Wildlife in Corfu
Due to it’s sub-tropical climate and diverse landscape Corfu is home to some fantastic species of mammals, birds, reptiles and fish. To list them all would require many volumes, however below are some of the highlights.
Swallow
Corfu SnakesCorfu is home to some half a dozen species of Snakes. Most are never seen unless you specifically go looking for them and as is typical of all Snakes they shy away from human contact. In fact the most common sightings of snakes are following road kill. If you do happen to be lucky enough to see one then just back away to a sensible distance so as not to threaten it. Once a snake becomes aware of your presence it will soon make itself scarce. Nearly all Corfu’s snakes are non venomous although a couple will bite if provoked – never a good idea.
 Four Lined snake
Four-Lined Snake (Above)
Named so because of the four black lines visible along the length of its body. This snake can grow to 2.5 metres in length. It is a non venomous and fairly placid snake and although it can bite it very rarely does and has been known to be handled easily – although we wouldn’t recommend it unless you are a confident snake handler already!  Nose Horned Viper
Nose-Horned Viper (Beware)
Caution is the keyword if you come across one of these snakes as they are venomous and very dangerous with a particularly long strike. They are easily identified because of pronounced horn near the tip of their noses. They grow to around 2 to 3 feet in length. As with all snakes it will avoid coming near to humans if at all possible and will only be aggressive if it feels threatened, however we would advise viewing at a distance of 10 metres at least and never corner them. |
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 Montpellier Snake
Montpellier Snake
Another fairly large snake that is typically 1.5 to 2 metres in length when fully grown. This snake can be aggressive if cornered and may even rear up. Although not deadly they can exact a fairly painful bite so best viewed as always at a safe distance. |
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 Caspian Whip Snake
Caspian Whip Snake
Another fairly aggressive, but non venomous snake that again will bite if threatened. This snake grows to approximately 2 metres in length. They are usually identified by a brownish back and cream coloured belly. |
There are several other snake species prevalent on the island and all are harmless and elusive. These include: Balkan whip snake, Dice snake, Leopard snake, and the aptly named Blind snake.
Corfu Tortoises and Turtles
Testudo Hermani
Corfu is host to Hermans Tortoises (Testudo Hermani) which are found mainly in the undergrowth. They eat mainly flower, herbs and weed. They are now a protected species so please don’t consider taking one home as a pet. They are actually freely available in Pet Shops across the UK from home grown licensed breeders.
The other type of chelonian found on and around the islands are Terrapins. There are two types known: The European Pond Terrapin and the Stripe Necked Terrapin. They typically live near wild ponds where the like to hide in the vegetation around the edges. Both are freshwater only species.
The other type of chelonian found on and around the islands are Terrapins. There are two types known: The European Pond Terrapin and the Stripe Necked Terrapin. They typically live near wild ponds where the like to hide in the vegetation around the edges. Both are freshwater only species.
Corfu Lizards
Balkan Green Lizard
There are Many species of lizard abound on Corfu and sightings are common place. Here are some of the commonly found species:
Balkan Green Lizard
These very attractive Lizards are the largest to be found on Corfu. Fully grown they have a body length of about 20cm. and nose to tail they can measure up to 60cm plus. They typically have a bright green skin and due to their long tails they can run easily on hind legs only. Very nifty indeed. The females are distinguished by more yellowish stripes running the length of their bodies. They are a regular sight, particularly in open country areas, although like most lizards they will quickly make themselves scarce once spotted, so a quite, still approach is needed if you really want a good look. Cameras should be readied on tripods etc to avoid excess movement. The Balkan Green Lizard rarely hibernates in the temperate climate of Corfu.
Balkan Green Lizard
These very attractive Lizards are the largest to be found on Corfu. Fully grown they have a body length of about 20cm. and nose to tail they can measure up to 60cm plus. They typically have a bright green skin and due to their long tails they can run easily on hind legs only. Very nifty indeed. The females are distinguished by more yellowish stripes running the length of their bodies. They are a regular sight, particularly in open country areas, although like most lizards they will quickly make themselves scarce once spotted, so a quite, still approach is needed if you really want a good look. Cameras should be readied on tripods etc to avoid excess movement. The Balkan Green Lizard rarely hibernates in the temperate climate of Corfu.
Dalmatian Algyroides
Dalmatian Algyroides
These Lizards are found in abundance on Corfu, and are often spotted in coastal resorts where they live in rocks or rocky walls. They reach lengths of about 8 inches in total. The mail of the species has a sandy brown appearance with a beautiful bright blue throat.
These Lizards are found in abundance on Corfu, and are often spotted in coastal resorts where they live in rocks or rocky walls. They reach lengths of about 8 inches in total. The mail of the species has a sandy brown appearance with a beautiful bright blue throat.
Agama
Agama
Nicknamed the “Sling Tailed Agama” these lizards reach 12 inches long nose to tail. They have spiny scales around their necks and head. They live mainly where there are rocks, as is their preferred habitat so coastal areas see quite a lot of them. Similar to a lot of other Lizards the male can change colour depending on mood, with a darkening colour displaying displeasure.
Nicknamed the “Sling Tailed Agama” these lizards reach 12 inches long nose to tail. They have spiny scales around their necks and head. They live mainly where there are rocks, as is their preferred habitat so coastal areas see quite a lot of them. Similar to a lot of other Lizards the male can change colour depending on mood, with a darkening colour displaying displeasure.
Corfu Birds
Little Egret
For those of you with an ornithological interest then Corfu has an abundance of riches on offer. These include amongst their number:
Little Egret, waterfowl, warblers, Pipits. Flamingos, Great White Egrets, Grey Herons, Cormorants Terns, Marsh Harrier Kingfishers Gulls, Waterfowl, Harriers, Kingfishers, Warblers, Hoopoe Eagles, Kites, Buzzards, Falcons, Kestrels, Blue Rock Thrush, Black Redstarts, Buntings, Bittern, Swallows, Swifts, Gulls, Oriole, Sparrows, Magpies, Jays, Shrikes, Scops Owls and Little Owls.
And finally a special mention goes to the Swallows. At certain points of the year they are seemingly everywhere. And that is no exaggeration! You will even find them nesting inside many of the best Tavernas where they co-exist quite comfortably with the ebb and flow of tourists. You may think (as I did) that this is allowed as part of a partnership with nature where humans allow them to flourish even indoor whilst the swallows help to reduce the number of insects. But no, apparently this practice dates back to a local folklore that stops the locals from disturbing the nests for fear of freckles or more understandably a death in the household.
Little Egret, waterfowl, warblers, Pipits. Flamingos, Great White Egrets, Grey Herons, Cormorants Terns, Marsh Harrier Kingfishers Gulls, Waterfowl, Harriers, Kingfishers, Warblers, Hoopoe Eagles, Kites, Buzzards, Falcons, Kestrels, Blue Rock Thrush, Black Redstarts, Buntings, Bittern, Swallows, Swifts, Gulls, Oriole, Sparrows, Magpies, Jays, Shrikes, Scops Owls and Little Owls.
And finally a special mention goes to the Swallows. At certain points of the year they are seemingly everywhere. And that is no exaggeration! You will even find them nesting inside many of the best Tavernas where they co-exist quite comfortably with the ebb and flow of tourists. You may think (as I did) that this is allowed as part of a partnership with nature where humans allow them to flourish even indoor whilst the swallows help to reduce the number of insects. But no, apparently this practice dates back to a local folklore that stops the locals from disturbing the nests for fear of freckles or more understandably a death in the household.
Corfu Insects
Praying Mantis
From spring onwards Corfu is awash with wild flowers and flowering trees and bushes. These in turn are host to a delightful array of splendidly colored butterflies, fireflies that light up the night with dazzling displays, and the hard to spot but all around you green and white Mantis. There are also many types of Bees resident on the island, and beekeeping is still popular amongst the locals, who produce a rather unique and highly palatable Honey.
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