Greece, a country characterized by its diverse geography, varied climate, and extensive evolutionary history, possesses remarkable biodiversity. From mountainous terrain to a vast coastline and numerous islands, these varied habitats support a wide array of animal life. This unique combination of environmental factors has fostered a rich tapestry of native species, making Greece a significant area for European and Mediterranean fauna.
Understanding Native Species
A native species naturally occurs in a specific region or ecosystem due to local natural evolution. Their presence in an area is not a result of human intervention, and they have adapted to their particular habitat over time. This adaptation allows native species to play a fundamental role in maintaining the ecological balance and health of their ecosystems, often forming the basis of local food webs.
In contrast, an introduced species is an organism that lives outside its natural range, having been transported to a new location, either intentionally or accidentally, by human activity. When an introduced species establishes itself and negatively impacts the local ecosystem, it is then classified as an invasive species. Endemic species represent a special category of native species; they are found exclusively in a specific geographic area and nowhere else globally.
Land Dwellers of Greece
Greece’s varied landscapes, encompassing lush forests and rugged mountains, provide habitats for a diverse range of terrestrial animals. Among native mammals, large carnivores such as the brown bear (Ursus arctos) and the gray wolf (Canis lupus) roam the northern regions, particularly the Pindos Mountain range. Other native mammals include wild boars (Sus scrofa), red deer (Cervus elaphus), and the Balkan chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra balcanica). Smaller mammals like the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) inhabit rivers and wetlands, while various rodents and hedgehogs also contribute to the terrestrial fauna.
Greece is also home to around 442 recorded bird species, including both resident and migratory populations. Raptors such as eagles and vultures soar above the mountainous terrain, while a wide array of passerine birds, like the Eurasian blackbird (Turdus merula) and common chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs), inhabit forests and urban green spaces. Migratory birds like the Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus) utilize Greece as a stopover point during their long journeys between Africa and the Balkans.
Approximately 64 reptile species are found across the country. These include various snake species, such as the nose-horned viper (Vipera ammodytes) and the common chameleon (Chamaeleo chamaeleon), the only chameleon species native to Greece. Lizards are also abundant, with examples like the Erhard’s wall lizard (Podarcis erhardii) prevalent in the Aegean archipelago. Amphibians, though fewer in number with 22 species, include various frogs like the agile frog (Rana dalmatina) and the Greek stream frog (Rana graeca), as well as salamanders and the green toad (Bufotes viridis).
Aquatic Life of Greece
Greece’s extensive coastline and numerous freshwater bodies support a rich diversity of native aquatic animals. The country is particularly rich in freshwater fish species, with 154 recorded species found in its rivers and lakes. These include various cyprinids and other fish adapted to the diverse aquatic environments, from fast-flowing mountain streams to calmer lake waters. The presence of such a high number of freshwater fish species highlights the ecological significance of Greece’s inland water systems.
The marine environment surrounding Greece, encompassing the Aegean and Ionian Seas, harbors a significant array of marine life. Approximately 476 species of marine fish are found in Greek waters, out of about 600 recorded in the Mediterranean. These include a variety of fish that form the basis of the marine food web. Additionally, marine mammals are present, with nine species residing permanently in Greek seas.
Among the most recognizable marine mammals are various dolphin species, including the common dolphin (Delphinus delphis), bottlenose dolphin (Tursiopsis truncatus), striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba), and Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus). Larger marine mammals such as the fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus), sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus), and Cuvier’s beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris) also frequent these waters. The critically endangered Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) is another notable marine resident, with a significant portion of its global population found along Greek coastlines.
Greece’s Endemic and Protected Wildlife
Greece is home to a substantial number of endemic species. This high degree of endemism, particularly for a country of its size, is attributed to Greece’s complex topography, numerous islands, and long evolutionary history. Out of approximately 50,000 animal species estimated in Greece, a notable portion are endemic, particularly among invertebrates.
Among reptiles, several species are endemic to Greece, including the Greek algyroides (Algyroides moreoticus), the Greek rock lizard (Hellenolacerta graeca), the Peloponnese wall lizard (Podarcis peloponnesiacus), and the Milos wall lizard (Podarcis milensis). Amphibians also contribute to the endemic fauna, with species like the Karpathos frog (Pelophylax cerigensis) and the Cretan frog (Pelophylax cretensis) being unique to specific Greek islands. The Cretan wild goat, or Kri-kri (Capra aegagrus cretica), is another prominent endemic mammal, now found exclusively on Crete and a few small offshore islands.
Many of these unique species face conservation challenges due to factors such as habitat loss, climate change, and human activities. Protecting these endemic species is paramount for maintaining Greece’s rich biodiversity, as their limited distribution makes them particularly vulnerable to extinction. Conservation efforts involve establishing protected areas and conducting research to understand and safeguard these irreplaceable components of Greece’s natural heritage.