(Photo by Claude Busuttil, BICREF NGO)
The Conservation Biology Research Group (CBRG-UM) led by Prof Adriana Vella, Department of Biology has been undertaking and supervising conservation research projects on bats since 1998, with the collaboration of the NGO BICREF volunteers.
The scientific work on bat species has been picking-up further momentum through PhD research by Clare Marie Mifsud, MSc. who is also using molecular genetics to understand these vulnerable and useful species found in Maltese natural and agricultural landscapes. The latest scientific research publication linked to these research efforts is entitled "Mitochondrial Genetic Diversity of Bat Species from the Maltese Islands and Applications for their Conservation".
The CBRG-UM is active in field and laboratory work linked to local wildlife for species/habitat assessments and conservation. Both marine and terrestrial species are considered. Maltese biodiversity conservation needs research to be undertaken at ecosystem, species, population and gene levels so as to achieve best management plans with long-lasting considerations. For this reason, the CBRG-UM is involved in different research projects investigating diverse species from invertebrate to larger vertebrate organisms.
For further information email Prof. Adriana Vella.