The limited fauna of Cyprus is a vivid example of how geography, climate, history and human factor form the island ecosystem. Against the background of a richer animal world, continental countries, for example, neighboring Turkey or Lebanon, Cyprus really looks zoologically modest. Why did it happen?
Cyprus is an island, and this explains a lot. The island isolation limits animal capabilities to migrate. You can get into Cyprus either by swimming (which is possible for very few species), or by chance (for example, on a drift of wood or in cargoes moved by people). That is how, probably, shrews came here. Therefore, in Cyprus from the very beginning there was a relatively small set of species of mammals, and it was practically not replenished.
Elephants and hippos
In the prehistoric era, especially in the Pleistocene, Cyprus was a home for dwarf elephants and hippos - amazing forms typical of the islands. In conditions of limited resources and the absence of large predators, large animals “decreased” in size. These animals most likely hit the island during the periods when the sea level was lower, and Cyprus could be reached by shallows or shallow water. However, after the arrival of a person here, about 10-12 thousand years ago, a quick end awaited them. Small populations and the lack of fear of people made them easy prey. Like many islands of the world, they were exterminated by hunting for a short time.
Why are there no wolves, bears and other predators?
There were never large predators in Cyprus. Bears and wolves could not get here, because for this it was necessary for a constant land connection, which Cyprus did not have with the mainland. Without large predators, the entire structure of the ecosystem is built differently. In Cyprus, one single representative of the predatory detachment dominates-a fox that has become the largest predator of the island. This is a classic picture of an island ecosystem, where in the absence of competitors one type occupies the entire niche.
Why is there no protein and badgers?
Squirrels are a typical forest look, and although there are mountain pine forests in Cyprus, the squirrels have not come here. Like badger, martens, affection and other forest mammals. They could not cross the sea, and a person never specially imported them. In addition, even if they somehow got to the island, they could not have enough resources: the island is too small to maintain a diverse and stable population of such types.
An interesting fact: in Malta, which resembles Cyprus by its fauna, endemic affection live. This is explained by the fact that Malta is located closer to the habitat of this animal.
Why did hares and foxes remain?
Both hares and foxes are animals with a high adaptation ability. The fox is omnivorous, easily adapts to a person, active at night, can live even in semi -deserted conditions. The same can be said about the hare - he lives in open landscapes, rapidly multiplies and can eat modest vegetation. These species were able to survive even with an active hunt from a person and competition from dogs.
Deer, lanies and ungulates
Once upon a time there were deer and lani in Cyprus. Most of them died out in the Middle Ages as a result of uncontrolled hunting. From this relatively rich diversity, only a mufton has been preserved, and then thanks to organized efforts to save it. Today he lives only in the mountainous regions of Troodos and remains a symbol of island wildlife.
Birds: An important element of fauna
Against the backdrop of the meager fauna of mammals in Cyprus, a relatively rich bird in the world. The reason is its location on the routes of flights between Africa and Europe. Birds easily overcome sea spaces and often use Cyprus as a stop on the way. Many are nesting here, others only migrate.
Reptiles and insects
These animal groups are much better represented on the island. Lizards, snakes, many insects could get into Cyprus naturally or with the help of man. Their variety is greater than that of mammals, precisely because they more easily tolerate the conditions of island isolation and are able to reproduce even in limited ecosystems.
Fauna Cyprus is the result of geographical isolation, small area, limited resources and human activity. The island ecosystem is modest, vulnerable and requires protection. Today's biological diversity is the rest of the former nature, and, despite the modest scale, it deserves attention and respect.
