| Cyprus Mediterranean forests |
.jpg) |
.jpg) |
.jpg) |
.jpg) |
.jpg) |
This ecoregion encompasses the island of Cyprus (9,251 km2) in the Eastern Mediterranean, and includes lowlands, hills, and the Troodos Mountains (up to 1,950 m). Climate varies from the warm and semiarid in the lowlands (average annual precipitation < 300 mm) to the cold and humid in the mountains (up to 1,100 mm of rainfall). The lowest elevations are dominated by sclerophyllous evergreen and semi-deciduous oak forests (Quercus coccifera and Q. infectoria), juniper and cypress woodlands (Cupressus sempervirens and Juniperus phoenicea), and maquis shrublands. Pine and oak forests (of Pinus brutia and Q. alnifolia respectively) are found in the mid-elevations, as well as few remaining mature stands of the endemic Cyprus Cedar (Cedrus brevifolia). These are replaced by Pinus nigra var. caramanica and Juniperus foetidissima at the highest elevations.
Flora comprises 1,750 species (128 species, ca. 7%, are endemic). Nearly 75 species of birds breed on the island, including the endemic Cyprus Warbler (Sylvia melanothorax); the island is also an important stopover for millions of migratory birds. The Cyprus Moufflon (Ovis orientalis ophion or Ovis gmelini var.) is generally considered the island’s endemic, but it may have originated from an ancient introduction of Moufflon (O. gmelini) from elsewhere. Two endemic rodents (Acomys nesiotes and Mus cypriacus) are likely subspecies of the closely related continental species.
Cyprus’s forests have been cleared and exploited for timber for millennia, and presently cover ca. 18% of the former extent (mainly above 1,000 m). These are further degraded by domestic goats and intentional fires, often transforming into shrublands. Poor soils make restoration a very slow process.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)