Alonissos: A Home for Rare Species

(GREEK NEWS AGENDA)   Many of Greece’s islands continue to provide shelter for some of the most precious species of the Mediterranean fauna and flora. At the Sporades complex of islands, off central Greece’s coast, lies Alonissos, an island, famous for the refuge it provides for the Mediterranean monk seal (monachus monachus).  Until recently, the island suffered a steady decline of population due to migration; however, the situation now is reversed thanks to the people’s willingness to preserve both the island’s popular tradition and wildlife.   The National Marine Park of Alonissos had a lot to do with the island’s revival. Being the first designated Marine Park in the country, it has now become the largest marine protected area in Europe. The park is open to visitors who wish to explore the island’s lush nature and approach areas –were permitted- for swimming, snorkelling and observation of the sea bed and wildlife, amateur photography and filming. 

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Rare Sea Fauna in Greece

(GREEK NEWS AGENDA)   Pelagos Cetacean Research Institute is a scientific non-profit organisation whose goal is the study and conservation of cetaceans (whales, dolphins, porpoises etc). Greek seas exhibit a remarkable diversity in cetacean fauna. The ecological importance of these creatures for society renders their conservation of immediate importance.  In South-Western Crete, the presence of sperm whales is related to the very steep underwater cliffs that exist near the coastline. At these depths, deep-living squids on which sperm whales feed, are abundant. Research has shown that Southern Crete is the only known area in the world where social groups (i.e. females and their offspring) and solitary males co-exist all year round. The most plausible explanation for this unique phenomenon is that living conditions in this area are ideal for sperm whales.

Greek Islands: Samos

(GREEK NEWS AGENDA)   Samos – an island with something for everyone: crystal clear waters, steep cliffs, wild canyons, waterfalls, gentle slopes with pastures, vineyards and wild orchids, villages with marvellous traditional houses, a rich fauna and flora, a unique atmosphere on one of the few islands that can lay claim to the hearts of those who love mountains as much as the beach. When on the island, one must visit Pythagorio, and archaeological hotspot: built on the ruins of the ancient city of Samos during the time of Polycrates, it condenses more than twenty-six centuries of history. Another place to visit is the Archaeological Museum, where exhibits are housed in two buildings.