Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/93883
Title: Preliminary assessment of the revegetation potential of the Inwadar National Park, Malta
Authors: Grech, Cassie (2020)
Keywords: National parks and reserves -- Malta -- Marsaskala
Revegetation -- Malta -- Marsaskala
Vegetation mapping -- Malta -- Marsaskala
Soil seed banks -- Malta -- Marsaskala
Issue Date: 2020
Citation: Grech, C. (2020). Preliminary assessment of the revegetation potential of the Inwadar National Park, Malta (Master's dissertation).
Abstract: The Inwadar National Park (INP) is an established national park and Special Area of Conservation (SAC), forming part of Malta’s national ecological network. The largest portion of the INP consists of agricultural land, some of which is abandoned, other cultivated, and a rocky shoreline. The aim of the study was to set up a management plan including a revegetation plan to rehabilitate the INP through the use of vegetation maps, correlating with different zones around the Maltese islands so as to compare and contrast the vegetation present and through soil seed bank analysis. Vegetation mapping was carried out through walkthrough surveys and images collected. The INP was split into four categories: agricultural land, abandoned land, coastline, and semi-natural area. Data collected was utilised to describe present plant species. Properties such as growth form were recorded for all plant species collected. Principal site characteristics such as exposure to wind and elevation above mean sea level were measured. Ten soil samples were collected from random areas in the INP to analyse the soil seed bank by analysing the seeds present in each soil sample. Additionally, direct seeding was carried out on site, whereby a few months later, results were taken. Soil pH and conductivity were also recorded, showing the present of acidic soil around the INP whilst conductivity decreased when moving from the coast towards the residential areas. Species lists from Qalet Marku, Pembroke (SAC) and Qala, Gozo were recorded to compare to the species list of the INP. Results obtained showed that the largest portion of the INP constitutes of cultivated fields. 85 plant species were recorded from the INP, Limbarda crithmoides being the most abundant plant species. Additionally, different invasive species and species with high conservation value were also recorded within the INP. Different environmental stresses were recorded showing that different plant species and different sites interacted with such stresses in a different way. On comparing the species list of INP with the other 3 locations, the INP seemed to have the closest relation to Qalet Marku. Recommendations for the management plan include introduction of different species such as Atriplex halimus and Anthemis urvilleana, removal of waste materials, restoration of the gravel pathway, decrease of anthropogenic interference, introduction of sustainable agriculture, improvement of soil quality by prevention of soil erosion, invasive species management and increase of eco-tourism and educational awareness. Further recommendations include green modes of transport, promotion of the INP to be used for academic studies and research, and further research regarding management of marine and avian life.
Description: M.SC.BIOLOGY
URI: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/93883
Appears in Collections:Dissertations - FacSci - 2020
Dissertations - FacSciBio - 2020

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