Richness of a fragile paradise..
Spring, which begins in early March in these warm regions, offers enchanting visions, particularly in May, when some 2,000 species of wildflowers carpet the four corners of the archipelago. If this wealth of flowers doesn't survive the heat of summer, there's a sort of second spring before winter, with the multiplication of autumn flowers such as sand lilies and orchids, particularly on Rhodes. As for the world of trees, the interior of Rhodes offers a succession of pines and cypresses, the Vathi valley in Kalymnos is home to citrus trees, the olive groves of Kos produce a renowned oil, while the Eristos valley in Tilos is filled with almond trees.
But what really sets the Dodecanese apart is its rich birdlife. The archipelago is an obligatory stopover for more than half of Europe's known migratory birds. They are particularly well protected on Tilos, which is home to 140 of the world's 3,000 pairs of Eleonora's falcons, which nest on the island on their way from Madagascar. Other birding attractions on Tilos include three pairs of Bonelli's eagles out of the 800 remaining in Europe, as well as a few golden eagles and griffon vultures. The ban on hunting since 1993 has favored the reproduction of species on this island refuge.
Natura 2000 protected sites cover almost the entire archipelago, and its waters are also very well frequented. However, tourist pressure affects dolphin numbers in season: you'll have more chance of spotting them out of season, when ferries are less disruptive in the Aegean. Another option is to visit the world's first rehabilitation center for captive-born dolphins, due to open in 2019 on the island of Lipsi.
...unfortunately in danger
The archipelago is home to the last Mediterranean monk seals, a critically endangered species. This is one of the most endangered mammals on the planet, with just 300 to 400 individuals recorded in the Aegean Sea. The Dodecanese islands are also home to a sizeable population of Caretta caretta sea turtles, endangered due to the increasing scarcity of their nesting grounds, particularly on the island of Rhodes. It's easy to spot these large marine reptiles in the port of Kastellorizo.
Global warming is a constant threat to endemic fauna, especially marine fauna. With warming waters, a number of invasive species considered to be tropical have begun to proliferate, destroying the local marine balance - a veritable ecological time bomb. While this phenomenon is common to the whole of the Mediterranean, it is particularly striking in the waters of the Dodecanese, which have been receiving species from the Red Sea via the Suez Canal at an accelerated rate over the last 30 years. Among the most problematic invasive species in Dodecanese waters are flounderfish, pufferfish and the Conomurex persicus shellfish.
Finally, tourist pressure is destabilizing the Petaloudes valley, Rhodes' "butterfly valley", which is home to large numbers of Callimorphia quadripunctaria butterflies during the summer season. Sheltered by refreshing undergrowth, these delicate butterflies, which cluster together in impressive clusters, have become a major attraction, and the attitude of disrespectful tourists is gradually destroying the natural habitat and calm necessary for these insects to thrive.
We can't stress this enough: preserve your environment, even on vacation!
