Management of threatened Aphanius Fasciatus at Il-Maghluq, Malta

Abstract

Over the last decade the distribution of Aphanius fasciatus Nardo has regressed sharply across the Maltese Islands despite numerous legal conservation instruments. In this study we present the results of a one-year phenological study at the protected wetland site known as Il-Maghluq. The A. fasciatus population structure and a number of water physical characteristics were monitored. The biotic data collected was found to be consistent with that of a highly vulnerable population. The authors make a number of management recommendations to improve the conservation status of this population.