Many visitors to Cyprus will have heard of the Green Line, the border between the Republic of Cyprus in the south and North Cyprus. Yet they may not be aware that the UN buffer zone established either side of this line has become a wildlife haven for some very rare Cyprus animals and plants.
Protected on either side by border guards, to most locals and tourists the buffer zone is simply ‘no man’s land’, but it is very definitely not ‘no wildlife land’. The buffer zone divides the island and covers almost 3% of its land mass, and in some places is up to four miles wide.
According to a group of scientists studying the biodiversity of the UN-maintained buffer zone, this ribbon of undisturbed and undeveloped land has become a refuge for many endemic species. The Cyprus mouflon, a species of wild sheep and the largest wild mammal on the island, has taken over the abandoned villages and fields for themselves. Only 3000 mouflon still survive in Cyprus, so any refuge for these shy and elusive animals is welcomed.
For the first time in 30 years, a team of scientists from both sides of the border will be cooperating to map and examine both the wildlife and environmental impact of this unique space. The team hope to discover undisturbed areas where other endangered species have found a niche, such as the Cyprus tulip, the Kotchyi’s orchid and the fresh water terrapin. Initial observations have already shown that the birds such as the stone curlew depend on the buffer zone as their natural habitat beyond it is developed for housing.
The scientists are also looking to the future, to a time when the political reasons for the buffer zone may pass. If so, this special environment may be at risk, so part of their task is to suggest future uses to protect it for future generations. One idea is a peace park, and if the success of this north/south scientific project team alone is a guide to future cooperation, that park may become a reality sooner than many dare hope.
Meanwhile, the mouflon will graze safe from developers, hunters and habitat erosion, seen only by patrolling UN troops and the occasional farmer.
On your holiday in south Cyprus, you can cross the border into North Cyprus at various points along the border, including the recently reopened crossing at Ledra Street in Nicosia. Mouflons do live in the Troodos Mountains, but you’ll need to be very still and very quiet to see them. The best time to see Cyprus’ wild flowers is in early spring, where the mountainsides are covered in colour and brimming with butterflies.
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