Summer Sampling in Cyprus (Part II)

24.07.2012

My Turkish-Cypriot friend, Professor Salih Gucel and I explored Cyprus' east coast to look at the Pediaios and other rivers and associated lagoons and wetlands. Around Ammochostos and Salamis I was impressed to see some rather extensive surviving wetland patches. As in many places on Mediterranean islands this area's wetlands are severely degraded and threatened - building, roading, dumping, water pollution from various urban effluents and water abstraction everywhere. In fact I think these are the most vulnerable wetland areas on Cyprus and they definately have an outstanding international interest that remains unrecognized.

Sometimes, discoveries can be made even at a wetland's life last minute...We made a fantastic re-discovery today: a small protected fish species, the Mediterranean Toothcarp, was relocated here. I was told by Dr. Andreas Demetropoulos that a population was known from this general area - but its current status was a total mystery. To be sure, we do not know exactly what species this Toothcarp belongs to. The taxon is usually ascribed to Aphanius fasciatus but its systematics and taxonomy on Cyprus have not been explored. I believe this population is an evolutionary significant relic that needs immediate attention. Here on the east coast, we managed to locate two populations - one at Silver Beach Lagoon, next to Ancient Salamis and another further south behind the subtropical azure beach of Glapsides. The first site is very fragmented and most of the water had evaporated - leaving the entire Aphanius population dead!  We estimated over 20 0000 dead fish- a remarkable mass death due their lagoon habitat shrinking away in the summer heat.  Aphanius is known to be found only on one more location on Cyprus, at the Akrotiri wetland west of Lemessos. So, here at Ammochostos - at beautiful Famagusta - we report an important conservation priority.  

All photos below taken by S.Gucel

Using Fry Net at Glapsides Lagoon - it was full of shrimp, dozens of Aphanius and two species of  Grey Mullet, plus a small eel. 

Silver Beach -Salamis Lagoon - most of it totally dry. Site of amazing mass deaths of over 20 000 Aphanius and hundreds of Grey Mullet.

Less than two weeks ago mass death of Aphanius - now salt encrusted on the muddy  flats left by the evaporating lagoon.

Finally! Living Aphanius. At Glapsides Lagoon.

One of the rarest and most endangered vertebrates on Cyprus : Common Eel (Anguilla anguilla), next to an Aphanius.

The most important known habitat for Aphanius in Eastern Cyprus: Glapsides Lagoon.

Neapolis Lagoon in the heart of Ammochostos - water is clear shallow and tiny islets have many waders - over 70 Black-winged Stilts present today. 

Agios Loukas freshwater lake, also in the heart of Ammochostos . Fantastic for birdlife - Glossy Ibis is breeding here as Night Heron, Cattle Egret. Many more.

Summer Sampling in Cyprus (Part I)

23.07.2012

Back in Cyprus.

We have been sampling in the rivers and streams since the 11th of July. Its a low-key, low-budget two man job (myself and Vassilis Hatzirvassanis). We worked well in conditions that are rather rare in Europe. Often braving 43 C conditions in the lowlands. Finally we added 32 new sites to our fish-amphibian-habitat monitoring. Its a great feeling - but also a feeling of total exhaustion.

This kind of research here is not something you do everyday on a consultancy - and we could not have done it without an amazing amount of help from local organizations and friends. I want to thank the Forestry Department for their hospitality at Platania (on Troodos) - I have said before that their managment of the forest parks here is exceptional and world-class.  My thanks to the Water Development Department, and also to the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research for tons of help, patience and good will. And thanks to 6 great friends who came out to volunteer and help us find water - and fishes. 


We had some very interesting discussions on conservation, ways of working together, things-to-do.


This morning we just sat watching the Sunfish and Big-mouth Bass with our binoculars at Xiliatos Dam and thought - wow...aliens are so beautiful!

I'll get back with photos soon. 

Wetland in a Desert: Jahra Pool Reserve, Kuwait.

Late May 2012. Jahra Pool Reserve, State of Kuwait. 

Last summer my friend Aris and I visited what I termed an "incredible small wetland" on Kuwait Bay: Jahra Pools Reserve (http://biodiversityeast.com/lib/summer-waterbirds-kuwait-bay). We went back one blistering hot morning on the 29th of May to have a look at the reserve in the company of the reserve supervisor, Mr. Khalid M. Al-Ghanem - one of Kuwait's best-known ornithologists. My friend Nancy and I were really impressed at the potential that this reserve has to offer. And important changes are taking place here. The area of the reserve will expand to cover approximately 20 Km2 - while it previously covered only 0.7 Km2. Water is being supplied from tertiary treated waste water and new pipe installations are being incorporated. Although a petroleum pipeline project has recently disturbed part of the reserve the mitigation measures may actually help re-order and expand protected wetland habitat. Of course, just like my last visit last year the place was incredibly bird rich - we tallied 30 species of birds in less than an hour visit (and we visited very late in the day: 10:30-11:15 am). I was impressed at the large numbers of nesting Black-winged Stilts and lots of late-present spring migratory birds (White-winged Terns, Golden Oriole, Red-necked Phalarope et. al.). The snapshots below show the general near-midday scene- including: a) huge expanses of recently flooded water bodies (shallow pools on the Sabkha salt flats); b) Tamarisk die-back probably due to salinization of the area's ground waters; c) specific traps and decoys used by poachers who frequently enter the reserve; and d) our wonderings with host Khalid Al-Ghanem who is extremely knowledgeable and was wonderfully hospitable to us. 

Expedition: Um Al Maradim Island Kuwait

Late May 2012 - There are still some little-explored places on this Planet. Poorly known, maybe overlooked, perhaps nearly forgotten - with respect to their biodiversity. During the last few days my friends Nancy Papathanasopoulou, Ali Alhafez and other members of our Biodiveristy East link in Kuwait have had the privilege of enjoying nature in this part of the world. The northern part of the Arabian Gulf is a unique ocean water body - and because it is in a part of the world with a turbulent recent history, nature exploration here is still at an embryonic stage. I feel so fortunate to have visited one of Kuwait's most exotic southern islets, Um Al Maradim. This place is not often visited by naturalists - being on the Saudi Arabian - Kuwait Border. With the assistance and generous support of the Kuwaiti Coast Guard we are getting a privileged opportunity to explore the wildlife riches of this "little slice of paradise". We visit to study and document nature - as volunteer naturalists. In the following snap shots I show the beaches, corals, some typical fish species (including an Orange-spot Travalley that we found recently dead), the amazing nesting colony of Bridled Terns, a migrant passerine (Willow Warbler), the unique islet desert vegetation, and the modern coast guard station that hosted us.

One of the most vulnerable natural aspects of the island is the breeding colony of Bridled Terns. If anyone who reads this ever visits the island please take care not to disturb these birds while they nest. They have no natural predators here, only humans. On our visit we went near the scattered colony in order to rapidly investigate, document this, and make a quick assessment. Ali Alhafez took pictures to use in his KEPS Volunteer Team conservation campaign. We were in a rush to go in the colony, document and leave quietly. Our friend, researcher Dr. James Bishop (Kuwait Institute of Scientific Research) has told me that the problem with visiting the nesting areas during breeding season is that the birds are displaced by the intruding people and leave the eggs exposed to the scorching desert sun. Unprotected eggs heat up about 1 C/minute.  So only minutes are necessary to result in thermal death of the chick embryos.  During the day, the parents "sit" on the eggs to keep them cool, not warm! So the colony needs protection from human intruders!

 I want to extend my deepest THANK YOU to the wonderful people in the Coast Guard, with the sincere hope that these subtropical seas will be protected by them and by the people of Kuwait - for the safeguarding of a globally important Natural Heritage. 

Many thanks!

Dr. Stam Zogaris

Research Travel on Cyprus

May 14th to May 19th 2012.

Again I find my self on my adopted research patch - Cyprus. Away from Athens, far to the East. Once and a while I get to guide resarch associates in the places we study. On this occasion I spent five days on the island - the first three with very good friends from Portugal: Professor Teresa Ferreira and Researcher Pedro Segurado. Next two days were spent with associates in Lefkosia and Lemessos. We discussed biodiversity strategy, mapped perrenial stream reaches, researched chemical pollution effects, visited some eel habitat, and discussed project proposals.

I'll soon post some photos of our activities, just to give an impression of the sort of work we naturalists get tied up in. It was another great trip. Thanks to all who participated!

Ecotourism: Evinos River Rafting

May 4, 2012. A day out with CYA students - rafting one of Greece's most beautiful springtime rivers, the Evinos. The rafting outfit is run by the very capable ALPIN CLUB at Hani Banias, very close to Nafpactos in Western Greece. Its about a 3.5 hour drive from Athens (just 45 minutes from Nafpactos). We left Athens by coach at 7:40 and after an easy drive (and a 20 min. provisions stop) were at Hani Banias at 11:30. Here the adventure begins! We first take a lessen in Rafting by the well-versed crew: Vassilis, Stavros, Alexandros and their local helper Lefteris. We help carry three rafts in the water and...then 22 students and two guides are out. I was leading with my good friend Vassilis Hatzirvassanis. He likes to draw, watch tadpoles, molest snakes, and basically is good at paddling. The university students had a great ride. 11 Kms of river, only up to 2 grade difficulty- totally safe. And as a bonus lots and lots of river swimming. After we got back at Camp we had a good lunch and took off to a nearby gorge for a ravine hike. A mystic Holm oak - Plane forest, again lots of tadpoles, slippery rocks, wild boar tracks. Back by nightfall at the river camp. Alpin Club thanks!

Sites: Kareas, Mount Hymettos, Athens

April 25th 2012. Walk with students up a hillside on Mount Hymettos, near the Monastery of Agios Ioannis of Kareas. It took us just a 15 minute taxi ride to get hear from the center of Athens. There is nature here. Simple, diverse, and an outdoor classroom for the students of Collage Year in Athens. All we needed were two hours - a simple loop walk. Some snapshots from our walk follow...

Start of the walk just beyond the Monastery - bright sun at about 17:00. 

A Euphorbia acanthothamnos - Greek Spiny Spurge. A typical plant of the Greek phrygana scrublands. 

Aleppo Pine forest. Woods existed on the mountain in the past - but the recent forests were planted after WWII. 

We studied the differences inside the forest. If felt different. Under rocks we say huge centipedes, spiders, some-one found a tortoise shell. We could have searched more. 

Beyond the forest was a huge burn - a recent fire had swept through. But it was full of life and regeneration. 

An amazing view of the city from the near-silence of the hills. The city is like a sea of buildings - and inside that sea are small parks and hillocks - islets.

Another spurge: Red Spurge Euphorbia characias. Exotic-looking but native.  Actually very few non-indigenous plants grow in this species-rich hillside.

Close look at the flowers - they vaguely resemble a Poinsettia's because they are both in the Euphorbia family. 

A delicacy: Wild Asparagus grows in the scrublands. We chose not to eat this specimen. Constraint is good. 

We climbed up above the city-scape. Higher up some plants were in full flower - the Asphodel.

Asphodel is one of the most widespread plants in the Phrygana and within the pine woods. This is a plant in the Lily Family - typical lily flowers. 

My friend, the Forester and Artist Vassilis Hatzirvassanis joined  us and helped guide us. Here he helped explain details  of the fire history of these slopes.

Successive fires leave a patchwork of woods, regenerating pine thickets, phrygana and  evergreen scrub thickets. If the pine tree-lets are burned before their cones mature they will not regenerate and scrubland will take over. 

Vegetation  dresses up the landscape - its alive and dynamic. People should accept fire - and its affects on the Mediterranean landscape: its not all that bad. And there is so much diversity because of fire! 

Helichrysum is a kind of 'Everlasting'growing on the dry rocky soils.  Many of the really most spectacular plants I did not photograph. It was like a rock gardent - but totally wild...

We saw a huge number of plnats in flower - some are special because they are scarce or are found only in a small part of Greece. This thistle - Centaurea raphanina is endemic to Greece.

Hatzirvassanis explain how the flower of Jerusalem Sage is pollinated. Ingeniously set brush on the flower dusts the  insect with pollen. 

A grasshopper. There were many insects out today about -mostly bees and wasps; only a very few butterflies. 

We sat on the forest floor on our descent. We contemplated what this place would have looked like 100 years ago. Beneath us was an old stone-built terrace, and land on this soil was cultivated - orchards, vinyeards right beside the monastery. 

Today its a forest. And most people may consider it static - it is ever-changing just like any cultural landscape in the Mediterranean. 

I think we had a nice day. Back at the parking lot of the Monastery at exactly 19:00. That's all it takes.