, Prof. Louis-F. Cassar considers the moral questions raised by a deextincted future.

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Cassar, Louis F. Colla, Andrea Zini, Luca Mamo, Julian Bernardini, Federico https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150030 2026-10-14T13:19:34Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The Adriatic marbled bush-cricket – Zeuneriana marmorata (Fieber, 1853) (Orthoptera Tettigoniidae) : an appraisal of its potential means of dispersal, with recommendations for conservation (North-Eastern Italy, Slovenia) Authors: Cassar, Louis F.; Colla, Andrea; Zini, Luca; Mamo, Julian; Bernardini, Federico Abstract: Zeuneriana marmorata is a highly localised stenoecious species known from a handful of wetlands in northeastern Italy and from one locality in Slovenia. The present study reviews the literature and further examines the species’ potential connectivity by means of active and/or passive (including sweepstakes route) dispersal. This can occur via fluvial corridors, both surface and subterranean, as well as through opportunities created by the human agency in antiquity. While dispersal by way of subaerial and anthropogenic mechanisms is considered plausible, the notion of dispersion via karstic cave systems appears implausible and is thus rejected based on geological evidence. In conclusion, a broad-based strategy for the conservation of the species and its habitat is proposed, with the aim of maintaining metapopulation structure and integrity.; Zeuneriana marmorata è una specie stenoecia altamente localizzata, conosciuta da poche zone umide dell’Italia nordorientale e da una località in Slovenia. Questo studio esamina la letteratura ed esamina ulteriormente la potenziale connettività della specie mediante dispersione attiva e/o passive. Ciò potrebbe avvenire attraverso corridoi fluviali, sia superficiali che sotterranei, nonché attraverso opportunità create dall’intervento umano nel lontano passato. Mentre la dispersione attraverso meccanismi subaerei e antropogenici è considerata plausibile, la nozione di dispersione attraverso sistemi di cavità carsiche appare non plausibile e viene pertanto respinta sulla base delle evidenze geologiche. In conclusione, viene proposta un’ampia strategia per la conservazione della specie e del suo habitat con l’obiettivo di mantenere la struttura e l’integrità della metapopolazione.

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Grech, Nathan Cassar, Louis F. Gauci, Adam https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150019 2026-10-14T10:24:21Z 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Use of telemetry to monitor the movements of Papilio machaon (Lepidoptera Papilionidae) and Chamaeleo chamaeleon (Squamata Chamaeleonidae) Authors: Grech, Nathan; Cassar, Louis F.; Gauci, Adam Abstract: Telemetry has revolutionised wildlife research by providing scientists with unprecedented insights into the movements and behaviour of animals in their natural habitats. This technology allows for the remote monitoring of wildlife, offering a window into the secretive lives of species that were previously difficult or even impossible to study. The required equipment typically comprises transmitters attached to target organisms that send signals to receivers, allowing researchers to track the individual animal’s movements over considerable distances and time scales (KENWARD, 2001). The employment of equipment with the capacity for long-distance tracking can prove crucial for better understanding migratory movement and associated patterns, habitat preferences and resource use, social behaviour and structures within populations, as well as survival strategies, all critically essential for conservation efforts.

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z Cassar, Louis F. Catania, Aldo https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150018 2026-10-14T10:21:41Z 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: On the apparent absence of Machaon-complex taxa (Lepidoptera Papilionidae) on the Island of Linosa (Pelagian Island group) Authors: Cassar, Louis F.; Catania, Aldo Abstract: The volcanic of Linosa, which lies on the southern flank of the Pantelleria Rift, was never physically connected to any other landmass within the central Mediterranean area. Its uninterrupted isolation makes it an interesting subject for research in island biogeography. After the endemic taxon a/erpilaggi from the island of Lampedusa was confirmed under Papilio saharae, the discovery necessitated a field mission to Linosa to investigate the status of any machaon-complex taxa on the island. Such investigation was deemed especially relevant since Papilio machaon is known to occur on the Maltese islands, which lie on the northern shoulder of the graben, east-north-east of Linosa. Thorough field investigations were conducted during a four-day field visit. All phases of metamorphosis were searched for throughout the entire island, paying special attention to areas were larval host-plants were present. Informal interviews were also conducted with specific stakeholders. Weather conditions were optimal during the visit, yet there was no trace of any machaon-complex taxon on the island of Linosa. Such absence was also confirmed by interviewees.

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z