https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/416 Tue, 16 Jun 2026 17:08:45 GMT 2026-06-16T17:08:45Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147463 Title: Invasive alien plants as graded bioindicators of urbanisation : response patterns along an urban–rural gradient Authors: Palii, Paola; Porrovecchio, M.; Camilleri, Leanne; Micallef, Greta; Puglisevich, Erika; Schmidbauer, Lena; Mifsud, David; Lanfranco, Sandro Abstract: Invasive alien plant (IAP) species are a defining feature of urban floras worldwide, yet their ecological role as indicators of environmental transformation remains underexplored. Most studies of biological invasions in cities rely on floristic inventories and distribution censuses, documenting which species are present rather than asking what their distribution patterns reveal about the environments they occupy. This study proposes a shift in perspective: rather than cataloguing invasive aliens as a conservation problem, we use them as graded bioindicators of urbanisation intensity along an urban– rural gradient. [excerpt] Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147463 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147353 Title: An update to the critical checklist of the marine fishes of Malta and surrounding waters Authors: Borg, Joseph A.; Dandria, David; Evans, Julian; Knittweis, Leyla; Schembri, Patrick J. Abstract: The critical checklist of the marine fishes of Malta and surrounding waters published by the present authors in 2023 provided the first evidence-based assessment of the marine ichthyofauna of the Maltese Islands. Since then, new faunistic, fisheries-related, and molecular data have become available, justifying an update. The present work critically reviews the scientific and selected popular literature published up to April 2026, applying the same study area and authentication criteria adopted in the 2023 checklist. The update affects 22 species: six are newly reported from Maltese waters, of which two still require confirmation; nine species previously treated as unconfirmed and three species originally excluded are here confirmed; two species formerly known only from historical records are also confirmed; and two species are excluded on the basis of revised taxonomic or biogeographical knowledge. Consequently, the number of confirmed species increases from 412 to 426, the number of unconfirmed species decreases from 53 to 45, and the number of excluded species decreases from 78 to 77. Within the confirmed fauna, native species increase from 370 to 379, non-established alien species from 17 to 19, and non-established Atlantic immigrants from 3 to 6, whereas the numbers of established aliens, established Atlantic immigrants, and cryptogenic species remain unchanged. The changes documented here reflect improved sampling, especially of deep-water species, the resolution of taxonomic uncertainty through molecular analyses, and the continued arrival of newcomer species. This updated checklist provides a more accurate and current baseline for future faunistic, biogeographical, ecological, conservation, and fisheries-related studies on the marine fishes of Maltese waters. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147353 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146965 Title: Distribution and microhabitat use of naturalised Common Chameleons, Chamaeleo chamaeleon (Linnaeus, 1758), in Malta Authors: Farrugia, Kristyl; Borg, Joseph A.; Schembri, Patrick J. Abstract: The Common Chameleon, Chamaeleo chamaeleon, was introduced to Malta in the mid-19th century and is now fully naturalised, yet detailed ecological information for the Maltese archipelago remains very limited. This study provides the first integrated assessment of its spatial and seasonal distribution, microhabitat use, and age-related patterns of variation using systematic field surveys across 13 sites. Abundance varied markedly among regions, with northern sites supporting the highest densities, likely reflecting greater availability of semi-natural and suburban vegetation. Seasonal differences in abundance were minimal, although winter surveys indicated reduced detectability. Chameleons showed strong associations with coniferous vegetation and mid-height perches (101–300 cm), with seasonal shifts consistent with thermoregulatory demands. Ontogenetic patterns indicated partial niche partitioning, with smaller individuals occupying lower and occasional peripheral branches, while larger individuals used higher and more central positions. Overall, the species’ adaptability to fragmented landscapes and human-modified habitats explains its successful establishment in Malta, while emphasising the importance of maintaining tree-rich green spaces for long-term population persistence. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146965 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146818 Title: New records of marine biodiversity in the Mediterranean Sea (April 2026) Authors: Zenetos, Argyro; Abd El-Gwaad, Fares Nasser; Al-Beak, Ahmed Mohamed; Antit, Mouna; Baldacchino, Yacopo; Barría, Claudio; Ćetković, Ilija; Costa, Maurizio; Crocetta, Fabio; Đorđević, Nikola; Fitori, Amani; Bella S., Galil; Galiya, Mohamad Younes; Golani, Daniel; Joksimović, Aleksandar; Leban, Neža; Leotta, Paola; Mačić, Vesna; Marković, Olivera; Orenes-Salazar, Víctor; Othman, Ranim Mohamad; Pujol, Juan A.; Rizgalla, Jamila; Sedano, Francisco; Stanić, Rino; Tanduo, Valentina; Taşkın, Ergün; Travaglini, Andrea; Tiralongo, Francesco; Trabelsi, Aya; Trkov, Domen; Ugarković, Pero; Vella, Adriana; Vella, Noel; Yazılan, Öznur Abstract: This collective article presents new information about 18 species occurring in 12 Mediterranean countries from the Alboran Sea to the Levantine Sea. Five lessepsian species namely Erugosquilla massavensis, Syrnola fasciata, Plocamopherus ocellatus, Maritigrella fuscopunctata and Siganus javus have spread within 2025 to neighbouring MSFD areas. Another five are here reported as first country records [Polyandrocarpa zorritensis (Malta), Gonioinfradens giardi (Italy), Istiblennius meleagris (Egypt), Epinephelus fasciatus (Israel), Lophocladia trichoclados (Montenegro)]. Cladophora patentiramea has spread from the Levantine to the Aegean Sea, while Pinctada radiata has reached Granada, and Cádiz. The Atlantic fish Enchelycore anatina and Synodus synodus have expanded their distribution to Montenegro and Syria respectively. Three rare native species are reported for first time at country level, while a fourth (Mobula birostris) has made an appearance more than a century after its first Mediterranean record. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146818 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z