Some of my main research work focuses on insular herpetofauna, both on larger islands and on tiny, rocky islets. In May 2023, we were able to launch our first expedition to the Pagasetic gulf, where we surveyed the herpetofauna of a small, inhabited island for the first time. Palaio Trikeri has less than 50 residents and is a hidden gem of the Pagasetic, having never being studied for its biodiversity before. During our 4-day stay, we recorded a total of 5 herpetofauna species, including perhaps the largest Eastern montpellier snake (Malpolon insignitus) we have ever seen. Additionally, we saw an abundance of other wildlife and flora, such as dozens of butterfly species, several orchids, lots of avifauna and even some terrestrial mammals. This was surely an amazing experience for us, and we are planning to revisit the area soon!
Kalogiannis, S., Stefanopoulos, P. 2023. First report on the herpetofauna of Palaio Trikeri island (Pagasetic gulf, Greece). Ecologia Balkanica, 15(2): 107–111 [full text]
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| Palaio Trikeri harbor |
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Olive groves on Palaio Trikeri
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Kotschy's gecko (Mediodactylus kotschyi), Palaio Trikeri
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| Eastern montpelier snake (Malpolon insignitus), Palaio Trikeri |
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| Eastern montpelier snake (Malpolon insignitus), Palaio Trikeri |
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| Scenery on the north coast of the island |
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| Fledgling long-eared owl (Asio otus) |
