A study of the macrofauna of Chadwick Lakes, Malta

Abstract

Chadwick Lakes are temporary ponds formed as a result of the damming of the Qliegha Valley. These Lakes are filled with water only during the rainy season and dry up completely in the summer. A study of the macrofauna inhabiting these ponds was made. Samples were taken from the water fortnightly, from December 1969 to May 1970, from each of the four areas into which the Lakes were divided. In this study, the variation in the numbers of the various animal species was noted, and correlated with variations in physical factors such as water temperature, and also the variations in chemical factors. It was noted that some variations, although slight, also occur in the abundance and distribution of the fauna in the different areas of the Lakes. These variations are attributed tot he differences in the abundance of vegetation in the various areas, and also to the degree of aeration of the water at the different levels.