Cyprus my island

In the mountains the Aleppo pine common. Furthermore, a special kind of holm oak and cedar species. On the western and southern slopes of the Troodos Mountains are vast vineyards. Somewhat lower on the mountain slopes we may find acacia, cypress, olive and carob trees. The valleys are poplars and eucalyptus. The valleys also many orchards with fruit trees. On the coast are palms and agaves. From February to May, Cyprus is great on flowers. It blooms then include daffodils, cyclamen, irises, wild orchids, anemones, poppies, ranunculus, wild peony and Asphodel, in the ancient Cypriot great symbolic significance.

The mammal population in Cyprus is very limited. Most striking is the mouflon, a kind of sheep. Continue living in Cyprus are foxes, rabbits, weasels and hares. Among the native mammals also includes several species of bats. Other animals that frequent his snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs and chameleons. In Cyprus are approximately 55 species of butterflies, including the rare butterfly caterpillar and the snail charaxus jasius. Birds are represented throughout the year with about 300 species, including many winter visitors. Migratory birds such as storks, buzzards, kites, falcons, cranes and many songbirds and waterfowl from late August ironing down on Cypriot soil. Particularly noteworthy are the approximately 10,000 flamingos in the salt lakes in winter. Very rare is the zwartborstgrasmus only breeds in Cyprus. Native species include the wood pigeon, kestrel and barn owl.

The most common bird of prey, the hawk eagle. What is the rare griffon vulture. Cyprus has no indigenous freshwater fish. Or live in the rivers of the Troodos Mountains plenty freshwater crabs. The sea around Cyprus is not so much to offer. Most marine animals found only at a depth of about 30 meters. The most common fish are the parrotfish, the slijmvis, the gudgeon and rainbowfish. The monk seal and dolphins belong to the protected animals. In summer turtles nest on the beaches. These animals are protected.

In recent years, various national parks and nature reserves established. Some examples are the Athalasapark Tripylos and in the Troodos Mountains.
In 2006 the French scientist discovered Thomas Cucchi in Cyprus a new mouse species, Mus cypriacus. The animal has a larger head than is usual in mice. the eyes. ears and teeth are a good size.