Historical gardens as green refugia in the urban fabric : a case study from Villa Guardamangia in Malta

Abstract

This case study utilised data collected during an ecological survey of the historical garden of Villa Guardamangia in Pietà, Malta, which served as a residence of British royalty during colonial rule. The present results reveal a pedologically depleted and floristically impoverished habitat which nevertheless supports at least 16 species of terrestrial gastropod, 15 of which are native, and three endemic. Beyond highlighting the ecological resilience of native organisms, the findings stress the importance of incorporating and maintaining green refugia within the urban fabric.