Protecting the natural heritage in the Maltese islands (23)
Il-Ġebla taċ-Ċawl
This islet is located south of Qala and is connected to the mainland by a submerged isthmus. Geologically it forms part of the same stratigraphic complex as the island of Comino and the upper Qala regions. It represents the remnants of an upper coralline limestone outlier which was downfaulted relative to the mainland.
The rock is almost entirely vegetated and supports four major floral assemblages:
• the lower areas support maritime garigue communities characterised by the sea samphire (Crithmum maritimum), the Maltese sea-lavender (Limonium melitensis) and the Maltese salt-tree (Darniella melitensis);
• the central region of the rock is dominated by the esparto grass (Lygeum spartum) accompanied by the sea carrot (Daucus rupestris), the olive-leaved bindweed (Convolvulus oleifolius) and the Maltese leek (Allium melitense);
• the highest point of the rock is dominated by the endemic Maltese salt-tree (Darniella melitensis). A single stunted specimen of the lentisk (Pistacia lentiscus) is also present in this area;
• the eastern area of the rock is colonised by a steppic community characterised by the olive-leaved bindweed (Convolvulus oleifolius), the sea carrot (Daucus rupestris), the Maltese salt-tree (Darniella melitensis) and the Maltese leek (Allium melitense).
Il-Ġebla taċ-Ċawl also supports a morph of the endemic door snail (Muticaria macrostama forma oscitans).
Mepa scheduled Il-Ġebla taċ-Ċawl as a Level 1 Site of Scientific Importance (ecology), Level 2 Site of Scientific Importance (geomorphology), and a Level 2 Area of Ecological Importance as per Government Notice No. 827/02 in the Government Gazette dated September 20, 2002.