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Flora & Fauna |
There are over 2,000 different plant species in Crete of which approximately 10% are indigenous to the island. The Cretan flora is especially rich in herbal and pharmaceutical plants like oregano and thyme. Many of these plants are collected, dried and sold locally or overseas. There is also a huge variety of flowers in Crete, like tulips, orchids and cyclamen. The blossoming period lasts for more than 6 months (March to September) due to the favourable climate and terrain. In addition, Crete is the most northern point on the globe where some African trees are encountered like cedar and palm. In fact, the tropical palm forest at Vai on the Islands east coast is the only natural one in Europe.The fauna of Crete like its flora is also quite varied. There are certain subspecies of animals that are indigenous only in Crete like the local wild goat the kri-kri and the Cretan tree frog. The bird life is extensive and includes a number of subspecies of the common hawk. The sea life is fairly varied and certain beaches in the south of the island offer protection to the endangered caretta-caretta sea turtle.
| Kri-kri: A Cretan Icon |
One of the emblems of Crete is the kri-kri or Cretan goat. The local population often refer to them as “agrimi” for the male or “sanada” for the female. The Kri-kri is impressive-looking, with a light brownish coat, a darker band around its neck and two horns swept back from the head. They are shy and rest during the day and can leap some distance or climb seemingly sheer cliffs. In the wild they are rarely seen and few locals have seen themexcept in zoos. The kri-kri is thought to have been imported to Crete from the Greek mainland during Minoan times. However, nowadays it is only found on Crete and three small offshore islands. Inancient times it is believed that the kri-kri was worshiped and wall paintings depicting the animal have been found. During World War II it was hunted by mountain guerrillas as it was one of the few sources of meat available. By 1960 the kri-kri was under threat with numbers below 200. In order to protect it hunting was strictly prohibited and Samaria Gorge, where it is still found, became a national park. By the 1990’s the numbers of kri-kri had partially recovered to about 2,000 animals. Unfortunately they are still considered vulnerable as hunters continue to seek them for their tender meat, their grazing grounds have become more scarce and they have been affected by desease. In addition, Hybridization is a threat as their gene pool is mingled with ordinary goats. |
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