Environment

Today, desertification, often the result of deforestation and soil erosion, threatens much of the world's land surface. In Cyprus trees have been felled for shipbuilding and there has also been over-grazing by animals. Another important environmental issue is the problem of water supplies.

Despite these environmental difficulties Cyprus has a variety of flora. Trees include cypresses, eucalyptus, juniper, oak, olive, plane and pines; flowers are flowering bulbs, cyclamen, cistus, chrysanthemums, orchids, poppies and thyme.

Urbanisation has led to a decrease in wildlife habitats although there are still a few moufflon (wild sheep) which is Cyprus' largest animal. Small creatures are bats, lizards, chameleons, geckos, tree frogs, snakes, and praying mantids. Loggerhead turtles lay their eggs on the beach at Lara; there are also green turtles and monk seals (Akamas Peninsula). Birds include birds of prey such as falcons and eagles. The Salt Lakes near Larnaka and Limassol are home to migrating birds and flamingoes in the cooler season of the year.