The Nature Protection Unit in the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) has carried out an ecological restoration of St Paul’s Islands aided by funds provided by The HSBC Cares for the Environment Fund (HCEF).

St Paul’s Islands, also known as Selmunett, were designated a Nature Reserve and a Specially Protected Area in 1986. The site has also been designated a Special Area of Conservation of International Importance.

Studies carried out by the University of Malta indicated that the biodiversity of St Paul’s Islands, especially the lizard population, seemed to be suffering greatly due to the proliferation of rats.

To prevent the situation from deteriorating further, the HCEF assisted MEPA on a project to restore the habitat for the endemic lizard, Podarcis filfolensis kieselbachi, to allow the population to recover. This involved the eradication of rats and alien vegetation from the site.

The lizards, which were in the custody of MEPA’s Nature Protection Unit during the rat eradication process, have now been released and returned to their natural habitat, in the hope that the population will continue to recover.

“The success of this project greatly depends on the cooperation of the public,” continued Mr Calleja. “The Nature Protection Unit is appealing to the public to abide by the regulations and refrain from accessing the Islands after sunset and to avoid camping or organising barbeques. The public is also reminded that all biodiversity on the Islands is strictly protected and that capture and collection is prohibited.”