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Animals on Cyprus Island has been subject of continuous study by the zoologists of the world. The island of Cyprus disconnected to any other landmass is home to an amazing animal population including mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians, insects, etc. The first mammals ever to inhabit the island were the elephant and hippopotamus.
The number of mammals living on land is small, only 7 species exist. Land mammals include various species of bats, shrews, mice etc. The largest land mammal of Cyprus is the Moufflon, an endemic species of sheep. The mammals living in the sea include the rare Monk Seal, the different kinds of Whales and Dolphins, etc. The waters surrounding Cyprus forms home to numerous fish species as well.
The reptiles form an important part of the animals on Cyprus Island. Of these, the most famous species are the turtles which breed on the beaches, namely the Green Turtle and the Loggerhead Turtle. Many of the snake species of the island of Cyprus are endemic to the place. Only one kind of snake of Cyprus is poisonous enough to harm any human being.
The amazingly rich and varied bird life feature as an integral part of the fauna of Cyprus. Among the 357 species of birds observed in and around the Cyprus island many are migratory ones stopping there for a short period of time. The number of bird species found only in this region number up to 10. The birds of prey living in Cyprus are fascinating. The list of the birds of prey include the Imperial Eagle, Eleonora's Falcon, Levant Sparrowhawk, etc.
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