Cyprus or what is formally known as the Republic of Cyprus is an island country that is located in the Mediterranean Sea, it is a very beautiful island with a great outdoor life, but what dangerous animals in Cyprus you can find?
The country is often placed in the western Asian continent although it is culturally tied to southeast Europe. It is the third most populous island in the Mediterranean and it is a popular tourist destination in the Mediterranean. The capital is Nicosia.
The island is known to be inhabited since the 10th BC and there are archaeological information that dates back to the years can be found on this island. The country is very unique because of the things that you are going to do and see. Cyprus was first inhabited by Mycenaean Greeks before other people moved to the region and was ruled by Persian, Egyptian, and British in the later years.
There is so much that you will learn when you visit the country as you are acquainted with some of the exceptional features that make it an outstanding destination. The country is about 75 kilometers off Turkey, and 200 kilometers off Israel. The physical relief of the country is mainly made up of two mountain ranges, which are the Kyrenia range and the Troodos Mountains.
Further reading: Dangerous animals in the Bahamas
The central plain is composed of the mesoria plain, which has a river that drains to the sea. The highest point in the country is mount Olympus, which stands at 1952 meters above sea level. The Cypriots are very welcoming people and you are going to learn about new cultures and diversity when you visit the country.
The main ecosystem in this country is made up of the Mediterranean forests ecoregion and this is what determines the fauna and flora that you are going to find in this region. The climate experienced in this part of the world is subtropical climate and in some cases the semi-arid Mediterranean type of climate. This is what determines the kind of vegetation and the animals that you are going to find in this region.
The temperatures are fairly warm with an average temperature of 24 degrees Celsius. Rains occur during the winter period in this region while the summers remain relatively dry. Here are some of the creatures that you should watch out for while exploring the island country of Cyprus.
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Persian damselfly
This is a native fly that is found in south Eastern Europe and Western Europe. The most common places where you will find this creature are turkey, Turkmenistan, Iraq, Syria, and Cyprus among others. This creature is known to thrive in slow-moving water and areas with marshy vegetation. They are not active fliers and they like resting above the water. These creatures are known to bite people. Whenever they bite, they cause an itching sensation, which is quite uncomfortable. It has been associated with various diseases and infections and it is important that you stay safe when visiting this region.
Sea Urchin
Perhaps these are some of the dangerous species that you are going to find on the seabed of the Mediterranean Sea. They are usually in the rocky parts of Cyprus where the snorkelers usually like to explore. These spiky creatures are not aggressive and will not chase you. However, when you step on them then they are likely to cause a severe attack on your system. The spikes penetrate the skin like a splinter and they cause infection, irritation, blood poisoning, and in some cases severe organ failure.
Cyprus Scorpion
This is a creature that is endemic to Cyprus and you will find them in different parts of the country hence when traversing the area then you should watch out for them. These scorpions are extremely dangerous because a single bite is enough to kill an adult. They are a different subspecies from those that you will find in Europe. Their venom is more concentrated and you are likely to experience adverse side effects if you do not administer an antivenom immediately. The scorpion is known to have a claw in its tail and it is where a highly concentrated venom is stored. When they are startled, they will pierce your skin using the claw and deliver a highly potent venom to your system. Some of the side effects of the venom in your system include excruciating pain, swelling, and fainting. There are some cases that could lead to death, especially if a person is highly allergic and they cause the malfunctioning of the respiratory system thereby leading to lung failure. They usually like to live in the hot and arid areas of Cyprus hence you should watch out for them during your stay in the region.
Blunt Nosed Viper
The blunt nose viper is one of the most dangerous creatures that you are going to find in Cyprus. This is one of the most iconic creatures as it can grow up to 1.5 meters in length. They usually vary in color and pattern on the body this will depend on the ecosystem. However, you are easily able to recognize them by their triangular-shaped head. These snakes are found in shady areas whether, under logs, trees, in the grasslands and they often hide before attacking you. They are very aggressive in nature because they can attack without any provocation. However, there are cases where it will hiss rapidly before biting. They are known to have venom that is very toxic and will cause damage to the organs. When the snake is threatened, it will use its fangs to deliver a highly potent venom to the victim. Once the victim is on the body it is known to attack the central nervous system causing paralysis. when the venom gets to the central nervous system it causes the breakdown of the neurons which are meant to information to different muscles to aid in breathing. When this happens, breathing is affected and it could to asphyxiation. There have been numerous cases that have been identified in the region. You should always stay safe.
Lionfish
The lionfish is another creature that you are going to encounter during your trip to Cyprus. The lionfish are mostly found in the Mediterranean waters and they are the most invasive species that you are going to find on the planet.
The lionfish are just like tiger mosquitoes they usually have the ability to adapt themselves to any new habitat and begin breeding quickly. They are known to devour the local species that were in the existing ecosystem hence the need to watch out for them. When you are in the Mediterranean waters, you will find them moving from one part of the island to another. They are very colorful creatures and this should not fool you because they are very dangerous.
They have spikes that they use to deliver a very dangerous venom. When they spike you, they deliver a dangerous venom that is known to cause paralysis of the central nervous system. Although they are not aggressive towards humans, you should not interfere with them in their natural habitat. The sting from this creature causes severe pain, inflammation, anaphylactic shock, and damage to the respiratory system. It is important to note that although the effect is treatable it can cause permanent organ damage and in some cases death if the person is highly allergic.
European Cat Snake
The European snake is one of the most dangerous snakes that you are going to find in Cyprus. They are known to be very vicious, dangerous, and aggressive and therefore when you are exploring the island of Cyprus then you should watch out. They are mostly found outdoors in grassland and forest areas. This European cat snake is a rear-fanged species, which makes it less dangerous than the blunt-nose viper.
However, they pose a major threat because they can repeatedly bite which would cause severe infection to the affected area. When they bite, they try to use a chewing kind of action as they stretch the bite area to the back of their mouths where they can sink in their fangs and deliver the dangerous venom. The process may be somewhat complicated; however, it usually works effectively for lizards, rodents, and other smaller snakes.
For larger prey and humans, it can be quite challenging and it is imperative that you should watch out for these creatures when exploring the region.
Cases of human attacks are few; however, you should not rule them out because they still pose a major threat to your health.
Black Widow Spiders
The black widow spiders are some of the most venomous and dangerous spiders that you are going to find in Cyprus. They are found in most parts of the island from the forests to areas that are inhabited by humans.
These spiders are known to have a recognizable red marking on their shiny abdomen. The females are usually large and they can grow up to an inch long, the males, on the other hand, are smaller in size and are very agile creatures. You will realize that they have caused havoc after the venom begins to affect your central nervous system.
You should not startle or interfere with these creatures in their habitat because they are known to cause severe injuries. When they feel threatened, they will bite and deliver the venom to the system and this leads to a painful feeling in the affected area. Some of the symptoms of venom include increased heart rate, muscle pain, shock, numbness, loss of consciousness, and eventually shock when antivenom is not administered.
Mosquitos
Mosquitoes are some of the tiniest yet very dangerous creatures that you are going to find in Cyprus. They are known to spread a wide array of diseases. The female mosquitoes are known to spread malaria and this happens whenever they bite you and leave the disease-causing protozoan on your body. The male counterparts are not left behind either because they are known to spread other dangerous infections such as chikungunya, the zika virus, and dengue.
The mosquitoes usually thrive in stagnant waters and different parts of the island during the winter period when there is high precipitation. Some of these creatures can be very dangerous if they are going to infect you with a pathogen that is difficult to treat. This will result in severe damage to your organs. Mosquitoes are known to cause thousands of deaths each year across the world. You must always carry your mosquito repellent and have your yellow vaccine before visiting the region.
Black Tarantula
The black tarantulas are some of the dangerous creatures that you are going to find in Cyprus. There are over sixty species of these dangerous spiders that you are going to find in the country. Some of the species are harmless, however, the black tarantula is an exception because they are known to be highly venomous and can cause severe organ damage when they deliver the venom.
They are very huge spiders with hairs and you are likely to be scared when you encounter them. The sheer size of this creature is enough to scare you. It is the largest spider in Europe, it has legs that can grow up to 12 centimeters long, and they are capable of biting humans. Their bite is very uncomfortable and they will release a venom that will cause swelling and irritation. If you are highly allergic then it could result in severe injuries and organ damage.
Weever Fish
The Weever fish is one of the creatures that you are going to encounter when you visit Cyprus. It is a highly venomous fish that you should watch out for when you visit this region because they are known to be venomous.
They have serrated fins, which are used to pierce through skin and deliver venom. Venom is known to cause sweating, excruciating pain, and difficulty breathing and if you are a very allergic person then it could result in very dangerous complications. These creatures are known to hide under the seabed waiting for a victim. When you go and step they come out and attack you and using their spines they will serrate the skin and inject the venom. It is important to note that their dorsal fin is so sharp that it can penetrate through the wetsuit boots hence the need to go to the waters well prepared.
