Cyprus is a paradise for all nature lovers. The island has a rich mix of animal and plant life. On the island there are 1750 different kinds of plant life and 120 species of animal. The calm Mediterranean climate and Cyprus' position at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa explain this great diversity of species. There is an abundance of trees, plants, shrubs, flowers and butterflies that are unique to Cyprus.
The most famous resident of wild animal is the Moufflon. This shy mountain sheep was close to extinction a few years ago but is now thriving in the outdoor enclosure of Paphos forest. This animal is very popular with all visitors to the island. On the hilly landscape you will see flocks of sheep and herds of goats grazing and you only need to take a look towards the Troodos Mountain range and you will see the wild donkeys roaming. In the forests you will see many small animals such as foxes, rabbits, hares, squirrels and hedgehogs.
The dry summer landscape is a natural haven for many reptiles. The three main reptiles to be found here are lizards, chameleons and snakes. Nature lovers can enjoy watching these fascinating and rare creatures taking a sunbath on a hot stone or suddenly dashing across your path. One of the highlights though of the island has to be the breeding grounds of the infamous loggerhead turtles. Lara Beach is one of the very few beaches across Europe that these turtles build their nests on and is well worth a visit. You can sometimes see the turtles in the daytime swimming in the clear waters of the Mediterranean but in general the best time to see these beautiful specimen is at night, where guided tours are widely available.
Off the coast of Cyprus live about 260 different kinds of fish. The underwater reefs near the coast are also a delight for divers seeking different kinds of sponges, corals and sea anemones. The Mediterranean is a fascinating exploration adventure for many a snorkeller and diver and there are many rare species to see, these range from rays, starfish, octopus, moray eels and the star of the show is the kingfish. The crystal clear waters of the Med make this a very inviting experience.
Many European birds spend the winter here in Cyprus because of its mild climate. This east Mediterranean island is an ideal stopover for migrating birds on their way to Africa. There are also an awful lot of birds who come here in the spring for their breeding season and then stay on for the summer months. It is little suprise that there have been around 375 different kinds of birds counted in Cyprus. Ornithologists from all over the world come to admrie the rich bird life on the island, the best times seeming to be in the spring and autumn. There are several types of bird that people particularly come to see and they are the Scops Owl, Griffon Vulture, Hirundelle, Pied Wheatear, Fire Fronted Serin and Dead Sea Sparrow.