Fauna of Serifos
Fauna of Serifos
Mammals
The fauna of somewhat large terrestrial mammals in Serifos is confined to the marten (Martes foina) and the hedgehog (Erinaceus roumanicus). Other species include the usual rodents, insects and bats of the Cyclades.
Of greater importance is the presence of marine mammals, such as the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) and several species of dolphins.
Birds
The avifauna is more interesting, as beside the birds of the phrygana and the meadows, one will find some birds of prey, either residents, such as the Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), nesting, such as the Eleonora's falco (Falco eleonorae), or migrants, like the European honey buzzard (Pernis apivorus) and the Short-toed eagle (Circaetus gallicus).
In the two noteworthy wetlands of the island, in Platys Gialos marshes and Tsilipaki lagoon, one could observe an important number of waterfowl species, such as Great egret (Ardea alba) and Little egret (Egretta garzetta). In the different seasonal marshes one could spot species of birds living near the water and at the same time tolerant of human presence, as these areas are surrounded or adjacent to residential areas.
In the small streams flowing to the beaches (eg in Livadi) we can see typical species of this zone, such as the Dunlin (Calidris alpina) and the Wood sandpiper (Tringa glareola). Finally, in the Spring, in the various streams and ponds we can see a Quail, a Eurasian woodcock, or a Common snipe.
Reptiles and amphibians
The lizards are represented by the two common Aegean lizards, the Erhard's wall lizard (Podarcis erhardii) and the Balkan green lizard (Lacerta trilineata), as well as the Snake-eyed Skink (Ablepharus kitaibelii).
Numerous Kotschy's geckos (Mediodactylus kotschyi) are hiding in the dry stone walls, while in old churches, ruined huts and rocky spots we can watch the peculiar Mediterranean house gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus).
Amphibians are confined to two species, the Greek marsh frog (Pelophylax kurtmuelleri) and the European green toad (Bufotes viridis). In the wetlands and on the banks of the Steno Reservoir we can easily see Balkan terrapin (Mauremys rivulata).
Dice Snake (Natrix tessellata), Caspian whipsnake (Dolphophis caspius), European cat snake (Telescopus fallax) and Leopard snake (Zamenis situla) have also been recorded. Note that the notorious Milos viper (Macrovipera schweizeri), which lives in neighboring Sifnos, does not exist in Serifos.
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