The conservation of biodiversity on small islands is fraught with challenges, most of
which do not apply to mainland areas, and which are borne of characteristics unique to
islands. These include a disproportionate coastal extent, anomalously high rates of
endemicity and species richness, high degrees of genetic distinctiveness exhibited by
biota as a result of their physical isolation. This is coupled to a high degree of
anthropogenic disturbance facing island biota and to the high economic importance of
coastal-based tourism on islands. This combination in turn translates in a pronounced
fraction of island biota being considered as endangered and in islands being considered as
biodiversity priorities. The Maltese Islands are located in the Mediterranean Basin, which
in itself is already considered as a biodiversity hotspot, and present a case study of
intense anthropogenic impacts on a rich biodiversity.peer-reviewe
