Il-Wied tal-Lunzjata
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Il-Wied tal-Lunzjata is one of the few remaining valleys in Gozo that have a permanent freshwater supply. It is found in the limits of Kercem just off the road from Victoria to Xlendi. Il-Wied tal-Lunzjata forms the upper part of Wied ix-Xlendi that leads towards Xlendi bay. Along with Wied Kantra and Wied tax-Xlendi, il-Wied tal-Lunzjata forms part of the Natura 2000 site and hence it is protected under EU regulations due to it diversity of species.
Il-Wied tal-Lunzjata was used by the Knights of Saint John as a hunting area. It was later developed for agriculture and it is still one of the most important fertile agriculture areas found in Gozo as water is continuously running from the springs. This site is famous for the rare endemic Maltese Freshwater crab Potamon fluviatile lanfrancoi. This site is also ideal for bird watching as it is one of the most attractive sites for spring and autumn migrant bird species. These include egrets, herons , honey buzzards and flycatchers that are attracted to the dense vegetation. Other important fauna found in this valley include the predatory leech Haemopis sanguisuga that is found only in Lunzjata and snails populations such as Planorbis moquini and Physa acuta. Moreover, the valley system provide the adequate breeding site for the endemic, protected, Maltese painted frog Discoglossus pictus. |
Where is il-Wied tal-Lunzjata located?
Il-Wied tal-Lunzjata is located 1.6km away from Victoria's Sports complex and one can easily access it by any means of transportation including public transport in approximately 6 minutes.
Click on the map on the right to follow the route from Victoria to Il-Wied tal-Lunzjata by car. You can also browse different public transport routes on the map along with the bus number you need by clicking on the bus tab when the larger map on the right is viewed. |
All photo were taken by Edwina Farrugia
Different habitats found in Wied tal-Lunzjata
The habitats of Wied tal-Lunzjata include the watercourse habitat itself along with habitats on the valley sides. The valley sides are cultivated, where the terrain permits. Plants that grow in the watercourse include Alisma plantago-aquatica (Common Water-Plantain), Veronica anagallis aquatica (Water Speedwell), algae and sedge. One can easily see the Giant reed Arundo donax that characterize this watercourse along with Phragmites australis (The Common Reed). Some other species that live in this habitat include Apium nodiflorum (Fool's Water Cress), Ranunculus muricatus (Scilly Buttercup) and Mentha pulegium (Pennyroyal).
This site also supports the maquis habitat on the valley sides. Species such as Olea europea (Olive Tree), Ficus carica (Fig Tree) and Amygdalus communis (Wild Almond Tree) are also found. |
All photo were taken by Edwina Farrugia
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Some Flora found in Wied tal-Lunzjata
All photo were taken by Edwina Farrugia
References: Cauchi, M. and Calleja, J. 2005. The Gozo Observer. The Journal of the University of Malta, Gozo Centre, (12), Available at: http://www.um.edu.mt/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/57984/gozo_observer_March_2005_-_Final.pdf.
Natura2000malta.com. 2014. L-Inħawi tax-Xlendi u tal-Wied tal-Kantra (SAC) / Rdumijiet ta’ Għawdex: Id-Dawra tas-Sanap sa Tal-Ħajt (SPA). [online] Available at: http://natura2000malta.com/?page_id=188 [Accessed: 26 Feb 2014].