Vegetation of Wied Balluta in relation to anthropogenic pressures

Abstract

This dissertation focuses primarily on the state, vegetation diversity and importance of Wied Balluta. The study involves the sampling of the vegetation present and its distribution at Wied Balluta, St. Julian's and on how the valley continues to change over the years due to its increasing surrounding developments. It also tries to display how anthropogenic issues have and will continue to induce the deterioration of the state and area coverage of the valley. The vegetation survey was carried out by walkthroughs and field methods by the use of a 1m2 quadrat and a 30metre belt transect. On the western side, twenty and twenty two quadrats were sampled on the 29th October and 10th April respectively, in four different locations at the beginning and central parts of the valley. In total, an area of 42m2 along with the valley base was sampled. As a result, forty one species were recorded, since the species found at the base of the valley were also found at several other locations, with the exception of Ailanthus altissima and Arundo donax. The belt transect was used to sample the base of the valley on both dates. It was therefore concluded that Wied Balluta is rich in terms of diversity and for this reason, amongst several others, should be protected and maintained.