Fauna in Crete

Crete has a varied bird life both resident and transient species, making the island an eldorado for bird watchers. Rare hawks migrate from Africa to nest on small offshore islands.

The mountains are the domain of the buzzard and large vultures. The rare bearded vulture which is threatened with extinction can be seen in the Samaria Gorge. A wide range of other species is to be found all over the island.

Most of Crete’s mammal wildlife has been hunted into extiction. Crete’s most famous animal is the Kri Kri a wild mountain goat, and can be found in the Samaria gorge. Wild cats are said to roam on the island but this is thought to be a legend told by the shepherds, the only proof so far is in 1996 a cat weighing over 5 kg, was caught in a trap, but has never been proved if this was a truly wild cat or domesticated cat running wild. No other sightings have been made, so this still remains a legend.

Loggerhead Turtles are to be found on the beaches around Chania, Rethtmnon and in the Mesara Gulf. The turtles make nests on the beaches during the summer months, due to the host of tavernas and hotels being built close to the beach, the safety of these nesting sites have become an issue of concern.

The female turtles are easily stressed and in this state they will not lay any eggs. When the turtles hatch during the night they find the sea by the reflection of the moon, but due to the myriad of lights along the sea front they get confused and disoriented. The Turtle Protection Society has the following advice to tourists,

Do not leave rubbish on the beach; plastic bags etc. can be fatal for the young turtles.

Do not handle young turtles as they make there way to the sea.
Keep of the beach at night during May and October.

Respect all wild life on the island; do not disturb any nests or sites used by the wild life.