A look at the Chiropteran fauna of the Maltese Islands : towards an effective action plan for their conservation

Abstract

The Maltese Islands are home to ten microchiropteran species, which cover a good proportion of micro-bat diversity. However, very little is currently known about the local ecology and requirements of these species. This review is intended to give an overview of the local bat scene with respect to biology and protection and goes on to present some recommendations which would help in the drawing up of an action plan that is specific to Maltese bats. By emphasising local research and legal obligations throughout this work it is hoped that the multitude of gaps in the available data and protection become obvious and encourages further work. The overall aim is to have enough reliable data to be able to produce an action plan with a solid foundation of local knowledge. Such a document is urgently required, before the present populations decline beyond a point of recovery.