Greece, a country defined by its complex geography, is a biodiversity hotspot located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa. The landscape transitions rapidly from alpine mountain ranges to a vast coastline and thousands of islands, creating a remarkable variety of habitats. This environmental diversity and mild Mediterranean climate have fostered a rich fauna, including numerous endemic species found nowhere else. The country protects this natural heritage through an extensive network of protected areas.
Iconic Land Mammals and Mountain Dwellers
The mainland’s rugged, forested mountains, particularly the Pindus and Rhodope ranges in the north, serve as the refuge for Greece’s largest terrestrial mammals. The Brown Bear (Ursus arctos) population is divided into two isolated groups: the larger one in the Pindus Mountains and a smaller, fragmented population in the Rhodope Mountains. These omnivorous bears primarily consume plant material, fruits, and insects, typical for southern European habitats.
The Grey Wolf (Canis lupus) also maintains a presence in these mountainous regions, occupying habitats from high elevations to semi-mountainous areas. The population is stable, with individuals often migrating across borders with neighboring Balkan countries. Both the bear and the wolf are protected, though they face threats from habitat fragmentation and conflict with human activities, particularly livestock farming.
The Cretan Wild Goat (Capra aegagrus cretica), locally known as the Kri-kri, is a distinct subspecies found on Crete. It is mainly confined to the Samaria Gorge and the Lefka Ori (White Mountains), though small populations were introduced to offshore islands for protection. The Kri-kri is known for its impressive agility, capable of scaling steep, rocky slopes.
The Richness of Greece’s Marine Ecosystems
The Aegean and Ionian Seas are home to significant marine life. The Critically Endangered Mediterranean Monk Seal (Monachus monachus) finds sanctuary in the National Marine Park of Alonissos and Northern Sporades, Europe’s largest marine protected area. The park’s seal population, estimated at over 60 individuals, uses sea caves along the coast of Piperi island for breeding and rest.
Greece hosts the largest proportion of nesting sites for the Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta) in the Mediterranean, accounting for approximately 60% of all nests. Primary nesting beaches are located in Laganas Bay on Zakynthos, protected by the National Marine Park of Zakynthos, and the southern Kyparissia Gulf in the Peloponnese. Females return every two to three years to lay their eggs, a process monitored by conservation groups.
The Greek seas are populated by several dolphin species. The Striped Dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) is the most frequently encountered in deep offshore waters of the Aegean and Ionian Seas. The Common Dolphin (Delphinus delphis) has seen significant population declines but remains present in coastal areas like the Northern Ionian Sea and the Corinthian Gulf. Mixed-species groups, including Common, Striped, and Bottlenose Dolphins, have been observed in the Corinthian Gulf.
Diverse Avian Life and Migration Routes
Greece’s geographical position makes it a migratory bottleneck, funneling millions of birds between their breeding grounds in Europe and wintering areas in Africa. Over 400 bird species have been recorded, including both resident and migratory populations. The Evros Delta in the northeast, a major wetland area, attracts large numbers of waterbirds and raptors.
Raptors are prominent, with the Dadia Forest in the northeast providing habitat for various species of vultures, including the Griffon Vulture, and several species of eagles. Wetlands and deltas, such as the Evros Delta and the Axios Delta, are important for waterbirds like the Greater Flamingo and the Dalmatian Pelican. Other notable species include the Eleonora’s Falcon, which migrates from Madagascar to breed on the steep cliffs of the Aegean islands during the summer.
Reptiles, Amphibians, and Unique Island Species
Greece has the highest number of reptile species in Europe, with 64 recorded, reflecting the country’s varied topography and warm climate. Among terrestrial chelonians, the Spur-thighed Tortoise (Testudo graeca) is found in the northeast, often coexisting with the Hermann’s Tortoise (Testudo hermanni) across mainland and island locations. These long-lived herbivores typically inhabit scrubland and dry, open forests.
Island endemism is prominently displayed among lizards, with several species of wall lizards found only on specific island groups. Examples include the Cretan Wall Lizard (Podarcis cretensis) and the Milos Wall Lizard (Podarcis milensis), which evolved in isolation on the Cycladic islands. The islands are also home to unique snakes, such as the Cyclades Blunt-nosed Viper (Macrovipera schweizeri), an endemic venomous species restricted to Milos and a few nearby islets.
Amphibians are concentrated in the mainland’s wet areas, including mountain streams and marshlands, with 22 species recorded in Greece. These include the European Green Toad (Bufo viridis) and the Greek Stream Frog (Rana graeca), which prefers the cool, running waters of mountainous regions. The isolation of these populations has also led to a number of endemic subspecies.