THE CYPRUS grass snake could become extinct if protective measures are not implemented soon, Agriculture Minister Costas Themistocleous warned yesterday.
Speaking at one of the snake’s habitats, Paralimni Lake, the minister heard officials from the Fisheries and Games departments explain measures taken by the relevant authorities for the protection and safety of the endemic grass snake (Natrix natrix cypriaca).
Themistocleous said the importance of the Cyprus grass snake had already been recognised by the European Union after a proposal by the Cyprus government led to its inclusion in an EU Habitat Directive. He added that the relevant ministerial authorities had proposed new measures to protect and ensure the survival of the endemic grass snake in its main habitats of Xyliatos dam in the Northern Troodos mountains, Kato Moni area and Paralimni Lake.
The grass snake lives in and around reservoirs, stream pools and other wetlands. It usually grows up to 120 cm, occasionally reaching 200cm. The body is usually olive-grey, greenish, olive-brown or even steel-grey with various dark blotches and sometimes light stripes.
The endangered snake is harmless and rarely bites. When disturbed, however, it may hiss and strike with its mouth closed or release a nasty smell from its anal gland. If handled, it may even play dead, lying on its back with its mouth open and tongue hanging out. Its food consists predominantly of frogs, but fish are also occasionally eaten and even small mammals.
The Cyprus Mail is the only English-language daily newspaper published in Cyprus. It was established in 1945 and today, with its popular and widely-read website, the Cyprus Mail is among the most trusted news sites in Cyprus. The newspaper is not affiliated with any political parties and has always striven to maintain its independence. Over the past 70-plus years, the Cyprus Mail, with a small dedicated team, has covered momentous events in Cyprus’ modern history, chronicling the last gasps of British colonial rule, Cyprus’ truncated independence, the coup and Turkish invasion, and the decades of negotiations to stitch the divided island back together, plus a myriad of scandals, murders, and human interests stories that capture the island and its -people. Observers describe it as politically conservative.
