Butterflies - Wildlife

Apart from the birds migrant and indigenous (there is a very interesting partridge called Alectoris Chuvar) that you can see around VATERA, there is a wealth of other wildlife. Thee olive groves and the forests are the home of several small animals. Persian squirrels (looking like a cross between a Red and Grey Squirrel), scurry into the trees, with the occasional fox.





The Fox Vulpes Vulgaris is frequently seen. It is take through to feed near houses.

(Click on the photos below for a larger view)

Also keep a look out for tortoises crossing the paths.

In early spring the fields and roadsides are carpeted with wild flowers (especially poppies), attracting colourful butterflies and dragonflies along the tracks. The river in the western end of the beach is a good place to see theStripe-necked Terrapins. Although shy to start with, they often come to check you out, if you stand quietly.

Several types of lizards may be seen dashing across the pathways, along with the occasional snake. There are several species of snakes but only one poisonous species, the Vipera Xanthina. Don't worry too much - they are probably more frightened of you and they will want to make a quick exit. Most of the time the sea is calm. That's the time to look out to sea and observe shoals of Bottle-nosed and Common Dolphins, leaping out of the water, swimming close to the shore (mostly by the coast in St.Focas)