Flora and Fauna of Cyprus: Discover the island’s unique biodiversity

Cyprus is one of the biodiversity hotspots of the Eastern Mediterranean. Situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa, the island supports an exceptional variety of plants, mammals, birds and marine life. Its diverse habitats, from mountain forests to coastal wetlands, are home to many endemic species found nowhere else.

Forests of Cyprus

Forests cover approximately 17% of Cyprus and are concentrated mainly in the Troodos and Pafos mountain ranges.

The dominant tree species include the Cyprus pine (Pinus brutia), the Black pine (Pinus nigra), the Cyprus cedar (Cedrus brevifolia), the Golden oak (Quercus alnifolia), the Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo), etc.

Mountain valleys also support plane trees, alder and maple, while coastal regions such as the Akamas Peninsula are characterised by juniper species.

Mediterranean Shrublands

Outside the forests, Cyprus is covered by two characteristic Mediterranean vegetation types:

Maquis

Dense evergreen shrubland including myrtle, rosemary, oleander and strawberry tree.

Garrigue

Open limestone scrub dominated by thyme, lentisk, capers and other aromatic drought-resistant plants. These habitats support many pollinators and reptiles.

Wildlife of Cyprus

Cyprus hosts a rich variety of wildlife despite its relatively small size.

The Cyprus mouflon is the island’s only large wild mammal and is one of Cyprus’ most recognizable conservation success stories.

Cyprus also lies on one of the world’s major migration routes for birds between Europe and Africa. Every spring and autumn, hundreds of bird species pass through the island, particularly around the Larnaka, Akrotiri salt lakes as well as in the Akamas peninsula. These wetlands are internationally important habitats.

Marine Life is also important. Cyprus’ coastal waters support fish species, crabs, sea sponges and echinoderms such as sea stars and sea urchins.

The Mediterranean monk seal and nesting sea turtles are also among the island’s protected marine species.

Why Cyprus is a biodiversity hotspot

The combination of Mediterranean climate, the varied geology and the strategic geographical location has created exceptional ecological diversity.More than 1,900 plant species occur in Cyprus, including many endemic plants found nowhere else in the world.

SELAS has produced numerous environmental studies and publications covering biodiversity, habitats, protected areas and environmental management across Cyprus.

Learn more about Cyprus’fauna and flora in our publication Touring Guide of Cyprus