Restoring Bird Habitat

Human activity and carelessness destroys bird habitat, but the damage can often be reversed. A nature reserve in Malta reports success.

The Is-Simar Nature Reserve in Malta was a parking lot, a play ground, and a dumping site in 1992 when BirdLife Malta began working to restore bird habitat and return the area to its natural state. Workers removed non-native trees and replaced them with native species, excavated to restore former wetlands, cleaned up the site and fenced it, and eventually built a visitor’s center. Today the reserve is used as an educational site for school classes and is open to the public.

Birds have returned to Is-Simar. Two pairs of Little Bittern bred there in 1997 and have returned since. Reed Warblers, Moorhen and other species are also nesting there regularly. Recently, a pair of Little Grebe was observed nesting at the reserve – a first for Malta. Projects like this prove that we can still regain much of what we’ve lost if the will is there to restore bird habitat.

Other projects to restore or protect bird habitat:

Recovery Plan for Hawaiian Birds

Cats, Birds, and Ascension Island

Don't Disturb the Piping Plover

Sources:

BirdLife International. “New Breeding Species for Malta.” 02/03/2006

BirdLife Malta. “Is-Simar Nature Reserve.” 30/10/2006