Wildlife in Cyprus
Wondering where to see wildlife in Cyprus? At Cyherbia Botanical Park, nature has created its own thriving ecosystem filled with birds, insects, reptiles, and small mammals living among the herb gardens and woodland paths.
As you walk through the botanical park, you may spot lizards sunbathing on stones, birds nesting in the trees, butterflies dancing through the gardens, and even shy nocturnal creatures hidden beneath the hedgerows.
Updated January 2023.
Meet the Shrew – One of Cyprus’ Hidden Wildlife Wonders
At first glance, many visitors ask:
“Is it a mouse? A mole? Something else?”
It’s a shrew — one of the smallest and busiest mammals found in Cyprus.
Shrews are tiny insect-eating mammals with:
- Very fast metabolisms
- Excellent senses of smell
- Poor eyesight
- Endless energy
They spend most of their lives searching for insects, worms, slugs, and spiders hidden beneath leaves and soil.
Shrews are incredibly important for natural ecosystems because they help control insect populations in gardens and woodlands.
One of the cutest things about shrews is how mothers move their babies in a procession, with each baby holding onto the tail of the one in front.
Fascinating Facts About Shrews
1. Their Hearts Beat Extremely Fast
Some shrews can have heartbeats of up to 800 beats per minute.
2. They Eat Constantly
Shrews need to eat almost their own body weight every day to survive.
3. They Are Easily Startled
Some species may jump, faint, or freeze when frightened by sudden sounds.
4. The Etruscan Shrew Is Tiny
The Etruscan shrew is considered the world’s smallest terrestrial mammal.
5. They Help the Gardens
The shrews at Cyherbia help naturally manage insects and slugs throughout the park.
Other Wildlife in Cyprus
Cyprus is home to a surprising variety of wildlife, including:
- Hedgehogs
- Birds of prey
- Lizards
- Snakes
- Butterflies
- Spiders
- The Cyprus mouflon
At Cyherbia, hedgehogs regularly wander through the woodland areas during the night searching for insects and food.
The Rarest Animal in Cyprus
One of the rarest animals in the world is found in the Mediterranean waters around Cyprus.
The Mediterranean monk seal is considered one of the world’s most endangered marine mammals, with only a small population remaining in the Mediterranean region.
Bird Watching in Cyprus
Cyprus is also an important stop for migrating birds.
During spring and autumn, visitors may spot the colourful European bee-eater passing through the island.
These beautiful birds feed on flying insects such as:
- Bees
- Dragonflies
- Beetles
- Wasps
- Hornets
In collaboration with BirdLife Cyprus, nesting boxes for owls and wild birds have been placed throughout the woodland at Cyherbia Botanical Park.
Are There Dangerous Animals at Cyherbia?
Many visitors ask whether the park has dangerous wildlife.
The answer is no — the wildlife at Cyherbia is harmless and naturally avoids humans.
You may see:
- Lizards
- Butterflies
- Bees
- Dragonflies
- Birds
The lizards in particular are playful, fast, and fascinating to watch. They help the ecosystem by eating insects and are an important part of the park’s natural balance.
Experience Nature at Cyherbia
At Cyherbia Botanical Park, visitors can experience the beauty of Cyprus wildlife while walking through herb gardens, woodland trails, and nature paths designed to reconnect people with the natural world.
Whether you love birds, insects, herbs, or woodland creatures, the park offers a peaceful opportunity to observe nature up close in Cyprus.