Filenews 7 April 2021 - by Dora Christodoulou
Students of The Apostle Paul High School in Paphos, within the framework of the program "Young Journalists for the Environment", have prepared a study that focuses on both issues of protection of the biodiversity of our island, as well as sustainability.
The study of Nikolinas Sergidou, Konstantinas Fragou, Eleanas Charalambous and Aphrodite Hatzieikonomou, under the guidance and supervision of their professor Maria Giannakou, points out that Cyprus has an incredible and unique biodiversity that is a valuable heritage for all its inhabitants. Unfortunately, however, many of our species of fauna are in danger of disappearing, as has already been done in the past, it is stressed, where animals that have lived in the past in our country do not exist today, such as elephants and hippos. Animals that exist in other countries and we see them in pictures, in parks, on trips and we admire them and yet once they existed here on our island, highlight the children in their study.
"However, remaining today, the biodiversity of our island remains valuable," they point out. "Cyprus as an island is geographically isolated and this has given the opportunity to many animals and plants, who have managed to reach here, diversify and evolve into new species. Also, the geographical position of Cyprus between three continents has led to the formation of a distinct species composition compared to other European countries. Cyprus is home to several species of Asian or African origin that are not found in other European countries. In addition, it is one of the most important migratory corridors of species. In our effort to understand the importance of the biodiversity of our island and to discover the beautiful already in our country, we spoke with members of the organization MEDASSET which has as its concern the protection and conservation of various species living on land and in the Mediterranean seas. As they explained to us, the fauna of Cyprus is of great interest since it has many endemic elements, as well as species with very limited spread. On the island there are 30 species of mammals, 19 of which are bats. There are about 400 species of birds and 22 species of reptiles, of which a snake and a lizard are endemic to the island, while two species of sea turtles lay their eggs on the beaches of Cyprus. Some 6000 species of insects and other invertebrates have been recorded with 52 recorded species of butterflies, three of which are endemic.
The most important species of marine fauna in the maritime areas of Cyprus are the Mediterranean seal, the species of sea turtle caretta-caretta and green turtle and the dolphin dolphin. There are also about 300 species of fish, of which several are endangered."
In their study, the students of the High School of Apostle Pavlos Paphos point out in particular that as is apparent from the medasset officials, it is very important to contribute to the conservation of all wildlife species both on land and at sea, as they are an integral link in the chain of ecosystems in which they live.
One of the most important species of Cypriot fauna, mentioned in the study of children, is of course the wild, the most characteristic mammal of the island. "It is a species of wild sheep and is found only in Cyprus. It is believed that it may be a wild descendant of sheep of Asian origin brought to the island by prehistoric people about 9,000 - 8,000 years ago. The other version is that the wildebeest have always been here on the island. Wild boar is a strictly protected species in Cyprus.
Also, the Cypriot fox is an important species that lives on our island. It belongs to the species red fox and is the largest predator we have in Cyprus and is famous for its cunning and intelligence. The presence of the fox on our island exceeds 6,000 years. It is quite possible that the fox was brought to the island from our neighbouring countries by the Neolithic people, and they missed it by returning to its wild. The fox because it is the largest predator of our country has no natural enemies other than humans. Although it is currently a protected species in Cyprus under great pressure from illegal hunting and poisons, dozens are also killed daily on the roads by cars and accidents.
Very important is the Cypriot snake, where it is found only in Cyprus and is not poisonous. It's a very thin snake with a length of up to one meter. It usually lives in places with dense vegetation which are close to streams, rivers and streams. It was originally spotted in forested areas but appears to have a wider spread. It feeds on small mammals, lizard frogs and large insects. It is a rare species and has been declared "Cyndion" by the IUCN and is protected by a European Directive and by Cypriot law."
The study of the four schoolgirls points out in particular that the seas of the island also hide several treasures, such as the green turtle and the turtle caretta- caretta.
"As a member of MEDASSET pointed out to us," they say, "sea turtles are also a very symbolic species of our planet for two main reasons. The first is that they exist in him over 100 million years, forming a living part of his history. The second is that sea turtles live in the sea but are born and give birth on land, so their lives depend equally on the terrestrial and marine environment, as is the case with us humans."
But all of these species are under immediate threat, the study says. The main threats they face are marine pollution, fisheries, climate change, trade and captivity, coastal construction and tourism, garbage and sewage, the use of pesticides and herbicides, fires.
Biodiversity in Cyprus can and must be protected in many ways, concludes the students of The Apostle Paul High School. Firstly, they stress, citizens must be informed and made aware so that they can be actively involved in the protection and conservation of biodiversity. The state must impose tougher penalties on those who endanger the island's ecosystems. In addition, the protected areas of the island must be properly managed and preserved. In addition, in any areas where biodiversity has been altered and destroyed, immediate restoration must be carried out.
"With perseverance and collegiality we can preserve the rich biodiversity of our Cyprus".
