Alien Non-Arthropods of Malta and Sicily

Alien species, also known as Invasive Alien Species, are organisms introduced beyond their native range by human actions, with the potential for significant ecological and socio-economic impacts. The movement of these species across borders, facilitated by trade and travel, has amplified their spread, making it crucial to understand and manage the challenges they pose for preserving biodiversity and ecosystem stability. This booklet is dedicated to addressing invasive animal species in the Mediterranean islands of Malta and Sicily, shedding light on their biology, impact, and potential management strategies. Designed to serve scientists, site managers, environmental authorities, and the general public, it provides a comprehensive synthesis of available data concerning the most critical terrestrial and freshwater Invasive Alien Species, excluding arthropods and species described as parautochthonous as defined under Article 1 of the decree 19 January 2015 in Italian law. Organized into seven classes (Actinopterygii, Amphibia, Aves, Mammalia, Mollusca, Platyhelminthes, and Reptilia), the booklet offers datasheets and images encompassing taxonomy, morphological descriptions, ecology, potential threats, and management approaches for each species.