Медицинская микробиология и диагностика

Protection of the Maltese Top-shell, an Extremely Rare and Endangered Species

Abstract

Kevin Jeffrey*

The most characteristic terrestrial ecosystems are those represented by the Mediterranean scrubland, of which the marquis, garage and steppe are the main types present - evergreen woodlands are all but extinct and only four relict patches occur. Marine communities include those characteristic of both hard and mobile substrata. Human impact is significant, and human ecology, the population density is the highest in and built-up areas have increased from in the past. Some is agricultural land and of the area is undeveloped, but even so, no wilderness areas remain. The management practices of the islands include mainly that c concerned with agriculture, animal husbandry and herding, and the use of fire, which all proved to be detrimental to the local biota, mainly through habitat destruction, the removal of competing species and the introduction of alien ones, particularly goats, rabbits and sheep