GHADIRA RESERVE
It allows you to observe the flora and fauna around the ancient salt pans, the only "marshy" area in the country. In the 16th century, Ghadira was Malta's largest salt works. When this industry was moved to the present-day and aptly-named Salina Bay, Ghadira was neglected, then abandoned. In the 1960s, the Birdlife Malta association proposed the creation of a nature reserve, a sanctuary for migratory birds. The pond was enlarged and islands created. The reserve was inaugurated in 1988 and today covers 6 ha, 100 m from Mellieha beach. It is open to the public, who can take advantage of the observation shelters. The flora is made up of species that know how to adapt to water and salty soil (halophyte), to variations in salinity, such as reeds and rushes of various species. There are also a few trees, such as Aleppo pine, carob and olive. Birdlife is plentiful, with 200 species to be seen depending on the season: grebes, ducks, herons, egrets, rails, coots and kingfishers, as well as numerous passerines such as warblers, buntings, etc. Among the mammals, you're likely to see rabbits and perhaps weasels, hedgehogs, shrews or bats. Reptiles include the Mediterranean chameleon, a few non-venomous snakes and various species of geckos. Aquatic fauna must also be able to withstand changes in salinity. These include mullets, eels and snails.
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