Malta’s islands combine Mediterranean climate, limestone terrain and a long human presence to create a distinctive set of local wildlife. Isolation has limited the number of truly local species, so each endemic holds particular interest for naturalists and conservationists.
There are 1 Endemic Species of Malta, represented by the Maltese wall lizard, whose range is limited to the Maltese archipelago and nearby islets. For each entry the information is organized under Scientific name,Group,Habitat & range — you’ll find below.
How many species are endemic to Malta and where is the Maltese wall lizard found?
Malta has one recorded endemic species: the Maltese wall lizard. It occurs on rocky coasts, limestone walls, rubble and low scrub across the main islands and some islets, favoring sunny crevices and human-made stone structures where it can bask and shelter.
What do the columns Scientific name,Group,Habitat & range show?
Scientific name gives the formal Latin name, Group indicates the taxonomic or common category (reptile, plant, insect, etc.), and Habitat & range summarizes typical environments and the geographic limits within Malta so you can quickly see where each species lives.
Endemic Species of Malta
| Name | Scientific name | Group | Habitat & range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maltese wall lizard | Podarcis filfolensis | Reptile | Rocky walls, rubble and coastal islets across Malta, Gozo, Comino |
Images and Descriptions
Maltese wall lizard
A small, variable wall lizard found only in the Maltese islands; notable for island-specific forms and subspecies. Lives on stone walls, cliffs and scrub; vulnerable locally due to habitat loss and introduced predators.
