Il-kanġu tal-Mediterran (Kanġu ta’ Filfla)

The Mediterranean Storm-petrel (Hydrobates pelagicus melitensis), known in Maltese as il-kanġu ta’ Filfla, is one of Malta’s smallest seabirds. It breeds mainly on Filfla, where Malta hosts one of the largest colonies in the Mediterranean, with thousands of breeding pairs. It nests in cracks and spaces among rocks and scree, and spends most of its life at sea.[birdlifemalta +1] The species is difficult to see because it comes ashore mainly at night during the breeding season. Its main threats include rats and other predators, the loss of nesting habitat, disturbance from people and boats, light and noise pollution, illegal hunting and accidental capture in fishing gear.[ciesm +1] Protecting Filfla and other breeding cliffs, controlling invasive predators, reducing artificial light near the coast and avoiding disturbance during the breeding season can all help safeguard this important Maltese seabird.