Cyprus
Posted: Mon Sep 06, 2010 12:47 pmI've noticed there seems to be quite a lack of information, pictures, or reports about herps from Cyprus. Although the island has only 3 amphibian species and 3 chelonian species, there are 11 lizard species and 10 (in addition Cypriot Eryx jaculus, Natrix tessellata and Zamenis situla are known from single specimens) snake species. The island has an endemic snake species Hierophis cypriensis, and four endemic snake sub-species; Natrix natrix cypriaca, Dolichophis jugularis cypriacus, Telescopus fallax cyprianus and Macrovipera lebetina lebetina. The starred agama is also represented by an endemic sub-species, as are snake-eyed lizard and Kotschy's gecko. Many of these are very rare, restricted in distribution and possibly on the verge of extinction.
Perhaps somebody knows; is Cyprus just poorly visited by the kind of people who would search for and document these animals, and therefore they are poorly known on the island? Or maybe is it that there are more appealing destinations to herpetologists like Northern Greece, Turkey, and the Middle East (Israel, Syria, etc...) so the island gets overlooked as simply a tourist destination? I expect both are somewhat true.
Personally I have been to Cyprus three times, twice a while ago, before I started to get really interested in herpetology, and one April visit in 2007. I was not especially adept at finding reptiles, so my only observations are of Laudakia, Ophisops, Mediodactylus, Acanthodactylus, Chalcides, and a single Dolichophis. I would really like to re-visit in a few years, hopefully finding the best of what Cyprus has to offer!
I'd love to hear your thoughts on this topic, and of course, any photos or stories from Cyprus you may have!
Dan
Perhaps somebody knows; is Cyprus just poorly visited by the kind of people who would search for and document these animals, and therefore they are poorly known on the island? Or maybe is it that there are more appealing destinations to herpetologists like Northern Greece, Turkey, and the Middle East (Israel, Syria, etc...) so the island gets overlooked as simply a tourist destination? I expect both are somewhat true.
Personally I have been to Cyprus three times, twice a while ago, before I started to get really interested in herpetology, and one April visit in 2007. I was not especially adept at finding reptiles, so my only observations are of Laudakia, Ophisops, Mediodactylus, Acanthodactylus, Chalcides, and a single Dolichophis. I would really like to re-visit in a few years, hopefully finding the best of what Cyprus has to offer!
I'd love to hear your thoughts on this topic, and of course, any photos or stories from Cyprus you may have!
Dan