An investigation of the impact of alien flora on the biotopes at Aħrax tal-Mellieħa

Abstract

Following the scientific IMRAD format, the work within this current scientific investigation identifies the impact of alien flora on the biotopes at Aħrax tal-Mellieħa in order to minimize any environmental degradation from taking place. Aħrax tal-Mellieħa proved to be a suitable area of study due to its ecological importance comprising numerous habitat types and a high diversity of plant species. Alien invasions present merit attention for proper conservation methods to be employed as any native plant species might become endangered, extirpated2 or even extinct. Familiarizing with the area intended to be studied was extremely crucial. Walk-over surveys are the best ways to get used to the areas being studied and in order to get a more systematic insight of the areas, line intercepts and quadrats are generally two other methods applied for more detailed data gathering. These methods were applied in order to gather data for this particular study. Results obtained, indicate that the hypothesis stating that the more the area is inhabited, the more degradation and the higher the presence of alien plants was verified to be true. Areas which are less accessible featured higher plant diversity than in areas which are regularly visited by people. A higher anthropogenic presence is more likely to feature highly complex alien invasions. Observed positive and negative impacts entailed the best possible options to be applied in order to restore and conserve the habitats present at Aħrax tal-Mellieħa in order to restore and protect this special area of conservation.