Vegetation survey of Qalet Marku peninsula with a view of assessing the human disturbance on the natural environment

Abstract

The aim of this project is to assess the degree of disturbance caused by human intervention on the natural environment of Qalet Marku peninsula. This has been done both by analysing the results of vegetation studies as well as by means of observations of direct effects of certain activities. Qalet Marku peninsula lies on the Northeast coast of Malta and is important both floristically due to a number of important species still surviving as well as because it is one of the few remaining areas of semi-natural environment in the Maltese Islands. The vegetation analysis of the peninsula was carried out by first drawing a vegetation map of the peninsula, so as to identify different vegetation zones. Different zones were studied by applying a number of random quadrats. Two line transects were also carried out, one crossing the peninsula near the tower and one crossing the peninsula further South, right through the afforested area. A species list of the whole peninsula was also drawn. Disturbance caused by human activities was recorded by means of photography, were appropriate, as well as by logging the number of vehicles entering the peninsula. Disturbance was observed either directly or by noting its residue as in the case of dumping. The species found in the quadrats and line transects were analysed using Raunkiaerian life-forms as well as by checking out the proportion opportunistic and maritime species. The results by and large conformed with expectations. Chamaephytes and maritime species were more frequent in areas which suffered less human disturbance whilst opportunistic species increased with disturbance. An analysis of the species list of the whole peninsula revealed that a number of important species are still present whilst a number of alien and potentially environmentally harmful species have been noted. Certain disturbance such as the extensive path network and trapping sites have been shown to have a direct impact on the vegetation by an increase in the percentage of opportunistic species. Whilst the environmental harm which the peninsula has suffered is great, with proper measures such as rehabilitation of certain areas and the prohibition or control of certain activities, it could be transformed to an area of natural beauty and value to be enjoyed by all in the right manner.