SUMMER 2005.qxd

10
A
lthough Cyprus is
boasted for its
summer season
and seen as an
escapade for those
living in the colder regions of
the world, Spring is when the
beauty of this island speaks for
itself. No matter where you
are on the island, when Spring is in the air, the sun
shines in the sky but at the perfect temperature when
you neither feel cold or hot. As early as you wake up
in the morning and open your window, a cool breeze
will brush your skin and the chirping of the birds will
bring music to your ears. If you are lucky enough to
be in the countryside, you are able to hear the local
rooster crowing only to remind you that it is time to
wake up to a new Spring day. A large variety of berries
are now available and accompany a lot of peoples'
breakfast. Driving or even walking to work can now
be enjoyed as the winter rain has gone and you can
smell the countless aromas of the flowers that are
blooming in every single garden you pass by.
The Cyprus landscape displays a great variety
of styles. It has a very rich animal and plant life. More
than 1750 different kinds of plants are grown on this
small island. The calm Mediterranean climate and
Cyprus' position at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and
Africa explain this great diversity of species. Cyprus
is an extremely interesting place for nature lovers and
has all the attributes, making it a botanist's paradise.
Cyprus is used by millions of birds as a stepping stone
during their migration from Europe to Africa and
back, something that has been observed since
Homeric times. The main reason for this is the
existance of two wetlands on the island, with unique
and international importance, namely the Larnaca
and Akrotiri salt lakes. Many birds come here in
Some of the Limassol office staff with Mrs. Christiane E. Oldendorff,
Chairman of the Supervisory Board, at the Spring lunch.
NORD NEWS Summer 2005
Spring for the breeding season. Little surprise then
that there have been around 375 different kinds of
birds counted on our island. Ornithologists from all
over the world come to admire the rich bird life
during this season.
The forests of Cyprus have a lot to show for
during Spring. The fauna of Troodos reflects the rich
flora of these mountains and the wide spectrum of
habitats it has. Here one can spot butterflies and
damselflies as well as many bird species not found
elsewhere on the island. There are endemic lizards
and snakes. Freshwater crabs and frogs can be found
in several of the mountain streams. On Troodos
many plants flower late in spring, well after the snow
has melted. Rosy-purple flowered Peonies can be
found near Prodromos and in the forest in Madhari
and Papoutsa.
The Akamas Peninsula located at the
westernmost tip of the island, is the most isolated and
unspoilt area of Cyprus. It is said to have been named
after the hero Akamas who returned to Cyprus after
the Trojan war and founded the city of Akamanitis.
The Akamas is famous for its abundance of flora and
fauna. It boasts 600 different plant species and over
100 different types of birds, mammals and reptiles as
well as many butterflies. It has a rich historical and
cultural heritage. People have lived here since the
Stone Age and evidence of settlements can be found
near the deserted village of Androlikou. There are
Greek and Roman remains at Pampelon, Portrypetos
and Agnades near Neo Chorio. The vegetation of
most of Akamas is characteristic of the Mediterranean
shrub forests known as Maquis. Green turtles still
nest on its beaches and the occasional Monk
Seal is still sighted
there. Species such
as the endemic
Cyprus Whitetoothed
Shrew,
hedgehogs, hares
and foxes can be
found here. Several
species of bats
shelter in caves in
the area. In general
the Akamas region
includes substantial
near virgin habitats
A Spring view from the
Limassol office window