Fauna

The geographical isolation of Crete from the continental regions of Europe, Asia and Africa has shaped a fauna with a distinctive insular character. High mountains, deep gorges, forests, phrygana, wetlands, caves and rugged coasts create a wide variety of habitats where characteristic, rare and endemic species survive. The invertebrate fauna is particularly rich, with many species having evolved in isolation and occurring only on Crete or even within a very limited part of the island.

However, the present-day terrestrial fauna is not a direct continuation of the island’s prehistoric fauna. The dwarf elephants, dwarf hippopotamuses and deer of the Pleistocene became extinct, while most of the terrestrial mammals living on Crete today arrived during the Holocene, several of them deliberately or accidentally introduced by humans. A notable exception is the endemic Cretan shrew, which is considered a surviving remnant of the island’s older fauna.

Among the most recognisable animals of the island is the Cretan ibex, a symbol of the White Mountains and the wild nature of Crete. Of particular scientific interest are also the mysterious Cretan wildcat, the bats of Crete and the many endemic invertebrates inhabiting the island’s mountains, gorges and caves.

From the mountains to the South Cretan Sea

The terrestrial mammals of Crete include, apart from the Cretan ibex, the Cretan badger, beech marten, least weasel, European hare, hedgehog, small rodents and numerous bat species. Important marine mammals live or pass through the seas surrounding the island, including the Mediterranean monk seal, sperm whale and several species of dolphins and whales.

Reptiles and amphibians complete the picture of Crete’s terrestrial fauna. The island is home to lizards, geckos, snakes that are not considered dangerous to humans, terrestrial and marine turtles, frogs and toads. Some have a restricted geographical distribution, including the Cretan wall lizard and the Cretan water frog. The waters around Crete also support a great variety of fish, ranging from small coastal species to large pelagic animals.

The birdlife of Crete

Crete’s geographical position along important migratory routes between Europe and Africa makes the island especially significant for birds. The birdlife of Crete includes birds of prey, seabirds, waterbirds and migratory species, as well as birds that remain and breed on the island throughout the year.

The mountains and gorges of Crete support one of the world’s most important insular populations of the griffon vulture. The bearded vulture is also of exceptional importance, as Crete supports the only breeding population of the species in Greece and one of the last remaining populations in southeastern Europe.

Myths and protection

The absence of large and particularly dangerous wild animals impressed the inhabitants of Crete even in antiquity. According to one tradition, Hercules cleared the island of dangerous animals to honour the birthplace of Zeus, while a later Christian tradition attributed the same phenomenon to the blessing of Paul the Apostle. These stories form part of the mythology and folk traditions of the island.

Despite its great natural wealth, many species are threatened by the destruction and fragmentation of their habitats, wildfires, poisoned bait, illegal killing, disturbance at breeding sites, pollution and climate change. Protecting the mountain ecosystems, wetlands, caves and coasts is essential for preserving the unique fauna of Crete.

Mammals

Crete’s long geographical isolation shaped a remarkable history for its mammals. During the Late Miocene, approximately 8–9 million years ago, large mammals lived in eastern Crete, including the giant proboscidean Deinotherium proavum, a distant relative of modern elephants, and the two-horned rhinoceros Dihoplus pikermiensis. Much later, during the Pleistocene, the island supported a different fauna of dwarf elephants, dwarf hippopotamuses and deer, which disappeared before the establishment of Crete’s present-day terrestrial mammals. Today the island is home to small insectivores and rodents, hares, hedgehogs, weasels, martens, badgers, wildcats, ibexes and numerous species of bats. A particularly important animal is the Cretan shrew (Crocidura zimmermanni), the only mammal species endemic to Greece and a surviving remnant of an older fauna. It occurs mainly in Crete’s three major mountain ranges, the White Mountains, Psiloritis and Dikti, usually at high elevations. Other characteristic animals of the island include the Cretan badger, locally called arkalos, the Cretan ibex and the elusive Cretan wildcat. The ibex, also known as agrimi, maintains its most important natural population in the White Mountains. The Cretan wildcat was considered extinct for many years until it was recorded again in 1996. Recent research has confirmed its presence in the White Mountains, Psiloritis and Dikti, although it remains one of the most difficult animals to observe in Crete. An important part of Crete’s mammalian fauna consists of its bats, which find shelter in the island’s numerous caves, gorges, old buildings and forests. Together with the Cretan shrew and other small mammals, they play an essential role in the functioning of the island’s ecosystems. The absence of large carnivores such as bears, wolves and jackals attracted attention even in antiquity. According to an old myth, Hercules cleared Crete of dangerous animals to honour the birthplace of Zeus. Later traditions attributed the island’s protection from harmful animals to the blessings of Apostle Paul.

Amphibians

The climate of Crete is generally dry and warm, while the strongly seasonal rainfall significantly limits suitable habitats for amphibians. Springs, rivers, lakes, small wetlands, pools and other sites with permanent or seasonal water provide valuable refuges, particularly during the breeding season. Despite the limited extent of these wet habitats, Crete is home to three native amphibian species. Particularly notable is the Cretan water frog (Pelophylax cretensis), an endemic species found exclusively on Crete. It inhabits rivers, streams, springs, lakes, marshes and other freshwater habitats. Its main threats today include wetland drainage and pollution, residential and tourism development, climate change and the introduction of non-native species. The island is also home to the European tree frog (Hyla arborea), which often hides among dense vegetation near water, and the European green toad (Bufotes viridis), which is more tolerant of dry conditions and can even be found near settlements. The American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus), an invasive non-native species, has also become established in Lake Agia near Chania. This large amphibian competes with and preys on native animals, and its presence has been linked to the severe decline of the lake’s Cretan water frog population. Protecting small wetlands and preventing the release of non-native species are essential to conserving Crete’s limited but particularly important amphibian fauna.

Reptiles

Crete’s geographical isolation has shaped a reptile fauna with relatively few species, but considerable scientific interest. Turtles, snakes, lizards and geckos inhabit a variety of environments across the island, from coasts and wetlands to scrublands, dry-stone walls and mountainous areas. The loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) nests on Crete’s sandy beaches, with important nesting areas in Rethymno, Chania and the Gulf of Messara. The Balkan terrapin (Mauremys rivulata) inhabits freshwater environments, finding refuge in rivers, lakes and other wetlands. Among the island’s lizards, the Cretan wall lizard (Podarcis cretensis) stands out as a species endemic to Crete and neighbouring islets. Barton’s thin-toed gecko (Mediodactylus bartoni), a small reptile found mainly in rocky habitats, is also endemic. The ocellated skink, despite local beliefs that it is venomous, is harmless and has no venom. The starred agama (Laudakia stellio, synonym Stellagama stellio), a large lizard with a distinctive spiny appearance, has also been recorded in the Sitia area. The local population is considered to result from human introduction and represents an addition to the island’s reptile fauna. Crete’s snakes are not considered dangerous to humans. Even the European cat snake (Telescopus fallax), which is venomous and has fangs at the rear of its upper jaw, is considered harmless to humans. Reptiles are an integral part of the island’s ecosystems, and their conservation depends on protecting their habitats and preventing deliberate killing.

Avifauna (Birds of Crete)

Crete lies along important migration routes between Europe and Africa. Each spring and autumn, many birds use the island’s wetlands, coastal areas and other habitats to rest and feed. Meanwhile, its mountains, gorges, scrubland, farmland and small islets support resident and breeding birds. Birds of prey hold a special place in Crete’s birdlife. The bearded vulture, locally known as kokalas, the griffon vulture, the golden eagle and Bonelli’s eagle are among the island’s characteristic species. Steep cliffs and gorges provide nesting sites, while open landscapes offer important feeding grounds. The Asterousia Mountains are an important area for birds of prey, providing nesting sites for griffon and bearded vultures. Small wetlands, river mouths and coastal areas are equally valuable to other groups of birds, particularly during migration. Birdwatching offers a way to discover this diversity, from large mountain raptors to waterbirds and small birds at lower elevations. Conserving their habitats and avoiding disturbance, especially near nests and colonies, are essential for their protection.

Marine Mammals

The seas around Crete support a remarkable variety of marine mammals, from the Mediterranean monk seal, which finds refuge along remote coasts and in sea caves, to dolphins and large cetaceans of the open sea. The relationship between the people of Crete and these animals dates back to antiquity, as demonstrated by the famous Minoan depictions of dolphins at Knossos. Unlike fish, marine mammals breathe through lungs, give birth to live young and nurse them with milk. The bottlenose dolphin is mainly encountered in coastal waters around Crete, while the deeper open waters are also inhabited by the striped dolphin, the short-beaked common dolphin and Risso’s dolphin. Other species, such as the fin whale, occur more rarely or occasionally in the wider region. The Hellenic Trench, a deep submarine system extending along western and southern Crete, is of particular importance. It constitutes one of the most significant habitats of the endangered Mediterranean population of the sperm whale, as well as an important area for Cuvier’s beaked whale, an elusive cetacean capable of exceptionally deep dives. Sperm whales use this region for feeding and reproduction and to raise their calves, giving the Hellenic Trench international importance for marine mammal conservation. These animals are threatened by collisions with large vessels, entanglement in fishing gear, underwater noise, pollution and the ingestion of plastics. Ship strikes are among the most serious causes of mortality for the sperm whales of the Hellenic Trench. Their survival depends both on protecting their essential habitats and on reducing human pressures in the Greek seas.

Fish of Crete

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Crete is located in the middle of the South East Mediterranean sea and abounds in fish species. Here we present a list of the most commonly met fish of Crete. This can be a valuable guide for snorkellers, so as to recognize the fish they see while snorkeling.

Natural History Museum of Crete

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The Natural History Museum of University of Crete demonstrates with an impressive and innovative manner the natural environment of the eastern Mediterranean with a special emphasis on Greece and Crete.

Fauna

Bird Watching

Whales in Crete?

Bats

Fauna

From the mountains to the South Cretan Sea

The birdlife of Crete

Myths and protection

Mammals

Amphibians

Reptiles

Avifauna (Birds of Crete)

Marine Mammals

Fish of Crete

Natural History Museum of Crete