https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/11476 Sat, 14 Nov 2026 04:09:14 GMT 2026-11-14T04:09:14Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150956 Title: An investigation into the carrying capacity of the Barn Owl (Tyto alba) in the Buskett woodland and surrounding area Abstract: The Barn Owl is a charismatic bird of prey typically known for its unique appearance (Grech 2014, p.06 and; Sultana 1984, p. 376) and widespread distribution (Askew, Searle & Moore 2006; Bontzorlos et al 2024, p. 639; Janžekovič & Klenovšek 2020; Machado et al. 2021 and; Taylor 2003, p. 13). They are nocturnal hunters (Burton & Coleman 1976, p. 09) which typically prey on synanthropic rodents (Askew, Searle & Moore 2007; Bontzorlos et al 2024, p. 639; Janžekovič & Klenovšek 2020; Manganaro & Ranazzi 2002, p. 186; Marti 1988 and; Taylor 2003, p. 45) with open grassland being their preferred hunting grounds (Séchaud et al. 2021). They nest in tree hollows in open woodland (Martin 1973 and; Taylor 1994) and barns or abandoned buildings in more urban settings (Bontzorlos et al 2024, p. 639; Burton & Coleman 1976, p. 46 and; Martin 1973). Despite the Barn Owls widespread influence their numbers have been dropping worldwide (Martínez & Zuberogoitia 2004 and; Shawyer 1998 cited in Askew, Searle & Moore 2006, p. 109) since the mid 20th century (Anon 1914 cited in Balmer, Adams & Crick 2000, p. 05; Bruce 1999 cited in Klein, Mátics & Schneider 2023, p. 204 and; Taylor 2003, p. 231). Various countries within Europe and those outside the EU such as: England, Canada and North America have undertaken various conservation projects to address this decline (Andalucia Bird Society 2022; Barn Owl trust n.d; Bontzorlos et al 2024; Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey n.d; CZ-ENVIRONMENT n.d; Hawk Creek Wildlife Centre 2026; Kariega Game Reserve n.d; Manx BirdLife 2025 and; The Barn Owl Project Ireland n.d). Malta also experienced this population decrease, with the resident population decreasing (Cachia-Zammit & Attard-Montalto 1980 cited in Fenech & Balzan 1988, p. 13) until the Barn Owl was extirpated from the islands in 1988 (Fenech & Balzan 1988, p.13 and Klein, Mátics & Schneider 2023). Since then, there have been no records of Barn Owls inhabiting the Maltese islands (Grech 2014), however in 2018 a conservation project was set up by the Federazzjoni Kaċċaturi Nassaba Konservazzjonisti (FKNK) with the aim of reintroducing the species back into the island’s ecology (Barn Owl Reintroduction Project n.d.). While the conservation project may be beneficial, little to no studies or literature related to the Barn Owl’s occupation in Malta exist, resulting in a key knowledge gap that has yet to be investigated. This study attempts to fill in this knowledge gap by answering the two following research questions: “What is the carrying capacity of the conservation projects main release site” and “What specific environmental factors are likely to influence the success of the Barn owl conservation project?” which may inform both present and future conservation efforts and/or studies related to the Barn Owl and its occupation in Malta. Description: B.Sc. (Hons)(Melit.) Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150956 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150650 Title: Environmental monitoring of spores at a historic chapel Abstract: This study explores the airborne fungal spores, and pollen, present in and around the Church of the Annunciation, located in the uninhabited settlement of Ħal Millieri. Additionally, it assesses how environmental conditions may influence the presence of bioaerosols and the threat these may pose to the frescoes within the church. This church was chosen due to the unique paintings that adorn its walls, depicting twelve Catholic Saints. The paintings were executed in the fresco secco and buon affresco styles and date back to the fifteenth century. The frescoes are of particular importance to Malta’s cultural heritage as surviving medieval wall paintings are few and far between. A 24-hour pilot study was conducted to determine the ideal sampling duration and locations for the passive deposition method. Low bioaerosol counts highlighted the need for a longer sampling period. Therefore, three week-long sampling periods were conducted, with slides placed at twelve locations, both inside and outside the church. The passive sampling method was supplemented with active volumetric sampling using a portable Burkard volumetric air sampler. The samples were analysed via light microscope; the Burkard slides were converted to absolute and relative values of grains/m3. Results indicate that the building was largely effective at blocking the entry of bioaerosols, with only 3.55% of the total spores and 0.76% of the total pollen grains recorded indoors. The two sampling methods were complementary, with passive and active sampling better suited to detecting heavier and lighter particles, respectively. These findings highlight a conservation paradox: while maintaining indoor relative humidity above 75% prevented halite crystallization, it also created favourable conditions for fungal growth. Improving drought-proofing, alongside limiting visitor frequency and duration, could help reduce the ingress of bioaerosol. Description: B.Sc. (Hons)(Melit.) Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150650 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150571 Title: Invasiveness versus sustainability : supply chain perceptions of Opuntia ficus-indica in the Maltese food system Abstract: This research seeks to outline key contradictions in the agricultural uses, cultural values, economic opportunities, and ecological practices associated with the prickly pear cactus, Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI). Understanding contradictions in perspectives on invasive species like OFI aids in informing policy surrounding the environmental management of such species and contributes towards global research of invasive-food system integration, which is becoming increasingly important as climate change threatens traditional agricultural systems. This project analyzes necessary trade-offs associated with managing OFI in Malta through supply chain perceptions and valuation in primary markets, and consumer-side interviews in informal markets to capture perceptions and uses of the prickly pear cactus. Alongside a policy and literature review on historic and current uses, markets, and management practices, these data were analyzed through reflexive thematic analysis to create themes. Three major findings emerged from these analyses: contradictions between perceived nativeness and nonnative origins; nuanced views of plant classification impacted by cultural and food systems associations; and limited commercial development and institutional support despite OFI's climate resilience. A SWOT analysis was then used to evaluate potential futures for OFI. These findings presented three key pathways for OFI: increased investment, continuing current practices, and increased environmental regulation. These findings ultimately suggest that the role of OFI must be understood by the sum of its functions, as an environmental concern, agricultural resource, commercial product, and a cultural symbol. Any pathways for OFI are dependent on how stakeholders weigh trade-offs between these functions. Description: MSc. (EMS)(Melit.) Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150571 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150565 Title: Seasonal variability and multi-decadal trends of the mixed layer depth in the central Mediterranean Abstract: This study examined seasonal variability and multi-decadal trends of the Mixed Layer Depth (MLD) in the central Mediterranean. The primary objectives included addressing regional research gaps and evaluating three estimation methodologies to determine the most physically consistent approach for the region. The methods examined were the vertical temperature gradient, fixed temperature threshold, and density threshold (TEOS-10). MEDSEA_MULTIYEAR_PHY_006_004 physical reanalysis product from Copernicus Marine Service was used to provide daily temperature and salinity fields at a 1/24° (~4.5 km) horizontal resolution across 141 vertical levels. These reanalysis data were used to identify long-term trends and shifts in the MLD through daily estimates analyzed over 39 years, from 1 January 1987 to 1 January 2026. The findings indicate that the density threshold method (TEOS-10) was the most suitable framework. The most noteworthy result was a statistically significant spring shoaling trend of -0.87 m per decade that is indicative of seasonal stratification occurring earlier every decade. A possible association between MLD anomalies and to the presence of a gyre is identified. The results contribute to current regional knowledge of seasonal variability and multi-decadal trends, identify a statistically significant shoaling trend, and identify a possible association of MLD anomalies to the Malta-Sicily Gyre (MSG). Description: MSc. (EMS)(Melit.) Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150565 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z