Flora, Fauna and Natural Habitats Protection Regulations, 2003 (L.N. 257 of 2003)

B 3199 L.N. 257 of 2003 ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION ACT, 2001 (CAP. 435) DEVELOPMENT PLANNING ACT, 1992 (CAP. 356) Flora, Fauna and Natural Habitats Protection Regulations, 2003 BY virtue of the powers conferred by articles 6, 9, 10(2), 11 and 23 of the Environment Protection Act, 2001 and article 60 of the Development Planning Act, 1992, the Minister for Rural Affairs and the Environment has made the following regulations: 1. (1) The title of these regulations is the Flora, Fauna and Natural Habitats Protection Regulations, 2003. (2) Part VII of these regulations shall come into force on such a date as the Minister responsible for the environment may by notice in the Gazette appoint. (3) A notice under paragraph (b) of this sub-regulation may make such transitional provisions as appear to the Minister to be necessary or expedient in connection with the provisions thereby brought into force. PART I INTERPRETATION 2. For the purpose of these regulations and unless the context otherwise requires: “ the Act” means the Environment Protection Act, 2001; “Agreement States” means an agreement, to which Malta is a party, entered into by a group of states reciprocally granting to citizens of such states or their dependants the right to enter, remain and reside in and leave the territory of such a state, to move freely within such states for such a period as may be established in the agreement and to work or establish, provide or receive services Citation and entry into force. Interpretation. B 3200 therein; and “Agreement State” and “citizen of an Agreement State” shall be construed accordingly; and where a State is a party to such an Agreement subject to modifications and adaptations, a citizen of an Agreement State shall be subject to such modifications or adaptations as may be prescribed; “alien” means non-indigenous biodiversity which has never been a native of Malta or which has either disappeared therefrom or introduced therein during the past 500 years; “biological resources” includes genetic resources, organisms or parts thereof, populations, or any other biotic component of ecosystems with actual or potential use or value for humanity; “Competent Authority” means the Malta Environment and Planning Authority; “conservation” shall have the same meaning as defined in the Act; “conservation status of a migratory species” means the sum of the influences acting on the migratory species that may affect its long-term distribution and abundance; ”conservation status of a natural habitat” means the sum of the influences acting on a natural habitat and its typical species that may affect its long-term natural distribution, structure and functions as well as the long-term survival of its typical species in Malta; “conservation status of a species” means the sum of the influences acting on the species concerned that may affect the long term distribution and abundance of its populations in Malta; “country of origin of genetic resources” means the country which possesses those genetic resources in in situ conditions; “country providing genetic resources” means the country supplying genetic resources collected from in situ sources, including populations of both wild and domesticated species, or taken from ex situ sources, which may or may not have originated in that country; “Development Notification Order” means development notification orders issued under The Development Notification Order, 2001; L.N. 57 of 2002. B 3201 “Development Planning Act” means the Development Planning Act, 1992; “Director” means the Director responsible for environment protection within the Competent Authority, or his designated representative; “domesticated or cultivated species” means species in which the evolutionary process has been influenced by humans to meet their needs; “endangered” means a species which is in danger of extinction and whose survival is unlikely if the causal factors continue operating. Included are species whose numbers have been severely depleted and reduced to a critical level or species whose habitat has been drastically reduced; “endemic” means those species found in Malta and which are either species of biogeographical importance or species whose native distribution range is limited to Malta only or to the Central Mediterranean region only, whereby the latter region includes Southern Italy (all Italian territory south of Florence), Sardinia, Corsica, Sicily and circum-Sicilian islands (including Pantelleria and the Pelagian Islands), the Maltese Islands, Tunisia and islands off Tunisia. Such endemic species also include possibly endemic species whose taxonomic status or identity requires further analysis; “ex situ conservation” means the conservation of components of biological diversity outside their natural habitats; “favourable conservation status of a natural habitat” means a natural habitat whose natural range and areas covered by it are stable or increasing; and whose specific structure and functions which are necessary for its long-term maintenance exist and are likely to continue to exist for the foreseeable future; and where the conservation status of its typical species is favourable; “favourable conservation status of a species” occurs when the population dynamics data on the species concerned indicate that it is maintaining itself on a long-term basis as a viable component of its natural habitats; and when the natural range of the species is neither being reduced nor is likely to be reduced for B 3202 the foreseeable future; and when there is, and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain the populations of the species concerned on a long-term basis; “General Development Order” means general development orders issued under the General Development Order, 1997; “genetic material” means any material of plant, animal, microbial or other origin containing functional units of heredity; “genetic resources” means genetic material of actual or potential value; “habitat of a species” means an environment defined by specific abiotic and biotic factors, in which the species lives at any stage of its biological cycle; “in situ conditions” means conditions where genetic resources exist within ecosystems and natural habitats, and, in the case of domesticated or cultivated species, in the surroundings where they have developed their distinctive properties; “in situ conservation” means the conservation of ecosystems and natural habitats and the maintenance and recovery of viable populations of species in their natural surroundings and, in the case of domesticated or cultivated species, in the surroundings where they have developed their distinctive properties; “migratory species” means the entire population or any geographically separate part of the population of any species or lower taxon of wild animals, a significant proportion of whose members cyclically and predictably cross one or more national jurisdictional boundaries; “Minister” means the Minister responsible for the environment; “natural habitats” means terrestrial or aquatic areas distinguished by geographic, abiotic and biotic features, whether entirely natural or semi-natural; “natural habitat types of National Importance and of International Importance means such habitat types listed in Schedule I to these regulations and include those natural habitats: B 3203 (a) which are in danger of disappearance in their natural range; or (b) which have a small natural range following their regression or by reason of their intrinsically restricted area; or (c) which present outstanding examples of typical characteristics of one or more of the five following biogeographical regions: Alpine, Atlantic, Continental, Macaronesian and Mediterranean; or (d) those natural habitats types included in international treaties to which Malta is signatory or party; “Pan-European Ecological Network” means a coherent Euro Mediterranean ecological network of special areas of conservation, and includes, amongst others, the National Ecological Network, the Emerald Network, set up in line with the obligations of the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats, the List of Specially Protected Areas of Mediterranean Interest set up by the Protocol concerning Specially Protected Areas and Biological Diversity in the Mediterranean, and the Agreement States’ Natura 2000 Network; “permit” means a permission issued in terms of these regulations; “priority natural habitat types” means natural habitat types in danger of disappearance which are present in Malta and for the conservation of which Malta has particular responsibility in view of the proportion of their natural range falling in Malta; these priority natural habitat types are indicated by an asterisk (*) in Schedule I attached to these regulations; “priority species” means endangered species for the conservation of which Malta has particular responsibility in view of the proportion of their natural range falling in Malta; these priority species are indicated by an asterisk (*) in Schedule II of these regulations; “rare” means a species with small populations that are not at present endangered or vulnerable, but are at risk. This includes species located within restricted geographical areas or that are thinly scattered over a more extensive range; B 3204 “related Regulations” includes the Filfla Nature Reserve Act of 1988, the Fungus Rock (il-:ebla tal-:eneral) Nature Reserve Regulations of 1992, the Reptiles (Protection) Regulations of 1992, the Selmunett Islands (St. Paul’s Islands) Nature Reserve Regulations of 1993, the Flora and Fauna Protection Regulations of 1993, the Protection of Birds and Wild Rabbit Regulations of 1993, the Trees and Woodland (Protection) Regulations of 2001, the Marine Mammal (Protection) Regulations of 2003 and any other related legislation; “re-introduction” means the deliberate or accidental release of an organism into the environment of a given site or territory, which site or territory forms part of the natural distribution area of the organism in question. The said organism belongs to an extinct or endangered native species or taxon, which has previously been observed as a naturally occurring and self-sustaining population in historical times, but which has declined or disappeared as a result of human intervention or a natural disaster; “site” means a geographically defined area whose extent is delineated, and includes the sea; “site of National Importance and of International Importance” means a site which, in the biogeographical region or regions to which it belongs, contributes significantly to the maintenance or restoration at a favourable conservation status of a natural habitat type in Schedule I of these Regulations or of a species in Schedule II of these Regulations and may also contribute significantly to the coherence of the National Ecological Network; and, or to the maintenance of biological diversity within the Mediterranean biogeographic region; “special area of conservation” or “SAC” means a protected area and a site of National Importance and of International Importance; “species of biogeographical importance” means any species found in the Maltese Islands which is or possibly is of a relict nature or whose restricted distribution in the Mediterranean, and that contributes to the understanding of the spatial patterns of biodiversity in Malta, the Mediterranean, Europe and North Africa; “species of National Importance and of International Importance” means species found in Malta which are endangered, vulnerable, rare, endemic, or species requiring particular attention, or a priority species. Such species are listed or may be listed in Schedule II and, or Schedules IV, V and or VI; Act XV of 1988 (Chapter 323)< L.N. 22 of 1992< L.N. 76 of 1992< L.N. 25 of 1993< L.N. 49 of 1993< L.N. 146 of 1993< L.N. 161 of 1999< L.N. 214 of 2000< L.N. 12 of 2001< L.N. 128 of 2001< L.N. 41 of 2003< L.N. 203 of 2003. B 3205 “species requiring particular attention” means species requiring particular attention by reason of the specific nature of their habitat and, or the potential impact of their exploitation on their habitat and, or the potential impact of their exploitation on their conservation status; “specimen” means any animal or plant, whether alive or dead, of the species listed in Schedules IV, V and VI, whether whole or in part, whether in the original form or after having undergone any transformation, and includes any construction made by them. It includes any part or derivative thereof, as well as any other goods which appear, from an accompanying document, the packaging or a mark or label, or from any other circumstances, to be parts or derivatives of animals or plants of those species; “sustainable use” means the use of components of biological diversity in a way and at a rate that does not lead to the long-term decline of biological diversity, thereby maintaining its potential to meet the needs and aspirations of present and future generations; “vulnerable” means a species believed or that is likely to become endangered in the near future if the causal factors continue operating. 3. The competent authority shall be responsible for the administration and implementation of these regulations. PART II SETTING UP THE NATIONAL ECOLOGICAL NETWORK 4. (1) The competent authority shall set up a coherent ecological network of special areas of conservation under the title of the National Ecological Network. This network shall also include: (a) sites designated as special areas of conservation; (b) sites hosting the natural habitat types listed in Schedule I of these regulations; (c) habitats of the species listed in Schedule II of these regulations, Administration. The national ecological network and international protection. B 3206 and shall enable the natural habitat types and the species’ habitats concerned to be maintained or, where appropriate, restored at a favourable conservation status in their natural range. (2) Such network shall be composed of sites characterised by one or more of the following features: (a) representative types of biodiversity of adequate size to ensure their long-term viability and to maintain their biological diversity; or (b) habitats which are in danger of disappearing in their natural area of distribution or which have a reduced natural area of distribution as a consequence of their regression or on account of their intrinsically restricted area; or (c) habitats critical to the survival, reproduction and recovery of endangered, threatened or endemic species of flora or fauna; or (d) any site where certain endemic, possibly endemic, native and, or potentially native species with a restricted distribution in the Maltese Islands occur; (e) any site in the Maltese Islands where certain endemic, possibly endemic, native and, or potentially native species, communities and, or biotopes are found; or (f) any site which represents the type locality of a species or biotope, particularly if this species or biotope is endemic or possibly endemic; (g) sites of particular importance because of their scientific, ecological, biodiversity, biogeographical, zoological, botanical, aesthetic, cultural, landscape or educational interest; or (h) any site which the competent authority may consider as having relevant features but which are not listed above. (3) Where considered necessary, the competent authority may improve the ecological coherence of the National Ecological Network by maintaining, and where appropriate developing, features of the landscape which are of major importance for wild fauna and flora, as referred to in subregulation (8) or regulation 8. B 3207 (4) With the aim of setting up a Pan-European Ecological Network, and also on the basis of these Regulations, the Competent Authority shall propose to relevant international institutions or organisations the list of sites of International Importance to be compiled in accordance with the provisions of regulation 5 hereof. (5) The list shall be transmitted to the relevant international institutions, organisations and Agreement States, together with information on each site. This information shall include a map of the site, its name, location, extent and the data resulting from the application of these regulations. PART III PROTECTED AREAS 5. (1) On the basis of the criteria set out in Schedule III (Stage 1) of these regulations and relevant scientific information, the competent authority shall, from time to time, propose a list of sites indicating with respect to each site which natural habitat types in Schedule I of these regulations and which species in Schedule II of these regulations that are native to Malta are hosted by the sites in question : Provided that for animal species ranging over wide areas these sites shall correspond to the places within the natural range of such species which present the physical or biological factors essential to their life and reproduction : Provided also that for aquatic species which range over wide areas, such sites will be proposed only where there is a clearly identifiable area representing the physical and biological factors essential to their life and reproduction. (2) The Competent Authority shall furthermore distinguish between those sites which, in the opinion of the Competent Authority, are sites of National Imporatnce or sites of International Importance. (3) Once a site of National Importance or of International Importance has been identified by the Competent Authority in accordance with the procedure laid down in the provisions of Schedule III of these regulations, the competent authority shall provisionally designate that site as a candidate special area of conservation as soon as possible, establishing priorities in the light of:– (a) the importance of the sites for the maintenance or restoration, at a favourable conservation status, of Selection of sites eligible for identification as sites of national or of international importance. B 3208 (i) a natural habitat type in Schedule I, or (ii) a species in Schedule II, and (iii) for the coherence of the National Ecological Network and the Pan-European Ecological Network, and (b) the threats of degradation or destruction to which those sites are exposed. (4) As soon as a site is either placed by the Competent Authority on the list referred to in subregulation (1), or declared as a SAC it shall be subject to the provisions of these regulations. 6. (1) Upon the identification of a site as a SAC by the Competent Authority in accordance with the provisions of section 5 hereof, the Competent Authority shall publish such details of such site or sites in the Gazette and in a local newspaper. The Competent Authority shall also notify any one of the owners of any site designated as a SAC of its inclusion in the list, and shall also affix such a notice on site. If none of such owners is known, or if it is not reasonably possible to effect service on such owners, the said notice shall only be affixed on site and no service on such owners as aforesaid need be made. The Special Area of Conservation list, shall be registered in an index held for that purpose. The said index shall be held in an electronic form in such a way that researches to determine the status of a site may be carried out. The Authority shall keep a copy of the said index in the office of the Land Registry and shall issue a certificate which indicates the status of a particular site on the payment of such fee as may be prescribed. (2) The Competent Authority shall provide further protection to the SACs by specifying: (a) where possible, the boundaries of the SAC; (b) the boundaries of the different categories of protected areas within the same SAC, if more than one category of protected area is present; (c) the protection and management measures to be adopted with respect to the various uses and activities, in line with the provisions of these regulations and the related regulations. (3) For the purpose of this regulation, “site” shall also include a single property of more than one property, irrespective of Declaration of protected areas. B 3209 who is the owner of that property, which forms part of the site which is designated a SAC. 7. (1) The Competent Authority shall issue guidelines for the management and conservation of protected areas. (2) The SAC may be zoned by the Competent Authority in such a way as to have different categories of protected areas, according to the management requirements set by the Competent Authority. (3) Each SAC may be encircled by the Competent Authority by a buffer zone or a management area: Provided that such buffer zone or management area may contain representative communities or species worth of protection, and may not necessarily be a rural area. It may also include, man-made or man-induced ecosystems which are subject to the same or limited management provisions as the categorised protected area or areas. (4) The Competent Authority shall ensure that the buffer zone should be large enough to screen, minimise and, or absorb the impact of detrimental activities occurring in nearby non-protected areas. (5) The protection of SACs may be further achieved either through the publishing of relevant regulations under the Act or related Acts, or via administrative and, or contractual agreements made with the Competent Authority. 8. (1) The Competent Authority shall establish the necessary conservation measures required for special areas of conservation. (2) The Competent Authority shall take appropriate steps to avoid, in the special areas of conservation, the deterioration of natural habitats and the habitats of species, as well as the disturbance of the species for which the areas have been designated, in so far as such disturbance could be significant in relation to the objectives of these regulations. (3) The Competent Authority shall issue a management plan for the said SACs which shall include planning, management, supervision and monitoring measures in line with the protection category or categories assigned to the SAC in question. Such measures may include for each protected area as appropriate: (a) a long-term ecological vision for the SAC and the related terrestrial, coastal and marine communities, and provisions for Competent Authority to issue guidelines. Management plans and appropriate action for conservation. B 3210 biodiversity protection, zoning, public awareness and education, management, performance evaluation and any other activities required by the Competent Authority; (b) the legal and institutional framework and protection measures applicable; (c) the continuous monitoring of ecological processes, habitats, population dynamics, landscapes, as well as the impact of human activities; (d) the active involvement of local communities and populations, as appropriate, in the management of the SAC, including assistance to local inhabitants who might be affected by the establishment of such area; (e) the adoption of mechanisms for financing the promotion and management of the SAC, as well as the development of activities which ensure that management is compatible with the objectives of conservation of such area; (f) the regulation of activities compatible with the objectives for which the SAC was established and the terms of the related permits; and (g) the training of managers and qualified technical personnel, as well as the development of an appropriate infrastructure for its management. (4) The Competent Authority shall promote and enforce the management and use in a sustainable manner of the special areas of conservation, depending on the categories of protected area included in the SAC : Provided that such management or use shall not compromise the structure and function of biodiversity, including the land areas, coastal areas, submerged lands and water column, with which they are associated. (5) The Competent Authority shall review the management plans of each SAC at least every five years, and regularly assess the state of the SAC and the progress made in the implementation of the management plan and these regulations. B 3211 (6) The Competent Authority shall ensure that national management plans or contingency plans incorporate measures for responding to incidents that could cause damage or constitute a threat to the SAC. (7) When SACs covering both land and marine areas have been established, the Competent Authority shall endeavour to ensure the coordination of the administration and management of the protected area as a whole. (8) For the purposes of the Development Planning Act and with respect to development plans or supplementary planning guidance prepared as a consequence thereto, the Competent Authority shall endeavour to develop policies in respect of the conservation of the natural beauty and amenity of the land which are of major importance for wild fauna and flora, with a view to improving the ecological coherence of the National Ecological Network and the Pan-European Ecological Network. 9. (1) For the purposes of implementing the management plans as aforesaid for special areas of conservation, the Competent Authority may enter into a management agreement with every owner, lessee or occupier of land forming part of such areas for the management, conservation, restoration or protection of the site, or any part of it. (2) A management agreement may provide for: (a) the management of the land, whether in public ownership or in private ownership, and for the carrying out thereon of such work and the doing thereon of such other things as may be expedient for the purposes of conservation: Provided that in the case of land in public ownership the consent of the Commissioner of Land is obtained beforehand; (b) any of the matters mentioned in sub-paragraph (a) being carried out, or for the costs thereof being defrayed, either by the said owner or other persons or by the Competent Authority or through monies made available through the Environment Fund, or partly in one way and partly in another. (3) Such a management agreement shall be registered in the land registry and shall be enforceable at the instance of the Competent Authority against any person having an interest in the land and against any person deriving title from him. Act I of 1992. Management agreement. B 3212 10. Any management agreement previously entered into by the Competent Authority or by government in relation to a site which on or after the commencement of these regulations becomes a special area of conservation, shall have effect as if entered into under regulation 9 of these regulations. 11. (1) The Competent Authority may make in respect of any site, within a SAC, a conservation order to contribute towards ensuring biodiversity through the conservation of natural habitats and of wild flora or fauna and to manintain and restore natural habitats and species of wild flora and fauna or geological or physiographical features. The conservation order shall specify those operations or activities which appear to the authority likely to destroy or damage the flora, fauna, or geological or physiographical features by reason of which the site is a special area of conservation. (2) The Competent Authority shall publish such details of such a conservation order in the Gazette and in a local newspaper. The Competent Authority shall also notify any one of the owners of any site subject of a conservation order, and shall also affix such a notice on site. If none of such owners is known, or if it is not reasonably possible to effect service on such owners, the said notice shall only be affixed on site and no service on such owners as aforesaid need be made. Notice of such conservation order shall be registered in an index held for that purpose. The said index shall be held in an electronic form in such a way that researches to determine whether a site is subject to an order may be carried out. The Authority shall keep a copy of the said index in the office of the Land Registry and shall issue a certificate which indicates the status of a particular site on the payment of such fee as may be prescribed. (3) A conservation order made under this regulation may contain such conditions and other provisions as the Competent Authority may deem necessary or expedient; and a conservation order may regulate any matter affecting the site. Conservation orders may be amended or revoked by a further order. (4) In respect of any site within a special conservation area, the Competent Authority shall also have power to require the owner, by notice in writing, to undertake such works generally, or as may be specified in the notice, as may be necessary to ensure that no further deterioration occurs. In default, the Competent Authority may give a further notice to the owner to carry out and complete the works within a specified time, and if the owner is still in default it may itself carry out, or cause to be carried out, the necessary works and recover the cost thereof from the owner of the site. Continuation in force of existing management agreements. Power to make conservation orders. B 3213 (5) For the purpose of this article, “site” includes a single property of more than one property, irrespective of who is the owner of that property, which forms part of the site which is subject to a conservation order. 12. (1) No person shall carry out on any site within a special area of conservation, any operation or activity , unless the operation or activity is carried out, or caused or permitted to be carried out, by the owner or occupier of the site and one of them has given the Competent Authority written notice of a proposal to carry out the operation or activity, specifying its nature and the site on which it is proposed to carry it out. (2) The Competent Authority shall notify the applicant of its consent or otherwise for the carrying out of such operation or activity. A consent granted by the Competent Authority under this regulation may contain such conditions and other provisions it deems fit and appropriate to impose. The Competent Authority may furthermore regulate such an operation or activity in a management agreement validly entered into in accordance with the provisions of regulation 9. 13. (1) Where it appears to the Competent Authority that an application for consent under these regulations relates to an operation or activity which is or forms part of a plan or project which:– (a) is not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the SAC, and (b) is likely to have a significant effect thereon, either individually or in combination with other plans or projects, the Competent Authority shall make, or require the applicant to make, an appropriate assessment, of the implications of the operation or activity on the site in view of the site’s conservation objectives. In the light of the conclusions of the assessment of the implications for the site and subject to the provisions of subregulation 2 of this regulation, the Competent Authority may give consent to the operation or activity only after having ascertained that the plan or project will not adversely affect the integrity of the site concerned and if appropriate, after having obtained and taken into account the opinion of the general public and representations made within such reasonable time as the Competent Authority may specify. Restrictions on operations and activities. Supplementary provisions as to consents. B 3214 (2) If, in spite of a negative assessment of the implications for the site and the Competent Authority being satisfied that there being no alternative solutions, a plan or project must nevertheless be carried out for imperative reasons of overriding public interest, which subject to the subsequent subregulation, may be of a social or economic nature, the Competent Authority may give its consent for the operation or activity to be carried out. (3) Where the SAC concerned hosts a priority natural habitat type and, or a priority species, the reasons referred to in the previous subregulation must be either: (a) reasons relating to human health, public safety or beneficial consequences of primary importance for the environment, or (b) other reasons which in the opinion of the Competent Authority or the Agreement States are imperative reasons of overriding public interest. (4) Where the Competent Authority gives such consent under this regulation, it shall take all compensatory measures necessary to ensure that the overall coherence of the National Ecological Network and the Pan-European Ecological Network are protected. 14. The provisions of regulation 13 shall mutatis mutandis apply in the consideration of applications for development permission affecting special areas of conservation and on determining a reconsideration or appeal under the provisions of the Development Planning Act. Similarly an outline development permit shall not be granted unless the Competent Authority is satisfied (whether by reason of the conditions and limitations to which the outline permission is to be made subject, or otherwise) that no development that is likely to effect the integrity of the special area of conservation in an adverse manner could be carried out under the permission, whether before or after obtaining approval of any reserved matters. 15. (1) It shall be a condition of any development consent granted or deemed to be granted by the provisions of the Development Notification Order or by a General Development Order issued by the Competent Authority, whether made before or after the coming into force of these regulations, that development which:– Development permission. General Development Orders. B 3215 (a) is likely to have a significant effect on a special area of conservation (either alone or in combination with other plans or projects), and (b) is not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the site, shall not commence or continue until the developer has received written notification of the consent of the Competent Authority under regulation 16. (2) The provisions of this regulation shall not apply to such sites designated as a SAC of national importance. 16. (1) Where it is intended to carry out development in reliance upon the consent granted or deemed to be granted by the provisions of the Development Notification Order or by a General Development Order issued by the Competent Authority, an application shall be made in writing to the Competent Authority. (2) The application shall:– (a) give details of the development which is intended to be carried out; and (b) be accompanied by any fee required to be paid. (3) The Competent Authority shall consider the application in accordance with the provisions of regulation 15. (4) Where the Competent Authority considers that it has sufficient information to conclude that the development will, or will not have such an effect, it may proceed to make, or require the applicant to make an appropriate assessment of the implications of the development for the special area of conservation in view of the site’s conservation objectives. (5) If the Competent Authority considers that it has insufficient information to reach either of these conclusions, it shall notify the applicant in writing indicating in what respects it considers the information insufficient; and the applicant may supply further information with a view to enable the Competent Authority to reach a decision on the application. (6) In the light of the conclusions of the assessment referred to in sub-regulation (4), the Competent Authority shall approve the Development Notification Order and General Development Orders approval of Competent Authority. B 3216 development only after having ascertained that it will not adversely affect the integrity of the site. (7) The provisions of this regulation shall not apply to such sites designated as a SAC of national importance. 17. (1) The Competent Authority may, having regard to the provisions of these regulations and other material considerations, by notice served on the owner or occupier of any site, require any existing use or activity or any works to be discontinued or any building, plant, equipment or other thing whatsoever to be removed from any site, or requiring both such discontinuance and removal. (2) Where a discontinuance or removal order is made in respect of any activity, works or use, or of a building, plant, equipment or other thing lawfully carried on or in existence on the site mentioned in the notice before the commencement of these regulations, or which was started or came into existence after the commencement of these regulations in accordance with a development permission issued under the Development Planning Act, the Competent Authority shall be liable to pay compensation for any losses sustained as a result of the notice:– Provided that any benefits derived from the same notice shall be offset against the lossess aforesaid. PART IV PROTECTION OF SPECIES 18. (1) Without prejudice to the Flora and Fauna Protection Regulations, 1993, no person shall deliberately pick, collect, cut, uproot, destroy or damage in any way any specimen of species of flora listed in Schedule IV to these regulations. (2) Without prejudice to the Flora and Fauna Protection Regulations of 1993, and the Trade in Species of Fauna and Flora Regulations of 1992, no person shall keep, transport, sell or exchange by any method, import or export any specimen of species listed in the Schedule IV to these regulations unless he is in possession of a prior official permit from the Competent Authority or Director as appropriate. (3) The prohibitions referred to in subregulations (1) and (2) shall apply to all stages of the biological cycle of the plants to which this regulation applies. Other powers. Protection of flora. L.N. 49 of 1993. B 3217 19. (1) Without prejudice to the related regulations and the Trade in Species of Fauna and Flora Regulations, 1992: (a) no person shall pursue, take or attempt to take, capture, kill or attempt to kill, possess, transport, by any method sell, buy, exchange, offer for sale or for exchange, import or export any specimen of species listed in the Schedule V to these regulations, except for those taken legally before these regulations came into force; (b) no person shall deliberately disturb any species listed in Schedule V to these regulations particularly during periods of breeding, rearing, hibernation or migration; (c) the destruction and deterioration of breeding sites or resting places for those animal species listed in Schedules II and V to these regulations is prohibited; (d) the prohibition referred to in paragraph (a), (b) and (c) hereof shall apply to all stages of life of the animals to which this regulation applies. (2) The Competent Authority shall set up a system to monitor the incidental capture and killing of the animal species listed in Schedule V. In the light of the information gathered, the Competent Authority shall carry out further research or conservation measures as required to ensure that incidental capture and killing does not have a significant negative impact on the species concerned. 20. (1) All endemic species are protected, except for those species listed in Schedule VIII to these regulations. (2) Without prejudice to regulations 18 and 19 of these regulations, the related regulations and the Trade in Species of Fauna and Flora Regulations,1992, no person shall deliberately pick, collect, cut, uproot, destroy, pursue, take or attempt to take, damage in any way, capture, kill or attempt to kill, possess, transport, by any method sell, buy, exchange, offer for sale or for exchange, import or export any specimen of all endemic species not listed in Schedule VIII to these regulations, unless he is in possession of a prior official permit from the Competent Authority or Director as appropriate. Protection of fauna. L.N. 19 of 1992. Protection of endemic species. B 3218 (3) No person shall deliberately disturb any endemic species, except for those species listed in Schedule VIII to these regulations, particularly during periods of reproduction, seeding, fruiting and fruit shedding, breeding, rearing, hibernation or migration. (4) The prohibition referred to in subregulations (2) and (3) shall apply to all stages of life and biological cycle of the flora or fauna to which this regulation applies. 21. (1) If, in the light of the surveillance provided for in these regulations the Competent Authority deems it necessary, it shall take any measures to ensure that the taking in the wild of specimen of species of wild fauna and flora listed in Schedule VI as well as their exploitation is compatible with their being maintained at a favourable conservation status. (2) Such measures may also include in particular: (a) temporary or local prohibition of the taking of specimen in the wild and exploitation of certain populations; (b) regulation of the periods and, or methods of taking specimen; (c) application, when specimen are taken, of hunting and fishing rules which take account of the conservation of such populations; (d) establishment of a system of licences for taking specimen or of quotas; (e) regulation of the purchase, sale, offering for sale, keeping for sale or transport for sale of specimen; (f) breeding in captivity of animal species as well as artificial propagation of plant species, under strictly controlled conditions, with a view to reducing the taking of specimen of the wild; (g) any other measure deemed necessary by the Competent Authority; and (h) an assessment of the effect of the measures adopted. Control of exploited species. B 3219 PART V INTRODUCTION AND RE-INTRODUCTION OF SPECIES 22. (1) The Competent Authority may prohibit the importation of any species of flora and fauna, if in its opinion, this importation can harm or lead to the endangering of biodiversity of Malta, or for other reasons in the national interest. (2) The Competent Authority shall take all necessary measures to prevent, control, and monitor the introduction of organisms belonging to alien species with the potential to establish populations into the environment. (3) In order to implement further subregulations (1) to (2) of this regulation, the Competent Authority shall compile and publish a detailed list of those alien species affecting or which may affect Maltese biodiversity. (4) The Competent Authority shall develop eradication or control plans and related programmes aimed to prevent, control, and monitor the introduction of those alien species with the potential to establish populations into the environment. 23. (1) The Competent Authority shall carry out a study to assess the desirability of re-introducing species in Schedule II that are native to Malta, where this might contribute to their conservation. (2) Prior to re-introducing a species into the natural environment, particularly if it is an endemic species or a species listed in Schedules II, IV and V attached to these regulations, the competent authority shall commission, or request to be commissioned, a study to establish whether such re-introduction contributes effectively to re establishing such species at a favourable conservation status. (3) Such study is to take into account the experience of Agreement States. (4) The Competent Authority shall carry out any re introduction only after proper consultation with public concerned. 24. Without prejudice to the provisions of regulation 39, the Competent Authority shall take all possible measures, where practical, for the return of protected specimen from the person illegally possessing the specimen. All expenses made in connection with the carrying out of Control of alien species. Re-introduction of species. Return of protected species. B 3220 such measures should be borne by the person, persons or body found guilty of illegal possession and trade. PART VI CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE 25. The Competent Authority shall: (a) develop a national strategy and other relevant policies and plans, action plans and related programmes aimed for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity; (b) adapt existing strategies, plans or programmes to reflect, inter alia, the measures set out in these Regulations, the related regulations and the Convention on Biological Diversity Incorporation Regulations, 2002; (c) as far as possible and as appropriate, integrate the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity into relevant sectoral or cross-sectoral plans, programmes and policies; and (d) promote the integration of conservation policies and sustainable use of biodiversity in plans, programmes and policies prepared by other authorities. 26. The Competent Authority shall, as far as possible and as appropriate: (a) rehabilitate and restore degraded ecosystems and promote the recovery of threatened species, inter alia, through the development and implementation of plans or other management strategies; (b) prevent the introduction of, control or eradicate those alien species which threaten ecosystems, habitats or species, in line with the provisions set in these regulations and the related regulations; and (c) endeavour to provide the conditions needed for compatibility between present uses and the conservation of biological diversity and the sustainable use of its components. Strategy and programme development. L.N. 160 of 2002 In situ conservation. B 3221 27. The Competent Authority shall, as far as possible and as appropriate, and predominantly for the purpose of complementing in situ measures: (a) promote measures for the ex situ conservation of components of biological diversity, preferably in the country or island of origin of such components; (b) promote the establishment and maintenance of facilities for ex situ conservation of and research on plants, animals and micro-organisms; (c) adopt measures for the recovery and rehabilitation of threatened species and for their reintroduction into their original natural habitats under appropriate conditions; and (d) regulate, manage or liase with managers of biological resource collections for ex situ conservation purposes so as not to threaten ecosystems and in situ populations of species, except where special temporary ex situ measures are required under paragraph (c) above. 28. The Competent Authority shall, as far as possible and as appropriate: (a) take measures to integrate consideration of the conservation and sustainable use of biological resources into national decision-making; (b) adopt codes of practice, guidelines or measures relating to the use of biological resources so as to avoid or minimise adverse impacts on biodiversity; (c) protect and encourage customary use of biological resources in accordance with traditional cultural practices that are compatible with conservation or sustainable use requirements; (d) support local populations to develop and implement remedial actions in degraded areas where biological diversity has been reduced; and (e) encourage cooperation between governmental authorities and private sector in developing methods for sustainable use of biological resources. Ex-situ conservation. Sustainable use of components of biological diversity. B 3222 PART VII ACCESS TO GENETIC RESOURCES 29. (1) Without prejudice to the Trade in Species of Fauna and Flora Regulations of 1992, and related regulations, access to genetic resources to countries other than Malta shall be subject to prior informed consent of the Competent Authority , provided that agricultural products and domesticated animals are excluded from this provision. (2) Access, where granted, shall be on mutually agreed terms and subject to the provisions of this regulation. (3) Such access to genetic resources should guarantee a fair and equitable way for the sharing of the results of research, development and benefits arising from the commercial and other utilisation of such genetic resources by the country requesting such access. Such sharing shall be upon mutually agreed terms. 30. For the purpose of these regulations, the genetic resources being provided by Malta, as referred to in regulation 22, are only those genetic resources for which Malta is the country of origin or that Malta is a country providing genetic resources, having acquired such genetic resources in accordance with the provisions of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, done at Rio de Janeiro on the fifth day of June 1992. PART VIII SURVEILLANCE AND MONITORING 31. The Competent Authority shall, as far as possible and as appropriate, in particular for the purposes of these regulations and the related regulations: (a) undertake surveillance and monitoring of biodiversity and the conservation status of the natural habitats and species, with particular regard to priority natural habitat types and priority species; (b) identify components of biodiversity important for its conservation and sustainable use having regard to the indicative list of categories set down in Schedule VII to these regulations; (c) monitor the components of biodiversity identified pursuant to paragraph (a) above, paying particular attention to those Access to genetic resources. Nature of genetic resources. Identification, surveillance and monitoring. B 3223 requiring urgent conservation measures and those which offer the greatest potential for sustainable use; (d) identify processes and categories of activities which have or are likely to have significant adverse impacts on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, and monitor their effects; (e) assess the status, dynamics and seasonal movements of the populations of the protected species concerned; and (f) maintain and organise, by any mechanism, data derived from identification and monitoring activities pursuant to paragraphs (a), (b), (c) and (d) above. 32. (1) The Competent Authority shall set up national inventories aimed for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, in order to maintain and organise data resulting from the application of these regulations and the related regulations. (2) As far as practically possible, these inventories shall be digitised and made freely available to the public, subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Access to Information on the Environment Regulations,2001. PART IX COMMUNICATIONS AND RESEARCH 33. (1) The Competent Authority shall promote education and general information on the need to protect species of wild fauna and flora and to conserve their habitats and natural habitats. (2) In this respect, the Competent Authority , shall promote and encourage: (a) appropriate publicity to the establishment of protected areas, their boundaries, applicable regulations, and to protected species and their habitats; (b) the understanding of the importance of, and the measures required for, the conservation, protection and management of biodiversity; (c) the inclusion of biodiversity protection and management, the interest and value of protected areas and protected species, the scientific knowledge which may be gained from the point of view National database on biodiversity. L.N. 217 of 2001. Communications, education, public awareness. B 3224 of nature conservation, and other relevant points of view in appropriate education programmes; (d) the dissemination of information on biodiversity protection held by the Competent Authority, and that this is made available according to the provisions set by the Freedom of Access to Information on the Environment Regulations, 2001; (e) public participation in measures that are necessary for the protection of the areas and species concerned; and (f) co-operation, as appropriate, with national bodies and entities, Agreement States and international organisations in developing educational and public awareness programmes, with respect to conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity. 34. (1) The Competent Authority shall promote national and international research and scientific cooperation in the field of conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, where necessary, through the appropriate national and international institutions. (2) The necessary research and scientific work with regards to the objectives and obligations of these Regulations and the related regulations shall be encouraged. Particular attention is to be given to scientific work necessary for the implementation of Articles 4 to 23, taking into account transboundary cooperative research between countries. 35. The Competent Authority shall establish a clearing-house mechanism to promote and facilitate communication, education and public awareness, as well as technical and scientific research and cooperation, in line with provisions of these Regulations, the related regulations, the Freedom of Access to Information on the Environment Regulations, 2001 and the Convention on Biological Diversity Incorporation Regulations, 2002. PART X PERMITTING AND PENALTIES 36. (1) The Competent Authority may issue a permit prior to: (a) the taking and, or keeping of any specimen, (b) the introduction and, or re-introduction of species, Research and scientific cooperation. Establishment of a clearing-house mechanism. Permits. L.N. 217 of 2001 and L.N. 160 of 2002 B 3225 (c) the import and, or export of any specimen or species, (d) bona fide scientific studies, (e) bona fide educational studies, and (f) without prejudice to the provisions of Part III of these regulations, any other activity related to these regulations: Provided that the Competent Authority shall not issue such a permit if such activities threaten any specimen, SAC, sites or species of national importance and of international importance or the biodiversity of Malta. (2) The person requesting a permit for activities referred to in sub-regulation (1), hereinafter referred to as the applicant, shall submit in writing an application to the Competent Authority prior to carrying out such activities. (3) In order to enable the Competent Authority to assess a request for permission, the application shall be accompanied by the relevant documents and any other requisite information as specified and required by the Competent Authority. (4) The Competent Authority may amend, suspend or revoke any permit and, or other such authorisation instruments for activities that are consistent with these regulations. (5) Whenever the Competent Authority issues a permit, it may impose such conditions as it may deem fit and appropriate. (6) Whenever the Competent Authority refuses such permission, it shall inform the applicant the reasons for such refusal. (7) Without prejudice to any other obligations and conditions laid down by the Competent Authority, a permit holder is obliged to submit within a month from the expiry of the permit or at the end of the calendar year: (a) a detailed report of the activities undertaken; (b) the aim and what field of work or activity was carried out; (c) the methodology employed; (d) the outcome and results achieved in connection with the permit. B 3226 (8) A copy of any published results and other publications relevant to this permit shall reach the Competent Authority within three months from the date of publication. (9) The period of validity of such permit shall also be established at the discretion of the Competent Authority, provided that the validity of the permit does not exceed one calendar year. (10) The Competent Authority shall not issue or renew any permit if the applicant in question has not fulfilled or honoured any of the conditions or obligations arising from any other permit issued by the Competent Authority under these regulations and, or the related regulations. (11) The Director may, on behalf of the Competent Authority, in cases of emergency or grave danger, issue a temporary permit for any of the activities listed in sub-regulation (1) of this regulation, and in so doing he may issue any such directives he may deem fit. 37. Details of persons, public entities and other institutions having been granted a permit in connection with these regulations together with the details of conditions imposed in such permissions shall be maintained in a register available for public inspection or maintained in electronic form. 38. (1) Where its disclosure affects one or more of the items mentioned in the Freedom of Access to Information on the Environment Regulations, 2001, the applicant may indicate the information in the permit application submitted pursuant to these regulations that should be treated as confidential. Verifiable justification must be given in such cases. (2) The Competent Authority shall decide, after consultation with the applicant, which information shall be kept confidential and shall inform the applicant of its decision. (3) In no case may the following information be kept confidential: – the name and address of the applicant, – the institution, if any, requiring the permit, – the species, biotope, natural habitat, site, area or SAC involved, – the aim and purpose of the application, – the benefits arising from the permit, Public register. Confidential information. B 3227 – the possible impacts on local biodiversity, including the species, biotope, natural habitat, or area involved, – the evaluation of foreseeable effects, in particular any harmful effects on the environment. (4) The Competent Authority shall not divulge to third parties any information decided to be confidential according to paragraph (2), and shall protect intellectual property rights relating to the data received. (5) If, for whatever reasons, the applicant withdraws the application, the Competent Authority must respect the confidentiality of the information supplied. 39. (1) Any person – (a) who fails to observe the provisions of these regulations or of any other lawful order given by virtue of any provision of these regulations, or (b) who infringes any restriction, prohibition or need imposed by these regulations or by virtue thereof , or (c) who fails to observe any condition of a permit or consent granted under the provisions of these regulations, or (d) who acts in contravention of any provision of these regulations, or (e) who conspires or attempts to conspire, aids or attempts to aid, abets or attempts to abet, counsels or attempts to counsel, procures or attempts to procure any other person to contravene the provisions of these regulations, or to fail from complying with any one of these provisions, including any lawful order given by virtue of any provision of these regulations, or to infringe any restriction, prohibition or need imposed by these regulations or by virtue thereof; shall be guilty of an offence against these regulations. (2) Any person who commits, or attempts to commit an offence against regulations 18, 19, 20, 22 and 23 of these regulations shall, on conviction, be liable: Offences and penalties. B 3228 (a) in the case of a first offence, a fine (multa) of not less than Lm200 for each specimen, but not exceeding Lm1,000 for each specimen; (b) in the case of a second or subsequent offence, a fine (multa) of not less than Lm500 for each specimen, but not exceeding Lm2,000 for each specimen, or imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years, or both such fine and imprisonment: Provided that any such fines do not together exceed the limits imposed by the Act. (3) Any person who commits or attempts to commit an offence against regulations 13, 29, 36 and sub-regulation (3) of regulation 38 of these regulations shall, on conviction, be liable: (a) in the case of a first offence, a fine (multa) of not less than Lm1,000 but not exceeding Lm 10,000; (b) in the case of a second or subsequent offence, a fine (multa) of not less than Lm2,000, but not exceeding Lm20,000, or imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years, or both such fine and imprisonment. (4) Any person who has been found guilty of committing an offence against these regulations shall also pay for the expenses incurred for the keeping and transport of specimen, for remedying the damage caused by the said infringement, and for any other expense incurred or mitigation measures required to remedy such doings, damage and infringement. (5) The provisions of article 23 and subarticle (1) of article 30 of the Criminal Code shall, mutatis mutandis, apply to proceedings in respect of offences against these regulations, so however that the disqualification from holding or obtaining a licence, permit or authority shall in no case be for less than one year. (6) Notwithstanding the provisions of article 370 of the Criminal Code, proceedings for an offence against these regulations shall be taken before the Court of Magistrates (Malta) or the Court of Magistrates (Gozo), as the case may be, and shall be in accordance with the provisions of the Criminal Code regulating the procedure before the said courts as courts of criminal judicature. Cap. 9. B 3229 Non-applicability of these regulations. (7) Notwithstanding the provisions of the Criminal Code, the Attorney General shall always have a right of appeal to the Court of Criminal Appeal from any judgement given by the Court of Magistrates (Malta) or the Court of Magistrates (Gozo), in respect of proceedings for any offence against these regulations. PART XI OTHER PROVISIONS 40. The provisions of these regulations shall not apply in cases of defence and national security, public safety and health, salvage operations and the investigation of offences. Schedule I NATURAL HABITAT TYPES WHOSE CONSERVATION REQUIRES THE DESIGNATION OF SPECIAL AREAS OF CONSERVATION Interpretation Guidance on the interpretation of habitat types is given in the 'Interpretation Manual of European Union Habitats' published by the European Commission1. The code corresponds to the Natura 2000 code. The sign '*' indicates priority habitat types. 1. COASTAL AND HALOPHYTIC HABITATS 11. Open sea and tidal areas 1110 Sandbanks which are slightly covered by sea water all the time 1120 * Posidonia beds (Posidonion oceanicae) 1130 Estuaries 1140 Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide 1150 * Coastal lagoons 1160 Large shallow inlets and bays 1170 Reefs 1180 Submarine structures made by leaking gases 12. Sea cliffs and shingle or stony beaches 1210 Annual vegetation of drift lines 1220 Perennial vegetation of stony banks 1230 Vegetated sea cliffs of the Atlantic and Baltic Coasts 1240 Vegetated sea cliffs of the Mediterranean coasts with endemic Limonium spp. 1250 Vegetated sea cliffs with endemic flora of the Macaronesian coasts 13. Atlantic and continental salt marshes and salt meadows 1310 Salicornia and other annuals colonizing mud and sand 1320 Spartina swards (Spartinion maritimae) 1330 Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco-Puccinellietalia maritimae) 1340 * Inland salt meadows 1 "Interpretation Manual of European Union Habitats", version EUR 15/2” adopted by the Habitats Committee on 4 October 1999 and "Amendments to the 'Interpretation Manual of European Union Habitats' with a view to EU enlargement" (Hab. 01/11b-rev. 1) adopted by the Habitats Committee on 24 April 2002 after written consultation, European Commission, DG ENV. 14. Mediterranean and thermo-Atlantic salt marshes and salt meadows 1410 Mediterranean salt meadows (Juncetalia maritimi) 1420 Mediterranean and thermo-Atlantic halophilous scrubs (Sarcocornetea fruticosi) 1430 Halo-nitrophilous scrubs (Pegano-Salsoletea) 15. Salt and gypsum inland steppes 1510 * Mediterranean salt steppes (Limonietalia) 1520 * Iberian gypsum vegetation (Gypsophiletalia) 1530 * Pannonic salt steppes and salt marshes 16. Boreal Baltic archipelago, coastal and landupheaval areas 1610 Baltic esker islands with sandy, rocky & shingle beach vegetation and sublittoral vegetation 1620 Boreal Baltic islets and small islands 1630 * Boreal Baltic coastal meadows 1640 Boreal Baltic sandy beaches with perennial vegetation 1650 Boreal Baltic narrow inlets 2. COASTAL SAND DUNES AND INLAND DUNES 21. Sea dunes of the Atlantic, North Sea and Baltic coasts 2110 Embryonic shifting dunes 2120 Shifting dunes along the shoreline with Ammophila arenaria ('white dunes') 2130 * Fixed coastal dunes with herbaceous vegetation ('grey dunes') 2140 * Decalcified fixed dunes with Empetrum nigrum 2150 * Atlantic decalcified fixed dunes (Calluno-Ulicetea) 2160 Dunes with Hippophaë rhamnoides 2170 Dunes with Salix repens ssp. argentea (Salicion arenariae) 2180 Wooded dunes of the Atlantic, Continental and Boreal region 2190 Humid dune slacks 21A0 Machairs (* in Ireland) 22. Sea dunes of the Mediterranean coast 2210 Crucianellion maritimae fixed beach dunes 2220 Dunes with Euphorbia terracina 2230 Malcolmietalia dune grasslands 2240 Brachypodietalia dune grasslands with annuals 2250 * Coastal dunes with Juniperus spp. 2260 Cisto-Lavenduletalia dune sclerophyllous scrubs 2270 * Wooded dunes with Pinus pinea and/or Pinus pinaster 23. Inland dunes, old and decalcified 2310 Dry sand heaths with Calluna and Genista 2320 Dry sand heaths with Calluna and Empetrum nigrum 2330 Inland dunes with open Corynephorus and Agrostis grasslands 2340 * Pannonic inland dunes 3. FRESHWATER HABITATS 31. Standing water 3110 Oligotrophic waters containing very few minerals of sandy plains (Littorelletalia uniflorae) 3120 Oligotrophic waters containing very few minerals generally on sandy soils of the West Mediterranean, with Isoetes spp. 3130 Oligotrophic to mesotrophic standing waters with vegetation of the Littorelletea uniflorae and/or of the Isoëto-Nanojuncetea 3140 Hard oligo-mesotrophic waters with benthic vegetation of Chara spp. 3150 Natural eutrophic lakes with Magnopotamion or Hydrocharition-type vegetation 3160 Natural dystrophic lakes and ponds 3170 * Mediterranean temporary ponds 3180 * Turloughs 3190 Lakes of gypsum karst 31A0 * Transylvanian hot-spring lotus beds 32. Running water – sections of water courses with natural or semi-natural dynamics (minor, average and major beds) where the water quality shows no significant deterioration 3210 Fennoscandian natural rivers 3220 Alpine rivers and the herbaceous vegetation along their banks 3230 Alpine rivers and their ligneous vegetation with Myricaria germanica 3240 Alpine rivers and their ligneous vegetation with Salix elaeagnos 3250 Constantly flowing Mediterranean rivers with Glaucium flavum 3260 Water courses of plain to montane levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho-Batrachion vegetation 3270 Rivers with muddy banks with Chenopodion rubri p.p. and Bidention p.p. vegetation 3280 Constantly flowing Mediterranean rivers with Paspalo-Agrostidion species and hanging curtains of Salix and Populus alba 3290 Intermittently flowing Mediterranean rivers of the Paspalo-Agrostidion 4. TEMPERATE HEATH AND SCRUB 4010 Northern Atlantic wet heaths with Erica tetralix 4020 * Temperate Atlantic wet heaths with Erica ciliaris and Erica tetralix 4030 European dry heaths 4040 * Dry Atlantic coastal heaths with Erica vagans 4050 * Endemic macaronesian heaths 4060 Alpine and Boreal heaths 4070 * Bushes with Pinus mugo and Rhododendron hirsutum (Mugo Rhododendretum hirsuti) 4080 Sub-Arctic Salix spp. Scrub 4090 Endemic oro-Mediterranean heaths with gorse 40A0 * Subcontinental peri-Pannonic scrub 5. SCLEROPHYLLOUS SCRUB (MATORRAL) 51. Sub-Mediterranean and temperate scrub 5110 Stable xerothermophilous formations with Buxus sempervirens on rock slopes (Berberidion p.p.) 5120 Mountain Cytisus purgans formations 5130 Juniperus communis formations on heaths or calcareous grasslands 5140 * Cistus palhinhae formations on maritime wet heaths 52. Mediterranean arborescent matorral 5210 Arborescent matorral with Juniperus spp. 5220 * Arborescent matorral with Zyziphus 5230 * Arborescent matorral with Laurus nobilis 53. Thermo-Mediterranean and pre-steppe brush 5310 Laurus nobilis thickets 5320 Low formations of Euphorbia close to cliffs 5330 Thermo-Mediterranean and pre-desert scrub (including formations with Euphorbia dendroides, Euphorbia melitensis, Chamaerops humilis, Periploca angustifolia and Ampelodesma mauritanica) 54. Phrygana 5410 West Mediterranean cliff-top phryganas (Astragalo-Plantaginetum subulatae) 5420 Sarcopoterium spinosum phryganas 5430 Endemic phryganas of the Euphorbio-Verbascion 6. NATURAL AND SEMI-NATURAL GRASSLAND FORMATIONS 61. Natural grasslands 6110 * Rupicolous calcareous or basophilic grasslands of the Alysso-Sedion albi 6120 * Xeric sand calcareous grasslands 6130 Calaminarian grasslands of the Violetalia calaminariae 6140 Siliceous Pyrenean Festuca eskia grasslands 6150 Siliceous alpine and boreal grasslands 6160 Oro-Iberian Festuca indigesta grasslands 6170 Alpine and subalpine calcareous grasslands 6180 Macaronesian mesophile grasslands 6190 Rupicolous pannonic grasslands (Stipo-Festucetalia pallentis) 62. Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies 6210 Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates (Festuco-Brometalia) (* important orchid sites) 6220 * Pseudo-steppe with grasses and annuals of the Thero-Brachypodietea 6230 * Species-rich Nardus grasslands, on silicious substrates in mountain areas (and submountain areas in Continental Europe) 6240 * Sub-Pannonic steppic grasslands 6250 * Pannonic loess steppic grasslands 6260 * Pannonic sand steppes 6270 * Fennoscandian lowland species-rich dry to mesic grasslands 6280 * Nordic alvar and precambrian calcareous flatrocks 62A0 Eastern sub-Mediterranean dry grasslands (Scorzoneratalia villosae) 62B0 * Serpentinophilous grassland of Cyprus 63. Sclerophillous grazed forests (dehesas) 6310 Dehesas with evergreen Quercus spp. 64. Semi-natural tall-herb humid meadows 6410 Molinia meadows on calcareous, peaty or clayey-silt-laden soils (Molinion caeruleae) 6420 Mediterranean tall humid grasslands of the Molinio-Holoschoenion 6430 Hydrophilous tall herb fringe communities of plains and of the montane to alpine levels 6440 Alluvial meadows of river valleys of the Cnidion dubii 6450 Northern boreal alluvial meadows 6460 Peat grasslands of Troodos 65. Mesophile grasslands 6510 Lowland hay meadows (Alopecurus pratensis, Sanguisorba officinalis) 6520 Mountain hay meadows 6530 * Fennoscandian wooded meadows 7. RAISED BOGS AND MIRES AND FENS 71. Sphagnum acid bogs 7110 * Active raised bogs 7120 Degraded raised bogs still capable of natural regeneration 7130 Blanket bogs (* if active bog) 7140 Transition mires and quaking bogs 7150 Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion 7160 Fennoscandian mineral-rich springs and springfens 72. Calcareous fens 7210 * Calcareous fens with Cladium mariscus and species of the Caricion davallianae 7220 * Petrifying springs with tufa formation (Cratoneurion) 7230 Alkaline fens 7240 * Alpine pioneer formations of the Caricion bicoloris-atrofuscae 73. Boreal mires 7310 * Aapa mires 7320 * Palsa mires 8. ROCKY HABITATS AND CAVES 81. Scree 8110 Siliceous scree of the montane to snow levels (Androsacetalia alpinae and Galeopsietalia ladani) 8120 Calcareous and calcshist screes of the montane to alpine levels (Thlaspietea rotundifolii) 8130 Western Mediterranean and thermophilous scree 8140 Eastern Mediterranean screes 8150 Medio-European upland siliceous screes 8160 * Medio-European calcareous scree of hill and montane levels 82. Rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation 8210 Calcareous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation (including the Maltese Rdum, Cliff, Scree, Boulder and Cliff Plateau Communities) 8220 Siliceous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation 8230 Siliceous rock with pioneer vegetation of the Sedo-Scleranthion or of the Sedo albi-Veronicion dillenii 8240 * Limestone pavements 83. Other rocky habitats 8310 Caves not open to the public 8320 Fields of lava and natural excavations 8330 Submerged or partially submerged sea caves 8340 Permanent glaciers 9. FORESTS (Sub)natural woodland vegetation comprising native species forming forests of tall trees, with typical undergrowth, and meeting the following criteria: rare or residual, and/or hosting species of National Importance and of Importance to the Agreement States. 90. Forests of Boreal Europe 9010 * Western Taïga 9020 * Fennoscandian hemiboreal natural old broad-leaved deciduous forests (Quercus, Tilia, Acer, Fraxinus or Ulmus) rich in epiphytes 9030 * Natural forests of primary succession stages of landupheaval coast 9040 Nordic subalpine/subarctic forests with Betula pubescens ssp. Czerepanovii 9050 Fennoscandian herb-rich forests with Picea abies 9060 Coniferous forests on, or connected to, glaciofluvial eskers 9070 Fennoscandian wooded pastures 9080 * Fennoscandian deciduous swamp woods 91. Forests of Temperate Europe 9110 Luzulo-Fagetum beech forests 9120 Atlantic acidophilous beech forests with Ilex and sometimes also Taxus in the shrublayer (Quercion robori-petraeae or Ilici-Fagenion) 9130 Asperulo-Fagetum beech forests 9140 Medio-European subalpine beech woods with Acer and Rumex arifolius 9150 Medio-European limestone beech forests of the Cephalanthero-Fagion 9160 Sub-Atlantic and medio-European oak or oak-hornbeam forests of the Carpinion betuli 9170 Galio-Carpinetum oak-hornbeam forests 9180 * Tilio-Acerion forests of slopes, screes and ravines 9190 Old acidophilous oak woods with Quercus robur on sandy plains 91A0 Old sessile oak woods with Ilex and Blechnum in the British Isles 91B0 Thermophilous Fraxinus angustifolia woods 91C0 * Caledonian forest 91D0 * Bog woodland 91E0 * Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) 91F0 Riparian mixed forests of Quercus robur, Ulmus laevis and Ulmus minor, Fraxinus excelsior or Fraxinus angustifolia, along the great rivers (Ulmenion minoris) 91G0 * Pannonic woods with Quercus petraea and Carpinus betulus 91H0 * Pannonian woods with Quercus pubescens 91I0 * Euro-Siberian steppic woods with Quercus spp. 91J0 * Taxus baccata woods of the British Isles 91K0 Illyrian Fagus sylvatica forests (Aremonio-Fagion) 91L0 Illyrian oak-hornbeam forests (Erythronio-carpinion) 91M0 Pannonian-Balkanic turkey oak –sessile oak forests 91N0 * Pannonic inland sand dune thicket (Junipero-Populetum albae) 91P0 Holy Cross fir forest (Abietetum polonicum) 91Q0 Western Carpathian calcicolous Pinus sylvestris forests 91R0 Dinaric dolomite Scots pine forests (Genisto januensis-Pinetum) 91T0 Central European lichen Scots pine forests 91U0 Sarmatic steppe pine forest 91V0 Dacian Beech forests (Symphyto-Fagion) 92. Mediterranean deciduous forests 9210 * Apeninne beech forests with Taxus and Ilex 9220 * Apennine beech forests with Abies alba and beech forests with Abies nebrodensis 9230 Galicio-Portuguese oak woods with Quercus robur and Quercus pyrenaica 9240 Quercus faginea and Quercus canariensis Iberian woods 9250 Quercus trojana woods 9260 Castanea sativa woods 9270 Hellenic beech forests with Abies borisii-regis 9280 Quercus frainetto woods 9290 Cupressus forests (Acero-Cupression) 92A0 Salix alba and Populus alba galleries 92B0 Riparian formations on intermittent Mediterranean water courses with Rhododendron ponticum, Salix and others 92C0 Platanus orientalis and Liquidambar orientalis woods (Platanion orientalis) 92D0 Southern riparian galleries and thickets (Nerio-Tamaricetea and Securinegion tinctoriae) 93. Mediterranean sclerophyllous forests 9310 Aegean Quercus brachyphylla woods 9320 Olea and Ceratonia forests 9330 Quercus suber forests 9340 Quercus ilex and Quercus rotundifolia forests (including Maltese forest remnants) 9350 Quercus macrolepis forests 9360 * Macaronesian laurel forests (Laurus, Ocotea) 9370 * Palm groves of Phoenix 9380 Forests of Ilex aquifolium 9390 * Scrub and low forest vegetation with Quercus alnifolia 93A0 Woodlands with Quercus infectoria (Anagyro foetidae-Quercetum infectoriae) 94. Temperate mountainous coniferous forests 9410 Acidophilous Picea forests of the montane to alpine levels (Vaccinio Piceetea) 9420 Alpine Larix decidua and/or Pinus cembra forests 9430 Subalpine and montane Pinus uncinata forests (* if on gypsum or limestone) 95. Mediterranean and Macaronesian mountainous coniferous forests 9510 * Southern Apennine Abies alba forests 9520 Abies pinsapo forests 9530 * (Sub-) Mediterranean pine forests with endemic black pines 9540 Mediterranean pine forests with endemic Mesogean pines 9550 Canarian endemic pine forests 9560 * Endemic forests with Juniperus spp. 9570 * Tetraclinis articulata forests, including MalteseTetraclinis articulata maquis 9580 * Mediterranean Taxus baccata woods 9590 * Cedrus brevifolia forests (Cedrosetum brevifoliae) Schedule II ANIMAL AND PLANT SPECIES OF INTEREST WHOSE CONSERVATION REQUIRES THE DESIGNATION OF SPECIAL AREAS OF CONSERVATION Interpretation (a) Schedule II follows on from Schedule I for the establishment of a consistent network of special areas of conservation. (b) The species listed in this Schedule are indicated: § by the Scientific name of the species or subspecies, accompanied, where available, by Maltese and English vernacular names of the said species or subspecies, or § by all the species belonging to a higher taxon or to a designated part of that taxon. Where required, scientific synonyms of each species or lower taxon are included in square brackets after the scientific name. These are included to facilitate interpretation of the scientific information provided. Other references to taxa higher than genus and/or species are for the purposes of information or classification only. (c) A number of scientific names are followed by the abbreviations ‘auct. fl. Melit.’ which refers to the scientific name(s) with which that particular taxon is and/or was recorded in Maltese biodiversity literature; this scientific name is also of legal value, since in some cases, it represents the only reference to species whose proper scientific identification is still uncertain. (d) Symbols and Abbreviations § An asterisk (*) before the name of a species or subspecies indicates that it is a priority species. § The abbreviation 'spp.' after the name of a family or genus designates all the species belonging to that family or genus. § The abbreviation "(s.l.)", meaning ‘sensu lato’ is used to indicate that the scientific name is used in its most extended meaning. a) ANNIMALI/ANIMALS Isem Xjentifiku/Scientific Name Isem Malti/Maltese Name Isem bl-Ingliz/English Name MAMMIFERI/MAMMALS Crocidura sicula Gurdien ta’ Halqu Twil; Gurdien tal-Munqar; Gurdien tal-Geddum Twil Sicilian Shrew Miniopterus schreibersi [= Vespertilio schreibersii] Farfett il-Lejl ta’ Xrajber Schreiber’s Bat; Schreiber’s Bent-Winged Bat Monachus monachus Bumerin; Monka; Foka Monaka Mediterranean Monk Seal Myotis blythii punicus [= Myotis punicus] Farfett il-Lejl Widnet il Gurdien Mouse-Eared Bat Myotis capaccinii Farfett il-Lejl tas-Swaba’ Twal Long-Fingered Bat Myotis myotis Farfett il-Lejl Widnet il Gurdien Greater Mouse-Eared Bat Phocoena phocoena Denfil Iswed; Fokena Common Porpoise; Harbour Porpoise Rhinolophus ferrumequinum [= Vespertilio ferrum-equinum] Rinolofu l-Kbir; Farfett il Lejl tan-Naghla l-Kbir Greater Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus hipposideros [= Vespertilio hipposideros; V. minutus] Rinolofu z-Zghir; Farfett il Lejl tan-Naghla z-Zghir Lesser Horseshoe Bat Tursiops truncatus Denfil; Denfil Geddumu Qasir Bottlenose Dolphin RETTILI/REPTILIA Caretta caretta Fekruna tal-Bahar Loggerhead Turtle Chelonia mydas Fekruna Hadranija Green Turtle Elaphe situla Lifgha Leopard Snake Podarcis filfolensis filfolensis Gremxula ta’ Filfla Filfola Wall Lizard Podarcis filfolensis generalensis Gremxula ta’ Hagret il General Fungus Rock Wall Lizard Podarcis filfolensis kieselbachi Gremxula tal-Gzejjer St. Paul’s Island Wall Lizard HUT/FISH Alosa spp. Lacci Shad Aphanius fasciatus Buzaqq Maltese Killifish Petromyzon marinus Qalfat Sea Lamprey KROSTACEI/CRUSTACEA Armadillidium ghardalamensis Hanzir l-Art ta’ Ghar Dalam G`ar Dalam Woodlouse Potamon fluviatile lanfrancoi Qabru; Granc ta’ l-Ilma Helu Maltese Freshwater Crab INSETTI/INSECTA Alaocyba melitensis Bumunqar Ghama ta’ Malta Maltese Blind Weevil Amaurops mifsudi Psefalida Ghamja ta’ Malta Maltese Blind Psephalid Brachytrupes megacephalus [= Gryllus megacephalus] Grillu tar-Ramel Sand Cricket Cerambyx cerdo Susa tal-Ballut Holm Oak Longhorn Beetle Myrmecophilus baronii Gurat tan-Nemel Maltese Ant-Locust Othiorynchus (Arammichnus) ovatulus Bumunqar tar-Ramla Maltese Sand Weevil Pseudoseriscius cameroni - MOLLUSKI/MOLLUSCA Dendropoma petraeum Bebbuxu tal-Blat Vermetid Snail Gibbula nivosa [= Trochus nivosus] Gibbula ta’ Malta Maltese Top-Shell Lampedusa imitatrix s.l. Dussies ta’ Malta Maltese Door-Snail Lampedusa melitensis Dussies ta’ l-Irdum Maltese Door-Snail Pisidium spp. Arzell ta’ l-Ilma Helu Pea-Mussels Trochoidea gharlapsi Zugraga ta’ l-Irdum Cliff Top-Snail Trochoidea spratti cucullus [= T. cucullus; Helicella cucullus; Xerophila cucullus] Zugraga ta’ l-Imtahleb Mta`leb Top-Snail Trochoidea spratti despotti [= T. despotti; T. pyramidata despotti, Helicella pyramidata despotti] Zugraga ta’ Filfla Filfola Top-Snail (b) PJANTI/PLANTS Isem Xjentifiku/Scientific Name Isem Malti/Maltese Name Isem bl-Ingliz/English Name RHODOPHYTA Lithothamnion coralloides (P.L. Crouan & H.M. Crouan) P.L. Crouan & H.M. Crouan [= Mesophyllum corallioides (P.L. Crouan & H.M. Crouan) Lemoine] Korallina tar-Ramel Haj Maerl Coralline Alga Lithothamnion minervae Basso Korallina tar-Ramel Haj Maerl Coralline Alga Phymatholithon calcareum (Poll.) Adey & McKibbin [= Lithothamnion polymorphum (L.) Areschoug, Lithothamnion calcareum (Pallas) Areschoug in J.Agardh] Korallina tar-Ramel Haj Maerl Coralline Alga FUCOPHYTA Cystoseira spp. Cistosejri Sea-Firs BRYOPHYTA Petalophyllum ralfsii (Wils.) Nees et Gott. Hepatika; Petalofilla Liverwort Riella helicophylla (Mont.) Hook. Riella; Hepatika ta’ l-Ghadira s-Safra Liverwort CUPRESSACEAE Tetraclinis articulata (Vahl) Masters [= Callitris quadrivalvis Venten. ex Rich.] Gharghar/ Sigra tal-Gharghar Araar Tree; Alerce; Sandarac Gum Tree ANACARDIACEAE Pistacia terebinthus L. Skornabekk;Terebintu Trementina; Sigratat Turpentina Terebinth; Turpentine Tree Rhus coriaria L. Xumakk tal-Konz Common Sumach ASTERACEAE (= COMPOSITAE) Crepis pusilla (Sommier) Merxmüller [= Melitella pusilla Sommier] Melitella Maltese Dwarf Hawksbeard Helichrysum melitense (Pignatti) Brullo, Pavone et Ronsisvalle Sempreviva ta‘ Ghawdex Maltese Everlasting Hyoseris frutescens Brullo Zigland ta’ Ghawdex Maltese Hyoseris Otanthus maritimus (L.) Hoffmannsegg et Link [= Diotis candidissima Desfontaines] Santolina tar-Ramel; Bajda tar-Ramel Cottonweed; Sea Cudweed Matricaria aurea (Loefling) Schultz Bipontinus [= Chamomilla aurea (Loefling) Gay ex Coss. et Kralik] Kamumella Nana Rayless Mayweed Palaeocyanus crassifolius (Bertoloni) Dostál [= Centaurea crassifolia Bertoloni; Cheirolophus crassifolius (Bertoloni) Susanna] Widnet il-Bahar Maltese Rock-Centaury BRASSICACEAE (= CRUCIFERAE) Matthiola incana (L.) R. Brown subsp. melitensis Brullo, Lanfranco, Pavone et Ronsisvalle Gizi ta’ Malta Maltese Stocks CHENOPODIACEAE Cremnophyton lanfrancoi Brullo et Pavone Bjanka ta‘ l-Irdum Maltese Cliff-Orache CISTACEAE Cistus spp. Borghom; ~isti Rock-Roses CONVOLVULACEAE Convolvulus oleifolius Desrousseaux s.l. Leblieb ta’ l-Irdum Olive-Leaved Bindweed ELATINACEAE Elatine gussonei (Sommier) Brullo, Lanfranco, Pavone et Ronsisvalle Elatine; Harira ta’ l-Ilma Maltese Waterwort ERICACEAE Erica multiflora L. Erika; Issopu; Savina; Saghtar Ahmar; Lehjet ix Xih Mediterranean Heath EUPHORBIACEAE Euphorbia dendroides L. Tenghud tas-Sigra Tree Spurge Euphorbia melitensis Parlatore [= Euphorbia spinosa auct. fl. Melit. non L.; = Euphorbia bivonae auct. fl. Melit. non Steudel] Tenghud tax-Xaghri Maltese Spurge Euphorbia paralias L. Tenghud tar-Ramel Sea Spurge Euphorbia terracina L. Tenghud tax-Xatt Coast Spurge FABACEAE Anagyris foetida L. Fula tal-Klieb Bean Trefoil Tree Anthyllis hermanniae L. Hatba s-Sewda Shrubby Kidney-Vetch Lotus halophilus Boissier et Spruner Ghantux tar-Ramel Sand Restharrow LAMIACEAE (= LABIATAE) Origanum dictamnus L. Riegnu ta’ Gnien il-Kbir Cretan Dittany Teucrium scordioides Schreber [= T. scordium L. subsp. scordioides (Schreb.) Arcangeli] Borghom ta’ l-Ilma Water Germander Thymus capitatus L. [= Thymbra capitata (L.) Cavanilles; Coridothymus capitatus (L.) Reichenbach fil.] Saghtar Mediterranean Thyme OROBANCHACEAE Orobanche densiflora Salzmann s.l. Budebbus tar-Ramel Sand Broomrape PLUMBAGINACEAE Limonium melitense Brullo [= Statice cosyrensis auct. fl. Melit. non Gussone] Lehjet ix-Xih; Limonju ta’ Malta Maltese Sea-Lavender Limonium zeraphae Brullo [= Statice reticulata auct. fl. Melit. non L.] Lehjet ix-Xih; Limonju ta’ Zerafa Zerafa’s Sea-Lavender RHAMNACEAE Paliurus spina-christi Miller Xewk tal-Kuruna; Xewk ta’ Kristu Christ’s Thorn ROSACEAE Rosa sempervirens L. Girlanda tal-Wied Evergreen Rose Sarcopoterium spinosum (L.) Spach [= Poterium spinosum L.] Tursin il-Ghul Xewwieki Thorny Burnet SALICACEAE Salix alba L. Zafzafa; Zafzafa Kbira White Willow Salix pedicellata Desfontaines Zafzafa z-Zghira Mediterranean Willow SCROPHULARIACEAE Linaria pseudolaxiflora Lojacono Papocci ta’ Malta; Xatbet l Andar ta’ Malta Maltese Toadflax SOLANACEAE Lycium intricatum Boissier [= Lycium europaeum auct. fl. Melit. non L. p.p.] Ghawseg Southern Boxthorn; Southern Tea-Tree ULMACEAE Ulmus canescens Melville [= Ulmus minor Miller subsp. canescens (Melville) K.Browicz & J.Zielinski] Nemmiesa; Sigra tan Nemus; Ulmu Hoary Elm; Grey-Leaved Elm ALLIACEAE Allium lojaconoi Brullo, Lanfranco et Pavone [= Allium parciflorum auct. fl. Melit non Viviani] Tewm Irqiq ta’ Malta Maltese Dwarf Garlic CYMODOCEACEAE Cymodocea nodosa (Ucria) Ascherson [= Zostera nodosa Ucria] Alka Rqiqa; Cimodocja Lesser Neptune-Grass IRIDACEAE Iris pseudopumila Tineo Bellus Southern Dwarf Iris Iris sicula Todaro Fjurdulis Sqalli Sicilian Iris JUNCACEAE Juncus acutus L. Simar il-Lixx Sharp-Pointed Rush Juncus maritimus Lamarck Simar tal-Bahar Sea Rush LILIACEAE Tulipa australis Link (=Tulipa sylvestris auct. Melit. non L.) Tulipan Selvagg Wild Tulip ORCHIDACEAE Anacamptis urvilleana Sommier et Caruana Gatto [= Orchis pyramidalis L. var. sommeriana Borg] Orkida Piramidali ta’ Malta Maltese Pyramidal Orchid Ophrys fuciflora (F.W. Schmidt) Moench [= Ophrys holosericea auct. fl. Melit. non (Burm.) Greuter] Brimba Late Spider Orchid Ophrys lacaitae Lojacono [= O. oxyrrhynchos subsp. lacaitae (Lojacono) Del Prete] Brimba Safra Yellow Spider Orchid; Lacaita‘s Spider Orchid Ophrys lunulata Parlatore [= O. sphegodes subsp. lunulata (Parl.) Sundermann) Brimba tal-Qamar Crescent Orchid; Moon Orchid Ophrys melitensis (Salkowski) Devillers-Terschuren et Devillers [= O. sphegodes Miller subsp. melitensis Salkowski] Brimba s-Sewda Maltese Spider Orchid Ophrys tenthredinifera Willdenow s.l. [= Ophrys tenoreana Lindley s.l.] Nahla Kbira Sawfly Orchid Ophrys oxyrrhynchos Todaro [= Ophrys fuciflora subsp. oxyrrhynchos (Todaro) Soó] Brimba ta’ Sqallija Beaked Spider Orchid POACEAE Ampelodesma mauritanica (Poiret) Durand et Schinz [= Ampelodesma tenax Link] Dis Diss POSIDONIACEAE Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile Alka; Posidonja Neptune-Grass ZANNICHELLIACEAE Zannichellia melitensis Brullo, Harira ta’ l-Ilma Maltese Horned-Pondweed Giusso et Lanfranco [= Zannichellia palustris auct. fl. Melit. non L.; = Z. pedunculata auct. fl. Melit. non Rchb. in Mössler] ZOSTERACEAE Zostera marina L. Alka tas-Salini; Zostera Eel-Grass; Grass-Wrack Zostera noltii Hornemann [= Zostera nana Roth] Alka tal-Pwales; Zostera Nana Slender Eel-Grass Schedule III CRITERIA FOR SELECTING SITES ELIGIBLE FOR IDENTIFICATION AS SITES OF NATIONAL IMPORTANCE AND OF INTERNATIONAL IMPORTANCE AND DESIGNATION AS SPECIAL AREAS OF CONSERVATION STAGE 1: Assessment at national level of the relative importance of sites for each natural habitat type in Schedule I and each species in Schedule II (including priority natural habitat types and priority species) A. Site assessment criteria for a given natural habitat type in Schedule I (a) Degree of representativity of the natural habitat type on the site. (b) Area of the site covered by the natural habitat type in relation to the total area covered by that natural habitat type within Malta. (c) Degree of conservation of the structure and functions of the natural habitat type concerned and restoration possibilities. (d) Global assessment of the value of the site for conservation of the natural habitat type concerned. B. Site assessment criteria for a given species in Schedule II (a) Size and density of the population of the species present on the site in relation to the populations present within Malta. (b) Degree of conservation of the features of the habitat which are important for the species concerned and restoration possibilities. (c) Degree of isolation of the population present on the site in relation to the natural range of the species. (d) Global assessment of the value of the site for conservation of the species concerned. C. On the basis of these criteria, the Competent Authority will classify the sites which it proposed on the national list as sites eligible for identification as sites of National Importance and of International Importance according to their relative value for the conservation of each natural habitat type in Schedule I or each species in Schedule II. D. That list will show the sites containing the priority natural habitat types and priority species selected by the Competent Authority on the basis of the criteria in A and B above. STAGE 2: Assessment of the national and international importance of the sites included on the national lists. 1. All the sites identified by the Competent Authority in Stage 1 which contain priority natural habitat types and/or species will be considered as sites of National Importance and of International Importance. 2. The assessment of the national and international importance of other sites, i.e. their contribution to maintaining or re-establishing, at a favourable conservation status, a natural habitat in Schedule I or a species in Schedule II and/or to the coherence of the National Ecological Network and the Pan-European Ecological Network will take account of the following criteria: (a) relative value of the site at national level; (b) geographical situation of the site in relation to migration routes of species in Schedule II; (c) total area of the site; (d) number of natural habitat types in Schedule I and species in Schedule II present on the site; (e) global ecological value of the site for the biogeographical regions concerned, as regards both the characteristic of unique aspect of its features and the way they are combined. Schedule IV PROTECTED FLORA Interpretation 1. The abbreviation "spp." following the name of a genus is used to denote all species within that genus. 2. Other references to taxa higher than genus and/or species are for the purposes of information or classification only. 3. The abbreviation "(s.l.)", meaning ‘sensu lato’ is used to indicate that the scientific name is used in its most extended meaning. 4. Where required, scientific synonyms of each species or lower taxon are included in square brackets after the scientific name. These are included to facilitate interpretation of the scientific information provided. 5. A number of scientific names are followed by the abbreviations ‘auct. fl. Melit.’ which refers to the scientific name(s) with which that particular taxon is and/or was recorded in Maltese biodiversity literature; this scientific name is also of legal value, since in some cases, it represents the only reference to species whose proper scientific identification is still uncertain. 6. Where available, vernacular names, in both Maltese and English have been included for each taxon. This information is included for clarification purposes. Isem Xjentifiku/Scientific Name Isem Malti/Maltese Name Isem bl-Ingliz/English Name CHLOROPHYTA Caulerpa ollivieri Dostál - Mediterranean Caulerpa FUCOPHYTA Cystoseira amentacea Bory de Saint Vincent s.l. Cistosejra Kahla Rainbow Bladder-Weed Cystoseira mediterranea Sauvageau Cistosejra tal-Mediterran Mediterranean Sea-Fir Cystoseira spinosa Sauvageau s.l. (Cistosejra) (Sea-Fir) Cystoseira zosteroides C. Agardh (Cistosejra) (Sea-Fir) RHODOPHYTA Lithophyllum byssoides (Lamarck) Foslie [= Lithophyllum lichenoides Philippi] Litofillum Stone-Weed Lithophyllum trochanter (Bory) Huve ex Woelkerling [= L. byssoides auct. fl. Melit. non (Lamarck) Foslie] Litofillum Stone-Weed BRYOPHYTA Petalophyllum ralfsii (Wils.) Nees & Gott. Hepatika; Petalofilla Liverwort Riella helicophylla (Mont.) Hook. Riella; Hepatika ta’ l-Ghadira s-Safra Liverwort ASPLENIACEAE Asplenium ceterach L. [= Ceterach officinarum DC.] Felci tal-Hitan tas-Sejjieh Rusty-Back Fern Asplenium marinum L. [= Asplenium lucidum Boccone] Felci tal-Bahar Sea Spleenwort Asplenium sagittatum (DC.) A. J. Bange [= A. hemionitis L.; Phyllitis sagittata (DC.) Guinea et Heywood; Scolopendrium sagittatum DC.] Felci tal-Bir Mule’s Fern Asplenium scolopendrium L. [= Scolopendrium vulgare Smith] Lsien ic-Cerv Hart’s Tongue-Fern Asplenium trichomanes L. [= Chamaefilix trichomanes (L.) Farw.] Felci Common Spleenwort; Maidenhair Spleenwort CUPRESSACEAE Tetraclinis articulata (Vahl) Masters [= Callitris quadrivalvis Venten. ex Rich.] Gharghar; Sigra tal-Gharghar Araar Tree/Alerce /Sandarac Gum Tree ARISTOLOCHIACEAE Aristolochia clusii Lojacono [= A. longa auct. fl. Melit. non L.] Papra Selvagga; Aristolokja Southern Birthwort ASTERACEAE (= COMPOSITAE) Crepis pusilla (Sommier) Merxmüller [= Melitella pusilla Sommier] Melitella Maltese Dwarf Hawksbeard Palaeocyanus crassifolius (Bertoloni) Dostál [= Centaurea crassifolia Bertoloni; Cheirolophus crassifolius (Bertoloni) Susanna] Widnet il-Bahar Maltese Rock-Centaury Helichrysum melitense (Pignatti) Brullo, Pavone et Ronsisvalle [= Helichrysum rupestre (Rafinesque) DC. var. melitense Pignatti] Sempreviva ta’ Ghawdex Maltese Everlasting Hyoseris frutescens Brullo [= Hyoseris lucida auct. fl. Melit. non L.] Zigland ta‘ Ghawdex Maltese Hyoseris Senecio pygmaeus DC. [= Senecio leucanthemifolius Poiret var. pygmaeus (DC.) Fiori] Kubrita Nana Pygmy Groundsel BRASSICACEAE (= CRUCIFERAE) Hymenolobus revelieri (Jordan) Brullo subsp. sommieri (Pampanini) Brullo [= Hutchinsia procumbens forma sommieri Pampanini] Gargir ta’ Kemmuna Maltese Hymenolobus Matthiola incana (L.) R. Brown subsp. melitensis Brullo, Lanfranco, Pavone et Ronsisvalle Gizi ta’ Malta Maltese Stocks CARYOPHYLLACEAE Silene fruticosa L. Lsien l-Ghasfur tal-Blat Shrubby Campion CHENOPODIACEAE Cremnophyton lanfrancoi Brullo et Pavone Bjanka ta‘ l-Irdum Maltese Cliff-Orache CISTACEAE Cistus creticus L. s.l. Borghom; Cistu Roza Hoary Rockrose Cistus monspeliensis L. Borghom; Cistu Abjad White Rockrose CYNOMORIACEAE Cynomorium coccineum L. Gherq Sinjur; Gherq il General; Zobb l-Art Malta Fungus ELATINACEAE Elatine gussonei (Sommier) Brullo, Lanfranco, Pavone et Ronsisvalle [= Elatine hydropiper L. var. gussonei Sommier] Elatine; Harira ta’ l-Ilma Maltese Waterwort EUPHORBIACEAE Euphorbia characias L. Tenghud tal-Hagar Large Mediterranean Spurge Euphorbia melapetala Gasparrini Tenghud tal-Hagar Large Sicilian Spurge OROBANCHACEAE Orobanche densiflora Salzmann s.l. Budebbus tar-Ramel Sand Broomrape RANUNCULACEAE Ranunculus fontanus C. Presl [= R. ophioglossifolius var. laevis Chabert; R. ophioglossifolius subsp. fontanus (Presl) Hayek] Cfolloq ta’ Ghajn Mula Pond Spearwort Ranunculus ophioglossifolius Villars Cfolloq ta’ l-Ghadajjar Adder's Tongue Spearwort ROSACEAE Sarcopoterium spinosum (L.) Spach [= Poterium spinosum L.] Tursin il-Ghul Xewwieki Thorny Burnet RUBIACEAE Putoria calabrica (L.f.) Persoon s.l. [= Asperula calabrica L. fil. s.l.] Putorja Stinking Madder SCROPHULARIACEAE Linaria pseudolaxiflora Lojacono [= Linaria reflexa auct. fl. Melit. non (L.) Desfontaines] Papocci ta’ Malta; Xatbet l Andar ta’ Malta Maltese Toadflax HYACINTHACEAE Scilla clusii Parlatore s.l. [includes Scilla candida Gussone] Ghansal tal-Gonna Maltese Squill Scilla sicula Tineo [= Scilla peruviana L. var. sicula (Tineo) Fiori] Ghansal Ikhal Sicilian Squill IRIDACEAE Iris spp. Fjurdulis Irises Iris pseudopumila Tineo Bellus Southern Dwarf Iris Iris sicula Todaro [= Iris pallida Lamarck var. sicula (Todaro) Baker] Fjurdulis Sqalli Sicilian Iris LILIACEAE Tulipa australis Link [= Tulipa sylvestris auct. Melit. non L.] Tulipan Selvagg Wild Tulip ORCHIDACEAE Anacamptis urvilleana Sommier et Caruana Gatto [= Orchis pyramidalis L. var. sommeriana Borg] Orkida Piramidali ta’ Malta Maltese Pyramidal Orchid Barlia robertiana (Loiseleur) Greuter [= Himantoglossum robertianum(Loiseleur) Delforge] Orkida Kbira Giant Orchid Ophrys apifera Hudson [= Ophrys arachnites Miller] Nahla Bee Orchid Ophrys bertolonii Moretti Dubbiena ta’ Bertoloni Bertoloni‘s Bee Orchid Ophrys fuciflora (F.W. Schmidt) Moench [= Ophrys holosericea auct. fl. Melit. non (Burm.) Greuter] Brimba Late Spider Orchid Ophrys lacaitae Lojacono [= Ophrys oxyrrhynchos subsp. lacaitae (Lojacono) Del Prete] Brimba Safra Yellow Spider Orchid; Lacaita‘s Spider Orchid Ophrys lunulata Parlatore [= Ophrys sphegodes subsp. lunulata (Parlatore) Sundermann] Brimba tal-Qamar Crescent Orchid; Moon Orchid Ophrys melitensis (Salkowski) Devillers-Terschuren et Devillers [= Ophrys sphegodes subsp. melitensis Salkowski] Brimba Sewda Maltese Spider Orchid Ophrys tenthredinifera Willdenow s.l. [= Ophrys tenoreana Lindley s.l.] Nahla Kbira Sawfly Orchid Ophrys oxyrrhynchos Todaro [= Ophrys fuciflora subsp. oxyrrhynchos (Todaro) Soó] Brimba ta’ Sqallija Beaked Spider Orchid Orchis italica Poiret [= Orchis longicruris Link; O. undulatifolia Bivona-Bernardi] Hajja u Mejta tal-Werqa Fdewxa Naked-Man Orchid Orchis papilionacea L. s.l. [= Anacamptis papilionacea (L.) Bateman, Pridgeon & Chase s.l.] Farfett Pink Butterfly Orchid Serapias bergonii E.G. Camus [= Serapias vomeracea subsp. laxiflora (Soó) Gölz et Reinhard] Orkida ta’ l-Ilsien ta' Lvant Eastern Ploughshare Serapias lingua L. [= Serapias columnae (Rchb. Fil.) Lojacono] Orkida ta’ l-Ilsien Tongue Orchid; Tongue Serapias Serapias vomeracea (Burmann fil.) Briquet [= Serapias longipetala (Tenore) Pollini] Orkida ta’ l-Ilsien Kbir Ploughshare; Long-Lipped Tongue Orchid POACEAE Ampelodesma mauritanica (Poiret) Durand et Schinz [= Ampelodesma tenax Link] Dis Diss ZANNICHELLIACEAE Zannichellia melitensis Brullo, Giusso et Lanfranco [= Zannichellia palustris auct. fl. Melit. non L.; = Z. pedunculata auct. fl. Melit. non Rchb. in Mössler] Harira ta’ l-Ilma Maltese Horned-Pondweed Schedule V PROTECTED FAUNA Interpretation 1. The abbreviation "spp." following the name of a genus is used to denote all species within that genus. 2. Other references to taxa higher than genus and/or species are for the purposes of information or classification only. 3. The abbreviation "(s.l.)", meaning ‘sensu lato’ is used to indicate that the scientific name is used in its extended meaning. 4. Where required, scientific synonyms of each species or lower taxon are included in square brackets after the scientific name. These are included to facilitate interpretation of the scientific information provided. 5. Where available, vernacular names, in both Maltese and English have been included for each taxon. This information is included for clarification purposes only. 6. In the case of species followed by an asterisk (*), members responsible for public security and civil protection may take any necessary steps to ensure that there are no risks for bathers and for any other person in or at sea. Isem Xjentifiku/Scientific Name Isem Malti/Maltese Name Isem bl-Ingliz/English Name PORIFERA Petrobiona massiliana Sponza Iebsa Stony Sponge CNIDARIA Antipathes spp. Qroll l-Iswed Black Coral Astroides calycularis Qroll tad-Dell Star-Coral Corallium rubrum Qroll l-Ahmar Precious Coral; Sardinian Coral; Red Coral CHELICERATA Roncus melitensis Skorpjun Falz ta’ Malta Maltese False-Scorpion CRUSTACEA Armadillidium ghardalamensis Hanzir l-Art ta’ Ghar Dalam G`ar Dalam Woodlouse Potamon fluviatile lanfrancoi Qabru; Gran` ta’ l-Ilma Helu Maltese Freshwater Crab INSECTA Alaocyba melitensis Bumunqar Ghama ta’ Malta Maltese Blind Weevil Amaurops mifsudi Psefalida Ghamja ta’ Malta Maltese Blind Psephalid Brachytrupes megacephalus [= Gryllus megacephalus] Grillu tar-Ramel Sand Cricket Cerambyx cerdo Susa tal-Ballut Holm Oak Longhorn Beetle Myrmecophilus baronii Gurat tan-Nemel Maltese Ant-Locust Othiorynchus (Arammichnus) ovatulus Bumunqar tar-Ramla Maltese Sand Weevil Pseudoseriscius cameroni Strongylognathus insularis (Maltese Myrmecobiont Ant) MOLLUSCA Charonia nodifera [= Charonia lampas; C. rubicunda] Bronja tal-Fond Knobbed Triton-Shell Charonia tritonis s.l. [= Charonia seguenziae; C. variegata] Bronja tal-Midhna Variegated Triton-Shell Dendropoma petraeum Bebbuxu tal-Blat Vermetid Snail Erosaria spurca [= Cypraea spurca; Pustularia spurca] Bahbuha Ttigrata Spotted Cowrie; Porcelaine Juane Gibbula nivosa [= Trochus nivosus] Gibbula ta' Malta Maltese Top-Shell Lampedusa imitatrix gattoi [= Lampedusa gattoi] Dussies ta' Filfla Filfola Door-Snail Lampedusa imitatrix imitatrix [= Clausilia imitatrix] Dussies ta’ Malta Maltese Door-Snail Lampedusa melitensis Dussies ta' l-Irdum Maltese Door-Snail Lithophaga lithophaga Tamra; Tamla Date Mussel Luria lurida [= Cypraea lurida; Talparia lurida] Bahbuha ta’ l-Ghajnejn Brown Cowrie; Mediterranean Cowrie Mitra zonata Sigarru Fusiform Mitre Pisidium spp. Arzell ta’ l-Ilma Helu Pea-Mussels Pholas dactylus Tamra Bajda Common Piddock Pinna nobilis Nakkra tal-Harira Noble Pen-Shell; Fan Mussel Pinna rudis [= Pinna pernula] Nakkra tax-Xewk Rough Pen-Shell Ranella olearia [= Agrobuccinum olearium; A. giganteum] Bronja Oil Vessel Triton Schilderia achatidea [= Cypraea achatidea; Cypraea physis; Erronea achatidea] Bahbuha Agate Cowrie Tonna galea [= Dolium galea] Tina tal-Bahar; Sorm il Bahar Giant Tun; Mediterranean Tun Shell Trochoidea gharlapsi Zugraga ta’ l-Irdum Ghar Lapsi Top Snail Zonaria pyrum [= Cypraea pyrum; Erronea pyrum] Bahbuha Hamra Pear Cowrie /Porcelain Shell ECHINODERMATA Centrostephanus longispinus Rizza tax-Xewk Twal Needle-Spined Sea Urchin Ophidiaster ophidianus Stilla tal-Bahar; Salib il Bahar Hamra Violet Starfish ELASMOBRANCHII Carcharodon carcharias* Kelb il-Bahar * Great White Shark* Cetorhinus maximus Pixxitonnu Basking Shark Mobula mobular Baqra; Manta; Raja tal Qrun Devil Ray ACTINOPTERYGII Aphanius fasciatus Buzaqq Maltese Killifish Hippocampus hippocampus [= Hippocampus heptagonus] Ziemel tal-Bahar Short-Snouted Sea Horse Hippocampus guttulatus [= Hippocampus biscuspis] Ziemel tal-Bahar Long- Snouted Sea Horse AMPHIBIA Discoglossus pictus Zring Painted Frog REPTILIA Caretta caretta Fekruna tal-Bahar Loggerhead Turtle Chalcides ocellatus Xahmet l-Art Ocellated skink Chamaeleo chamaeleon Kamaleonte Chameleon Chelonia mydas Fekruna Hadranija Green Turtle Coluber algirus Serp l-Ahdar Algerian Whip Snake Coluber viridiflavus Serp l-Iswed Western Whip Snake Dermochelys coriacea Fekruna s-Sewda Leatherback turtle Elaphe situla Lifgha Leopard Snake Eretmochelys imbricata Fekruna tat-Tikek Hawksbill Turtle Hermodactylus turcicus Wizgha tad-Djar Turkish Gecko Lepidochelys kempii Fekruna ta’ Kemp Kemp’s Ridley Turtle Podarcis filfolensis filfolensis Gremxula ta’ Filfla Filfola Wall Lizard Podarcis filfolensis generalensis Gremxula ta’ Hagret il General Fungus Rock Wall Lizard Podarcis filfolensis kieselbachi Gremxula tal-Gzejjer St. Paul’s Island Wall Lizard Podarcis filfolensis maltensis Gremxula; Gremxula ta’ Malta Maltese Wall Lizard Tarentola mauritanica Wizgha tal-Kampanja Moorish Gecko Telescopus fallax Qattus; Teleskopu Cat Snake CARNIVORA Monachus monachus Bumerin; Monka; Foka Monaka Mediterranean Monk Seal Mustela nivalis Ballotra Weasel CHIROPTERA Eptesicus serotinus [= Vespertilio serotinus] Serotin Serotine Miniopterus schreibersi [= Vespertilio schreibersii] Farfett il-Lejl ta’ Xrajber Schreiber’s Bat; Schreiber’s Bent Winged Bat Myotis blythii punicus [= Myotis punicus] Farfett il-Lejl Widnet il Gurdien Mouse-Eared Bat Myotis capaccinii Farfett il-Lejl tas-Swaba Twal Long-Fingered Bat Myotis daubentonii Farfett il-Lejl ta’ Daubenton Daubenton’s Bat Myotis myotis Farfett il-Lejl Widnet il Gurdien Greater Mouse-Eared Bat Nyctalus noctula [= Vespertilio noctula] Noktula Noctule Pipistrellus kuhlii [= Vespertilio kuhlii] Pipistrell ta’ Kuhl Kuhl’s Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pygmaeus [= Pipistrellus pipistrellus p.p.] Pipistrell Soprano Pipistrelle Plecotus austriacus [= Plecotus auritus meridionalis] Farfett il-Lejl Widnejh Kbar Grey Long-eared Bat Rhinolophus ferrumequinum [= Vespertilio ferrum-equinum] Rinolofu l-Kbir; Farfett il Lejl tan-Naghla l-Kbir Greater Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus hipposideros [= Vespertilio hipposideros; V. minutus] Rinolofu z-Zghir; Farfett il-Lejl tan-Naghla z-Zghir Lesser Horseshoe Bat Tadarida teniotis [= Cephalotes teniotis; Nyctinomus taeniotis] Tadarida; Farfett il-Lejl tad-Denb Twil European Free-tailed Bat U l-Friefet il-lejl kollha li jidhru jew dehru fil-Gzejjer Maltin / and all bat species recorded in the Maltese Islands CETACEA Balaenoptera acutorostrata Balena z-Zghira Minke Whale Balaeonoptera borealis Balena Sei Whale Balaenoptera physalus Balena l-Kbira Fin Whale; Finback Whale Delphinus delphis Denfil; Denfil Komuni Common Dolphin Eubalaena glacialis Balena Northern Right Whale Globicephala melas [= Globicephala meleana] Balena s-Sewda Long-Finned Pilot Whale Grampus griseus Denfil; Denfil ta‘ Risso Risso‘s Dolphin Kogia simus Balena Dwarf Sperm Whale Megaptera novaeangliae Balena tal-Gwienah Humpback Whale Mesoplodon densirostris Balena; Balena ta‘ Blainville Blainville‘s Beaked Whale Orcinus orca Orka Killer Whale Phocoena phocoena Denfil l-Iswed Common Porpoise; Harbour Porpoise Physeter macrocephalus [= Physeter catodon] Gabdoll Sperm Whale Pseudorca crassidens Psewdorka False Killer Whale Stenella coeruleoalba Denfil; Stenella Striped Dolphin Steno bredanensis Denfil tat-Tikek Rough-Toothed Dolphin Tursiops truncatus Denfil; Denfil Geddumu Qasir Bottlenose Dolphin Ziphius cavirostris Balena; Balena ta‘ Kuvjer Cuvier‘s Beaked Whale INSECTIVORA Atelerix algirus [= Erinaceus algirus] Qanfud Algerian Hedgehog; Vagrant Hedgehog Crocidura sicula Gurdien ta’ Halqu Twil; Gurdien tal-Munqar; Gurdien tal-Geddum Twil Sicilian Shrew Suncus etruscus Gurdien ta’ Halqu Twil; Gurdien tal-Munqar; Gurdien tal-Geddum Twil Pygmy White-Tooted Shrew SCHEDULE VI ANIMAL AND PLANT SPECIES OF NATIONAL IMPORTANCE AND OF IMPORTANCE TO AGREEMENT STATES WHOSE TAKING IN THE WILD AND EXPLOITATION MAY BE SUBJECT TO MANAGEMENT MEASURES Interpretation 1. The species listed in this Schedule are indicated: – by the name of the species or subspecies, or – by the body of species belonging to a higher taxon or to a designated part of that taxon. 2. The abbreviation 'spp.' after the name of a family or genus designates all the species belonging to that genus. 3. The abbreviation "(s.l.)", meaning ‘sensu lato’ is used to indicate that the scientific name is used in its most extended meaning. 4. Where required, scientific synonyms of each species or lower taxon are included in square brackets after the scientific name. These are included to facilitate interpretation of the scientific information provided. 5. A number of scientific names are followed by the abbreviations ‘auct. fl. Melit.’ which refers to the scientific name(s) with which that particular taxon is and/or was recorded in Maltese biodiversity literature; this scientific name is also of legal value, since in some cases, it represents the only reference to species whose proper scientific identification is still uncertain. 6. Where available, vernacular names, in both Maltese and English have been included for each taxon. This information is included for clarification purposes. (a) FAUNA Isem Xjentifiku/Scientific Name Isem Malti/Maltese Name Isem bl-Ingliz/English Name CRUSTACEA Homarus gammarus Iljunfant tal-Bahar European Lobster Maja squinado Ghaguza Spiny Spider Lobster Palinurus elephas Awwista Common Spiny Lobster Scyllarus latus [= Scyllarides latus] Ckala; Ckala Hamra Flat Lobster; European Paddle-Nosed Lobster Scyllarides pigmaeus Ckala Pygmy Flat Lobster Scyllarus arctus Ckala Small Flat Lobster MOLLUSCA ECHINODERMATA Paracentrotus lividus Rizza Stony Sea-Urchin; Rock Urchin PISCES Alopias vulpinus Pixxivolpi Thresher Shark Alosa alosa Lacci Allis Shad Alosa fallax Lacca tat-Tbajja’ Mediterranean Twaite Shad Anguilla anguilla Sallura Common European Eel Carcharias Taurus Tawru Sand Tiger Shark Carcharhinus brevipinna Kelb il-Bahar Spinner Shark Carcharhinus limbatus Kelb il-Bahar Blacktip Shark Carcharhinus plumbeus Kelb Griz Sandbar Shark Epinephelus marginatus [= Epinephelus guaza] Cerna Dusky Grouper Galeorhinus galeus Kelb il-Bahar Tope Shark Hexanchus griseus Murruna ta’ Sitt Gargi Bluntnose Sixgill Shark Isurus oxyrinchus Pixxtondu Shortfin Mako Shark Lamna nasus Pixxiplamtu Porbeagle Hark Petromyzon marinus Qalfat Sea Lamprey Prionace glauca Huta Kahla Blue Shark Pristis pristis Pixxisega; Pixxiserrieq; Sija Common Sawfish Raja alba Raja White Skate Raja melitensis Raja ta’ Malta Maltese Brown Ray Sciaena umbra Gurbell Brown Meagre Squatina squatina Xkatlu Angel Shark Syngnathus abaster Gremxula tal-Bahar Deep-Nosed Pipefish Thunnus thynnus Tonn; Tunnagg Blue-Fin Tuna Umbrina cirrosa Gurbell Bast Umber Xiphias gladius Pixxispad Swordfish (b) FLORA Isem Xjentifiku/Scientific Name Isem Malti/Maltese Name Isem bl-Ingliz/English Name RHODOPHYTA Lithothamnion coralloides (P.L. Crouan & H.M. Crouan) P.L. Crouan & H.M. Crouan [= Mesophyllum corallioides (P.L. Crouan & H.M. Crouan) Lemoine] Korallina tar-Ramel Haj Maerl Coralline Alga Phymatholithon calcareum (Poll.) Adey & McKibbin [= Lithothamnion polymorphum (L.) Areschoug, Lithothamnion calcareum (Pallas) Areschoug in J.Agardh] Korallina tar-Ramel Haj Maerl Coralline Alga HYMENOMYCETES Pleurotus eryngii (DC. Ex Fr.) Quel. s.l. Faqqiegh tal-Ferla Oyster Mushroom LICHENES Cladonia L. spp. Kladonji Cladonia Rocella phycopsis Ach. [= Rocella fucoids Vainio] Lehjet ix-Xih; Haziz tal Presepju Rocella BRYOPHYTA Sphagnum L. spp. (Muski) Sphagnum Mosses APIACEAE Apium graveolens L. Karfus Selvagg Wild Celery CAPPARACEAE Capparis orientalis Veillard [= Capparis rupestris Sibthorp & Smith; C. spinosa subsp. rupestris (Sm.) Nyman; C. spinosa var. inermis Turra] Kappar Caper Bush Capparis spinosa L. Kappar tax-Xewk Spiny Caper ERICACEAE Erica multiflora L. Erika; Issopu; Savina; Saghtar Ahmar; Lehjet ix Xih Mediterranean Heath FABACEAE Anthyllis hermanniae L. Hatba s-Sewda Shrubby Kidney-Vetch LAMIACEAE (= LABIATAE) Ballota nigra L. s.l. Marrubja s-Sewda Black Horehound Marrubium vulgare L. Marrubja l-Bajda White Horehound Rosmarinus officinalis L. Klin Rosemary Salvia fruticosa Miller [= Salvia triloba L. fil.] Salvja Selvagga; Salvja ta’ Sqallija Three-Lobed Sage Salvia officinalis L. Salvja; Salvja ta’ l-Ikel Common Sage Satureja graeca L. s.l. [= Micromeria graeca (L.) Bentham s.l.] Saghrija Griega Greek Savory Satureja microphylla (D'Urville) Gussone [= Micromeria microphylla (D’Urville) Bentham] Xpakkapietra; Xaqq il Blat; Saghtrija; Spakkapjetra Maltese Savory RANUNCULACEAE Adonis microcarpa DC. Ghallet is-Serduk; Ghan is Serduk; Henna Pheasant’s Eye AMARYLLIDACEAE Narcissus elegans (Haworth) Spach Narcis Imwahhar Skars Elegant Narcissus Narcissus tazetta L. s.l Narcis; Rancis French Daffodil CYMODOCEACEAE Cymodocea nodosa (Ucria) Ascherson Alka Rqiqa; Cimodocja Lesser Neptune-Grass HYACINTHACEAE Ornithogalum arabicum L. Halib it-Tajr; Hara ta` Cawl Large Star-of-Bethlehem Ornithogalum narbonense L. Halib it-Tajr il-Komuni Southern Star-of Bethlehem Urginea pancration (Steinheil) Philippe Ghansar; Basal ta’ l Ghansar Maltese Seaside Squill LILIACEAE Ruscus aculeatus L. Nigzet il-Far; Rand Xandri Butcher’s Broom Ruscus hypophyllum L. Belladonna; Rusku Greater Butcher’s Broom ORCHIDACEAE Anacamptis pyramidalis (L.) L.C.M. Richard Orkida Piramidali Common Pyramidal Orchid POSIDONIACEAE Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile Alka; Posidonja Neptune-Grass SCHEDULE VII IDENTIFICATION AND MONITORING 1. Ecosystems and habitats which may be classed into one or more of the following: • containing high diversity, • large numbers of endemic or threatened species, or wilderness; • required by migratory species; • are natural habitats, sites or species of National Importance or of Importance to the Agreement States; • isolated, unusual, atypical, peculiar natural habitats or biotopes; • of social, economic, cultural or scientific importance; or, • which are representative, unique or associated with key evolutionary or other biological processes; 2. Species, communities and populations which may be classed into one or more of the following: • endemic or threatened; • are species of National Importance or of Importance to the Agreement States; • with a restricted distribution in the Maltese Islands, the Mediterranean or within the territory of the Agreement States; • isolated, unusual, atypical or peculiar populations of endemic, threatened or common species; • wild relatives of domesticated or cultivated species; • of medicinal, agricultural or other economic value; • of social, scientific or cultural importance; or • of importance for research into the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, such as indicator species; and 3. Described genomes and genes of social, scientific or economic importance. SCHEDULE VIII ENDEMIC SPECIES NOT COVERED BY REGULATION 20 Isem Xjentifiku/Scientific Name Isem Malti/Maltese Name Isem bl Ingliz/English Name Allium melitense (Sommier et Caruana Gatto) Ciferri et Giacomini [= A. ampeloprasum L. var. melitense Sommier et Caruana Gatto] Kurrat ta’ Malta Maltese Leek Anthemis urvilleana (DC.) Sommier et Caruana Gatto [= A. secundiramea Bivona ssp. urvilleana (DC.) Fernandez] Bebuna tal-Bahar Maltese Sea Chamomile Calendula sicula Gussone [= Calendula suffruticosa Vahl subsp. fulgida Rafinesque var. gussonii (Lanza) Ohle] Suffejra ta’ Malta Sicilian Marigold Chiliadenus bocconei Brullo [= Jasonia glutinosa (L.) DC. Auct. fl. Melit.] Tulliera ta’ Malta Maltese Fleabane Orobanche muteli FW Schultz forma melitensis (Beck in Sommier et Caruana Gatto) Lanfranco Budebbus Abjad; Budebbus ta’ l-Ingliza White Broomrape; Maltese Sorrel Broomrape Euphorbia exigua L. var. pycnophylla Kramer et Westra Tenghud Irqiq ta’ Malta Maltese Dwarf Spurge Filago cossyrensis Lojacono [= F. pyramidata L. var. gussonei (Fiori) Wagenitz] Kabuccinella ta’ Malta Maltese Cudweed Carlina involucrata Poiret [=Carlina corymbosa L. auct. fl. Melit.] Sajtun Clustered Carline Thistle Fedia graciliflora Fischer & Meyer var. insularis Mathez & Xena de Enrech [=Fedia cornucopiae (L.) Gaertner auct. fl. Melit.] Sieq I-Hamiema Horn-of-Plenty Phagnalon graecum Boissier et Heldreich subsp. ginzbergerii Pignatti Lixka Komuni Eastern Phagnalon Periploca angustifolia Labillardiere [=P. laevigata Aiton subsp. angustifolia (Labillardiere) Markgraf] Sigret il-Harir African Wolfbane Satureja microphylla (D’Urville) Gussone [= Micromeria microphylla (D’Urville) Bentham] Xpakkapietra; Saghtrija; Spakkapjetra; Xaqq il Blat Maltese Savory Hypericum aegypticum L. [= Triadenia aegyptiaca (L.) Boissier] Fexfiex ta’ l-Irdum Egyptian St John’s Wort Urginea pancration (Steinheil) Philippe [= Urginea maritima (L.) Baker auct. fl. Melit.] Ghansar; Basal ta’ l-Ghansar Sea-Side Squill Muticaria macrostoma (Cantraine) s.l. excluding M. macrostoma mamotica and M. macrostoma scalaris Dussies Maltese Door-Snail Trochoidea spratti (Pfeiffer) s.l. excluding T. spratti cucullus and T. spratti despotti Zugrag MalteseTop-Snail