Cyprus & Mediterranean Natural History
Amphibians and Reptiles of Cyprus
Felix Baier, David J Sparrow and Hans-Jorg Wiedl, hardback, €49.80
If you live in Cyprus you are sure to encounter some of its unique reptiles, but did you know that the island has 11 different lizard species, at least 8 species of snake, one fresh water terrapin and two species of marine turtlesthat visit the island foe nesting? This new book is an authoritative reference and guide, written both for the expert, and interested nature observers. It includes over 300 clear photographs and a wealth of information on eachspecies. There are also sections on the geological formation of Cyprus, the evolution of reptiles and amphibians, originsand distribution of the local species and, last but not least, what to do in case of a snake bite !
Nature of Cyprus
Phivos Ioannides, paperback, €15.75
Here is a new 266 page guide whose goal is to accompany you in your exploration of Cyprus. It contains information, including colour photographs and maps, on about 200 selected places of natural interest such as beaches, trails, dams and wetlands, waterfalls and ancient trees. Each place of interest is described in a page giving distance to the nearest major town and map reference. It will be of use to those interested in walking, birdwatching, fresh water angling, nature photography or in just stretching out under an umbrella.
Trees and Shrubs in Cyprus
Takis C. Tsintides, Georgios N. Hadjikyriakou and Charalambos S. Christodolou, hardback, € 62.50
This is the most up-to-date and detailed record of trees and shrubs in Cyprus. It is illustrated throughout in colour, including comments on the classification of the plants, the ecological conditions of the island, the movement of plants and the development of the flora. It contains a glossary, identification keys and an index to the scientific names in English.
Orchids of Cyprus: A Guide to the Cyprus Orchids
Yiannis Christofides, paperback, € 27.20
This is a very detailed guide to all the currently known Cyprus Orchid species, from Yiannis who is the island's expert in this particular field. The essential characteristics of each species are given, along with colour photographs allowing easy identification. Representative check-lists are included for each type of habitat, detailing flowering times for each species.
Sea Fishes and Invertebrates of The Mediterranean Sea
Lawson Wood, paperback, € 17.60
Revealing the fascinating wealth of sea life in the Mediterranean, this compact and easy-to-follow guidebook is illustrated with colour photographs taken in many exotic locations. It contains individual descriptions of 289 species of fishes, coral and invertebrates, arranged in taxonomic order and spanning all genera. It covers the waters around Gibraltar, Spain, France, Monaco, Corsica, Sardinia, Italy, Croatia, Greece, Crete, Cyprus, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Egypt, Lybia, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco, and is designed to be of practical use to divers, snorkellers and underwater photographers. The introduction includes information on limited occurrence of reef formations and their conservation, tips on holiday planning and specific recommended sites.
Birds of Cyprus
David A Bannerman and W Mary Bannerman, hardback, € 44.00
This remarkable book, a masterpiece of work on the Birds of Cyprus was first published in 1958 in a large format version and has been out of print for a very long time. This particular book, was reprinted in 1989 due to popular demand and is a unique handbook for bird lovers. The authors visited every accessible part of the island and describes separately each species in terms of appearance, distribution, migration and breeding habits. Included are line drawings and 16 magnificent full page colour plates. More than all of this though is the text which accompanies the detailed descriptions and reads like a memoir giving a wonderful glimpse into life in Cyprus during the 1950’s.
The Orchids of Cyprus and Where to Find Them
Joan Hubbard and Pamela Scraton, spiral bound paperback and DVD, € 27.20
This conmined book and DVD offers the reader a great insight into these fabulous wild plants one of which will be in flower somewhere on the island all year round. The book is intended to be used in the field, allowing the reader complete knowledge to enable them to first of all locate the orchids and then how to identify them. The text is very detailed, starting with the orchid life-cycle and their classification which is not altogether straightforward, ask any orchid specialist world wide! Pamela Scraton the writer of the text explains exactly how to use the book and video compiled by Joan Hubbard. An orchid calendar is useful to help determine exactly when each orchid is expected to be flowering starting with Spiranthes spiralis which can be seen in September/October at the beginning of the orchid season in Cyprus. Following on from this is a quick comparison chart for the 51 orchids mentioned icovered, giving the type of habitat most likely to be found, quick flower recognition and any special features. Thankfully Pamela has added a glossary of terms in order to help out when the technicalities become a bit overwhelming! A list of the recommended sites for finding orchids is then given, plus a collection of thumb nail photographs that can be used to remind the reader in the field of the DVD images. On the DVD the orchids are arranged in approximate order of flowering, for easy viewing during the season. With authentic sounds in the background of the countryside and non intrusive music the DVD compliments the book perfectly.
Cyprus Bird Report 2007
Produced annually by Birdlife Cyprus, paperback € 14.40
This latest ‘report’ consisting of 170 pages with colour maps, photographs, charts, and text is an ideal companion for serious bird watchers in Cyprus. Published annually by Birdlife Cyprus it is clearly a labour of love and each page has much to absorb. The report relies on valuable contributions from its members and annual roundups of rare species visiting the island, birds ringed on the island and those recovered(ringed outside of Cyprus), is always fascinating. For more details on becoming a member of Bird Life Cyprus contact their website www.birdlifecyprus.org.
Snakes of Cyprus, English and German text, Greek and Turkish text also available
Snake George, paperback, € 8.12 See our special offer
Springtime is not only when flowers and birds make their presence more obvious but it’s also time for the snakes to emerge from their winter hibernation. Be informed with this concise publication with all matters concerning the island’s snakes. Be prepared to judge the difference between a juvenile Whip Snake and the poisonous Montpellier Snake, and the most venomous of the Cyprus snakes the Blunt Nose Viper. This book is available in English/German and also Greek/Turkish. Snake George can be contacted by email snakegeorge@hotmail.com and we hope that his new reptile park will be up and running shortly.
By the Side of the Road
Georgios N Hadjikyriakou, illustrated by Marvel Christophides, paperback, €25.00
This new book is for the lover of flowers who is not scientifically trained and finds identifying flowers using botanical guide books difficult. Because colour is the first thing to catch the eye the flowers are grouped together according to this. Having selected the correct ‘colour’ page, one will then be able to find the remaining details regarding botanical name, the name in English and Greek, whether it is endemic, poisonous, edible, has medicinal properties and whether it is mentioned in mythology and legend. An excellent guide to take with you on your walks.
Mediterranean Wild Flowers
Marjorie Blamey and Christopher Grey-Wilson, paperback, € 27.20
This book is the fruit of Marjorie Blamey's lifelong absorption with wild flowers and their accurate illustration. Covering all species, this is a complete guide to the flowers of Mediterranean coasts and islands, native and introduced with over 2000 illustrations. Mediterranean Wild Flowers is the most complete and detailed colour-illustrated guide yet for this area. Majorie Blamey's flower paintings appear in the centre pages of the book and are minutely accurate and precise with many small details. Illustrated either side of these are details of flower, leaf, stem, fruit or seed, and variations in colour or form. These are keyed by numbers to the text. The descriptive text, by Christopher Grey-Wilson, perfectly complementing the illustrations, provides clear details of the size, habitat and distribution of the flowers.
Edible Wild Plants of the Cyprus Flora
Loucas Savvides, paperback, € 16.80
Have you ever wondered just what people are picking when they stop by the side of the road and start foraging and filling up their bags? This book lets you into the secret and offers the reader the chance to eat free of charge for the months when the countryside is green and lush. Wild asparagus is easy to pick out and find but a lot of the more unusual plants are included here with colour photographs to help identify the greens so as not to make a mistake and land up with indigestion instead of a healthy meal! With this book as your guide plenty of tasty new meals are possible and there's something special about eating anything that has been freshly picked from the ground and eaten isn't there? Happy hunting!
Rambling Around in Historic Cyprus
Geoff Fryatt, spiral bound paperback , € 12.00
With 30 circular walks around the west of Cyprus with maps, detailed directions and GPS data this is the perfect book for getting right away from everything and discovering some really beautiful parts of the island. Take the opportunity to step out into the countryside and enjoy not only the scenery and flora and fauna but also the exercise! Some of these walks are more strenuous than others but all of the ones we have tried have been exceptionally good and with clear directions - we’ve made it around and landed back where we started!
The Red Flora Data Book of Cyprus
Edited by T Tsintides, C S Christodolou, P Delipetrou and K Georghiou, hardback, € 72.00
This publication presents the results of a four year long research project. The book details the assessment of all the rare indigenous plants of Cyprus according to the IUCN Red List Criteria and Categories and provides important information on their conservation status and biology. Greek text with English summary, colour photos, graphs and in depth analysis of the subject matter.
Collins Complete Guide to Mediterranean Wildlife
Collins, paperback with plastic cover, € 27.20
If your budget is limited and only one book can be afforded rather than individual ones for the flora and fauna of Cyprus then this book highlights the common wildlife, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, shells and flowering plants etc. for the Mediterranean area. Illustrated with over 1000 colour photographs to hep you identify each species quickly and easily. It describes species commonly found in coastal areas and mountain foothills across the region and each section is coded with a symbol for quick reference before the butterfly, snake, shrew or fresh water crab disappears out of view!
Birds of Cyprus
Lucas Christoforous, DVD, € 23.00 each
This is a series of DVD's from Lucas who is the author of The Birds of Cyprus which is now unfortunately out of print, but at least we have these 4 volumes, covering all the residentual and migratory birds on DVD to enjoy.
Birds of Cyprus
J.M.E. Took, paperback, € 11.20
This field guide describes and illustrates in colour the birds of Cyprus in a readily accessible format, with details of status, habitat, occurrence and Cypriot name.