Anogia - Zominthos - Zominthos - Nida

Fauna

Altitude and temperature are factors that influence fauna. The classification of animals and birds living in Crete and, more specifically in Rethymno, is made based on altitude zones. In the coastal area and the rocky shores one can find the famous Seagull (Larus genei) and Vulture (Falco Eleonore), On sandy beaches, the caretta - caretta sea turtle lays its eggs. In the plains, valleys and low hills, one can find rabbits, bats, weasels, porcupines, a kind of fox (Mustela nivalis ssp galinthias), horseshoe bats (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum), Rhinolophus hiposideros, badgers (Meles meles ssp arcalus), wild mice (Apodeus sylvaticus-creticus), flies (Crocidura suaveolens) and birds, such as sparrows (Passer domesticus), goldfinches (Carduelis carduelis), swallows (Delichon urbica), crows (Corvus corone), finches (Fringila coelembs) etc. The same animal species are more frequently found in hilly areas, where there are still some kinds of raptors, such as ravens (Corvus corax) and blackbirds (Turbus merula).

In the mountainous zone, we can also find lammergeyers (Gyapetus barbatus), as well as the above mentioned birds. Also, the rare wild goat lives there (Capra aegagrus) and the Cretan wild cat (Felix silvestris).

In spring, one might see flocks of migrant birds flying towards Europe. Local population mainly consists of warblers, skylarks and goldfinches but there are also eagle species and other raptors.

In the area around Rethymno, some species of amphibians and reptiles have been noticed, such as green toads (Bufo viridis), tree frogs (Hyla arborea), lake frogs (Rana cretensis), green lizards (Lacerta trilineata ssp polylepidota), Aegean lizards (Podarcis erhardii), house snakes (Elaphe situla) and saint's snakes (Telescopus falax). Moreover, there are twenty lepidopteron species in the area: Iphiclides podalirius, Papilio machaon, Pierisbrasicae, Pieris rapae, Euchloe ausonia, Gonepteryx cleopatra, Leptidea sinapis, Lycaena phlaeas, Lampides boeticus, Celastrina argiolus, Aricia agestis, Polyommatus icarus, Nymfalis polychloros, Vanessa atalanta, Cyrinthia cardui, Polygonia aegea, Parange aegeria, Carcharodus alceae, Thymelicus aeteon and Gegenew pumilio. These are species living in genista and bushy areas and caves.

Protected bird species living in the Prefecture of Rethymno

Lammergeyer (Gypaetus barbatus)

Until the beginning of the century, the Lammergeyer was quite common in all mountains of continental Greece and on some big islands, such as Rhodes. In the ‘80s, it is estimated that there were about 35 couples, 12 of which lived in Crete. The Hellenic Ornithological Association tries for its survival.

Carrion buzzard (Gyps fulvus)

Prassano gorge is an important place for the carrion buzzard to find food. There are mountainous genista places and sparse forests at this location. A number of these birds can be seen together often, especially in the summer. Both in the gorge and around it, there are places for this species to nest. Birds make habitations and nest on the periphery of the island near flock shelters. This way they avoid adverse weather conditions and are closer to their prey.

War eagle (Aquila chrysaetos ssp homeyeri)

The wider area of Psiloreitis comprises four war eagle regions. At Prassano gorge this species appears rarely. There is intense chasing of this bird by humans and the only fact that saves this species is the relevant abundance of food (mostly grouses) and the existence of new birds that cover the needs of adult birds.