Cyprus has a wonderful variety of habitats suitable for many species of animal. This is due to the variety of landscapes on the island, each with their own particular microclimate and topographical features, and the variety of terrains and geological substrates, as well as the diversity of forest and agricultural vegetation.
Worthy of note among the mammals found on the island are:The mouflon, a wild sheep species, found only in Cyprus. It is also the largest wild mammal that exists on the island.
The fox which is Cyprus only carnivolous mammal.
The hedgedog, an endemic subspecies, a shy and reclusive animal.
Bats are a remarkable feature of Cypriot fauna and one of the most peculiar and noteworthy types of mammals. There are 19 different species.
Cyprus geographical position makes it one of the most important migratory natural habitats and international bird life organizations consider it among the most important areas in the world for its biodiversity of birds. It is also a unique location in Europe for endemic birds.
The butterflies of Cyprus, which belong to the order leptidoptera, are also considered of particular interest. There are 52 species, 9 of which are endemic to Cyprus.
Some of the nature routes have been designed to give the visitor the chance to discover Cyprus cultural heritage through monuments such as Byzantine churches of the Troodos region, which are listed as UNESCO world heritage sites.
The Venetian bridges that could inspire a study of the historical relations between Venice and Cyprus, during the period that the Renaissance spirit was spreading through the island.
The mosques that highlight the multicultural nature of Cyprus.
Some of the easiest nature trails are:
Konnoi – Ayioi Anargyroi
Konnoi – Ayioi Anargyroi starting point is Konnos beach between Protaras and Cape Greco. The length is 4, 8km and the it takes about 2hours to walk it. There are excellent views throughout the trail. Particularly impressive is the view of the stunning Konnos Bay. For the first two km of the trail, beginning at Konnos Bay, the path continues parallel to the beach and arrives at the Ayioi Anargyroi church, which is built above the a sea cave where it is said that the saint Anargyri lived an ascetic life.
Following the trail to the south, through low shrub vegetation, it leads to the natural kamara (arch), tou koraka bridge, an impressive geological formation. After the bridge, the trail ascends slightly, passing through the ruins of the temple of Aphrodite, running parallel to the coastline through high shrub vegetation, and towards its end though a small, pine forest.
To be continued part 3
Cyprus: Nature highlights - Part 2
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