The islands are almost treeless. Vegetation is sparse and stunted. Carob and fig are endemic and the grape, bay, and olive have been cultivated for centuries. There are some rock plants.
The weasel, hedgehog, and bat are native to Malta. White rabbits and mice have been introduced. Many types of turtles, tortoises, and butterflies and several varieties of lizard also are found. Common varieties of Mediterranean fish, as well as the seal and porpoise, inhabit the surrounding waters.
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