Pioneers of Maltese natural history : Gavino and Giovanni Gulia : biographical notes

Abstract

The fact that Gavina and Giovanni Gulia are my wife's ancestors is not the only reason why I embarRed on the writing of this short monograph. Rather I would like to say that what has spurred me on to write this biographical note is the fact that little or nothing has so far been written about the Gulias, in particular, and other pioneers in the field of Maltese natural hisotry in general. There were Maltese naturalists who have made a name for themselves at home and abroad and yet, very scanty literature is available about them. The natural history of the Maltese Islands is a subject which still asks for research and field work. A deeper study of natural sciences would make us more conscious towards preserving the environment. The purpose of this short biography on Gavina Gulia and his son Giovanni should serve as a tribute to their contribution to the scientific study of Malta's natural history; it is an act of gratitude and a recognition of their pioneering efforts. There are of course others; Giorgio Locano, Giuseppe Zammit, Gio Francesco Buonamico, Gaetano Trapani, Annetta Caruana, G. C. Grech Delicata, Stefano Zerafa, Francesco Debona, Count Alfredo Caruana Gatto, Giuseppe Despott - to mention but a few. They have all given their share to establish on sound foundations the study of natural history in the Maltese Islands and it is proper justice that the efforts of these pioneers be generally acknowledged. This monograph would have served a purpose if it proves to be the first in a series of similar biographical essays. We are eager to know more about pioneers of Maltese natural history, their works and writings, and their observations. I wish to express my gratitude to Alfred E. Baldacchino and Dr. Patrick J. Schembri, editor and member of the Editorial Baord In Natura respectively for their constant encouragement and unstinted support. I appreciated their useful suggestions and stimulating criticism. Finally, I express my thanks to The Ornithological Society (MOS) and the Society for the Study and Conservation of Nature (SSCN) for their moral support and financial contribution, thus rendering possible this publication. May their example and initiative be emulated by others.