Plants and animals on Gavdos and why Gavdos nature is particularly worth protecting
- David Neumeyer
- 1 hour ago
- 4 min read
📖 Content
🌿 #1 The unique flora of Gavdos
🐾 #2 The wildlife of Gavdos
💚 #3 The nature of Gavdos needs protection!
#1: The unique flora of Gavdos
Gavdos is a botanical rarity in the Mediterranean - a small, wild island whose flora is characterised not only by its diversity but also by its rarity. Despite the drought in summer, the island is surprisingly green: vast pine and juniper forests characterise the landscape, with Pinus brutia (Calabrian pine) and Juniperus macrocarpa (large-fruited juniper) being particularly widespread. The latter can be found particularly on the coasts, where it sometimes forms bizarre, almost mystical forests.
Many of these junipers are several hundred years old - individual specimens can even reach an age of up to 1000 years. They grow extremely slowly, their gnarled trunks tell of the constant struggle for survival against wind, weather and lack of water. Parts may look dead on the outside, but the plant is often still alive - which makes it particularly worth protecting. Breaking off branches or stepping on the roots can lead to permanent damage.
In total, over 450 plant species have been identified on Gavdos - including many with African origins as well as some true endemic species, i.e. plants that only occur here. One prominent example is the beautiful ‘Gavdos lesser celandine’ (Bupleurum gaudianum), a delicate plant with delicate yellow flowers that grows exclusively on Gavdos. Another botanical speciality is the so-called ‘Beautiful Water Starwort’ (Callitriche pulchra), which only exists here outside of Africa.
#2: The wildlife of Gavdos
Even though the diversity of animal species on Gavdos is not very high, the island's wildlife plays an important role in the ecosystem - and deserves protection. You will look in vain for dangerous wild animals here. Instead, the landscape is characterised by domesticated goats and sheep, which often roam freely across the island and are unfortunately at the upper limit of what is possible in terms of numbers, as much of the vegetation is eaten by the animals. There is also a small, manageable cat population in Agios Ioannis to Lavrakas and Sarakiniko, as well as in Kastri. Locals and, above all, wild campers and drop-outs put their heart and soul into caring for the animals and often invest their last euros to provide food and medicine. If you would like to support the cats on Gavdos, you can do so here.
With a bit of luck, geckos and other small reptiles can be spotted. Two species of snake found on Gavdos - including the harmless cat snake - are not dangerous to humans. There are also scorpions, which like to hide between stones and are rarely seen. A sting is painful but not normally dangerous for humans. I spent over a year of my life on Gavdos and have only ever seen one scorpion. The variety of insects is particularly striking: Butterflies, bees, wasps, flies and cicadas can be found almost everywhere. These insects form an important food source and ensure the ecological balance of the island. Gavdos is also an important stopover for migratory birds travelling between Africa and Europe. It is not without reason that a research station for bird ringing has been set up on Gavdos, which tracks and analyses the population of migratory birds during the winter months. For those interested: the bird station is looking for volunteers every winter via Facebook!
The sea around Gavdos is also home to quite a few animals. Sea turtles such as the highly endangered Caretta caretta have their habitat here. If you're lucky, you might even spot dolphins off the coast. And a final highlight: Gavdos is home to small tortoises. I won't reveal their exact location here in order to protect the animals. But: Seek and ye shall find!
#3: The nature of Gavdos needs protection!
Everyone who comes to Gavdos must realise that the island's nature is unique and must therefore be specially protected. Everyone who comes to Gavdos has a responsibility to ensure that this special place is preserved in its beauty and uniqueness. Many of the island's plants are very rare and some are hundreds of years old. Some plants and animals are endangered.
Be grateful for what nature gives you! It deserves it. Let plants and animals live their lives in peace. Don't break off branches. Don't throw rubbish into the wild. Take everything you have brought back with you. It doesn't hurt to pick up rubbish if you find any. Avoid plastic bags, even if they are always offered in supermarkets. Plastic and plastic bags are one of the biggest problems for nature i n Greece. Throw plastic bottles into the designated containers. Special collection bins have been set up in the villages. Remove the plastic lids and dispose of them separately. Also try to save as much water as possible as the island is extremely dry. Avoid unnecessarily long showers.
Never forget that throughout Greece - especially on Gavdos - there is always a high risk of forest fires. Not a drop of rain falls for many months. Even the smallest spark is enough to start a large fire. It goes without saying that open fires are prohibited and cigarette butts must never be disposed of in nature.
We all have a responsibility to preserve the beauty of this place.
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