A tender moment on a small Aegean islet

The researchers of Archipelagos Institute are in cooperation with the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) for monitoring the Eleonora’s falcon populations on small eastern Aegean islets since 2014 using modern audiovisual equipment. The head of the research group is Dr. Ronny Steen from NMBU, who is an expert in monitoring wildlife behavior through digital

The Mediterranean chameleon – our special neighbor in the Aegean

Archipelagos’ Terrestrial Research Team, is continuing for the 7th year the monitoring of the Mediterranean chameleon population on Samos island. Being aware of the rarity of the species and of the responsibility this brings, Archipelagos began to monitor populations of this rare species since 2009, combining field research with awareness raising efforts. The aim is

Monitoring the nesting behavior of the Eleonora’s falcon

For third successive year, Archipelagos Institute in cooperation with scientists from Norwegian University of Life Sciences, continues the innovative action of monitoring the nesting behavior of the rare Eleonora’s falcon (Falco eleonorae). Every spring they migrate from Madagascar to the Mediterranean and mainly to the Aegean, where 2/3 of the global population of this rare

Conservation of the Small wetlands of the Aegean

The small wetlands of the Aegean are very important for the migratory birds, as well as for the fauna, flora and the enrichment of the groundwater table. Unfortunately many of these small ecosystems have been damaged, covered by soil, or left full of garbage, without having received the protection they deserve. With the aim to

Falcons Confuse Plastic for Food at an Uninhabited Aegean Islet

Research by the Norwegian University of Life Sciences in cooperation with Archipelagos, records for the first time, Eleonora’s falcons (Falco eleonorae) providing plastic waste to dependent nestlings which is confused for food. An article about this phenomenon was published by the Greek newspaper H Kathimerini. 2/3 of the world population of Eleonora falcons migrate every

Cooperation of Archipelagos Institute with the International Airport of Samos

Archipelagos Institute recently started a cooperation with the international airport of Samos, aiming to contribute to the protection of the airport from wildlife and birds that may enter the area from the nearby wetlands. Samos airport, which serves a large number of international flights every week, was constructed many years ago, close to a wetland.

88 birds have been released back into the wild

Following the recent actions of Archipelagos Institute to combat songbird poaching in Greece, we received multiple incident report from citizens about cases of illegal capture and caging of large numbers of songbirds in homes, warehouses, business premises etc. Specifically, there were two incidents that we were able to confirm, for which we submitted official reports

Poaching Songbirds: A Continuous Environmental Crime

The poaching of songbirds is a chronic problem here in the eastern Aegean that Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation is working to combat. However, it happens throughout the whole of Greece, especially in areas where there is a strong migration of songbirds. This widespread, illegal and immoral smuggling has never been treated seriously by the

Three buzzards released on the island of Samos

Researchers of Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation released three buzzards (species Buteo buteo)  in three different areas of the island after the birds had received several months of treatment by the Wildlife Protection Agency ANIMA. Dozens of students of the island, with their teachers, were in attendance and helped in the release process. These buzzards

Interactive Environmental Education in Alyki salt marsh

Last Saturday, researchers of Archipelagos’ terrestrial team, organized a pilot educational programme in the salt marsh located in Aliki, Psili Ammos, in Samos. 35 students attended this educational day from various primary schools on the island. Our goal is that the students learn about the rare species that live in this particular wetland through various