WILDLIFE IN NORTH CYPRUS
With an average of only 51 people per square kilometre, North Cyprus holds the enviable reputation of being relatively free of pollution, industry or high concentrations of population. And with 387 km of coastline and pine, cypress and marquis covered hillsides; Northern Cyprus is something of a haven for wildlife.
Northern Cyprus plays host to over 1600 plant species of which 22 are endemic, 350 species of birds, of which 7 are endemic, and 26 different species of reptile and amphibian. The two main reasons for this amazing diversity are, firstly, that
North Cyprus was not affected by the last ice-age (which wiped out many species from areas further North), and secondly, that
North Cyprus forms a resting, and nesting, station for birds migrating between Africa and Eastern Europe .
Wild Donkeys Of Karpas Region In North Cyprus
Idle donkeys that
live in the tranquil parts of the Karpas peninsula have
become commonly known as "free donkeys" and they have
been taken under protection in the recent years. The
number of the donkeys was some thousands in the past,
but today 400-500 of them enjoy the most remote and
natural corner of North
Cyprus. Their colours are grey, brown a nd mainly black.
Some guides taking
place in the excursions to the region perform contests;
the first participant of the tour who will spot one of
these free donkeys and show it to the tour-mates is
prized by a bottle of North Cyprus.
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