It is possible to watch 347 different species of bird in Cyprus. However, only 46 of these are native of Cyprus, and 7 of these are the endemic sub-species (that is only found in Cyprus). 119 out of the 347 birds that can be observed on the island are of winter-migrant breeder type, and 90 of these migrate to Cyprus regularly every winter-time. 29 of these winter-migrants migrate to the island less regularly than others. Together with the native Cypriot birds 27 of them migrate to Cyprus for breeding purposes. Apart from these, there are 220 other species of birds that use Cyprus as transit while migrating to other lands. 200 of these 220 species regularly pass as transit from Cyprus during their migration season. These are mostly the birds breeding in Europe, and migrating to Middle East and Africa. There are also birds that occasionally come to Cyprus by mistake, when they lose their groups, or their ways. There have so far 51 of this latter type recorded. Cyprus is on a north-south migration route and there are many birds in transit, some in vast flocks, some in small clusters. These migrating birds may only rest for a few days to a week. March to May is the period of north-ward migration and August to October the southward.

Griffon Vulture
Turkish: Kizil Akbaba
Latin:Gyps fulvus
Status Winter visitor: resident breeder.

Hirundelle
Turkish: Kir Kirlangici
Latin:Hirundo rustica
Status: Migrant breeder

Golden Oriole
Turkish: Sari Asma / Incir Kusu
Latin:Oriolus oriolus
Status: Winter visitor, passage migrant.

Pochard Elmabas
Turkish:Ordek / Bozdalagan
Latin:Aythya ferina (L
Status:Migrant breeder

Cyprus Pied Wheatear
Turkish:Kibris Kuyrukkakani
Status:Migrant breeder
Endemic:the most distinctive and interesting species of all the endemic birds in Cyprus

First institutionalised attempts at the protection of the birds in Northern Cyprus started in 1989, with the foundation of the North Cyprus Society for the Protection of Birds, NCSPB (or KUSKOR). The association works in close co-operation with other environmentalist association, especially the local North Cyprus- Greenpeace Movement for the protection of the natural beauties, the wild animals, and the endemic birds of Cyprus. NCSPB stages public educational programmes throughout the year in village coffee shops, hunting clubs, sports clubs, and schools. These programmes, consisting mainly of introduction of birds and their environment, last year (1994) alone presented to more than 800 people in over 40 villages, which pleased both the people who listened to the casual chats and the NCSPB. The results achieved out of these programmes were important because most of the listeners were hunters.

There are several official camping sites in the Girne and Gazi Magusa areas which offer services such as washrooms, toilets, restaurants and bars. However the more intrepid visitor may wish to venture out into the wild, where there are no such facilities. There are no restrictions on such activities except that lighting fires in forest areas is an offence.

For Turkish Cypriots, family life is of ultimate importance and therefore a great amount of their free time is spent at family gatherings, barbeques and weddings. Turkish Cypriots are highly sociable and like to go out, see people and be seen. All towns and even some villages hold festivals usually in the early summer. For information about these festivals and other events please contact the Ministry of Tourism.

The ZET International Karting Circuit, which exceeds the highest European standards and has one of the best racing surfaces in the region, has become a frequent stop for the fans of the sport since its opening on the 20th of May 2000. This remarkable structure which is un-matched even in Europe and is expected to contribute immensely to the Karting sport, provides drivers with 5 different racing distances, namely 300, 600, 900, 1100 and 1200 meters. The asphalt platform is 7 meters wide and has sand and earth barriers.
Zet Karting & Leisure Centre Ltd.
Tel: 090 533 866 6173

There are several stables offering riding lessons in the Girne and Gazi Magusa areas. Some stables also allow customers to hire horses to take out.

Hunting is the greatest passion of many a Turkish Cypriot man. The season runs from October to February and is limited to Sundays only. Hunting areas are strictly controlled by the government and hunters must be licensed. The most popular prey for hunters are partridge, wood pigeon and hare.

GIRNE GUN CLUB
SUNSHINE SPORTING CLAYS

www.huglusportique.com
Girne Gun Club in Northern Cyprus is a perfect option for the traveling shooter. It is situated, just a few miles west of the historic port of Girne , the club is already drawing many visitors from the U.K. , drawn by the island’s wonderful spring and autumn weather, Construction began in 2000 and the club was officially opened in October 2001. At its heart is a steep valley winding its way up the hillside with panoramic views up to the Besparmak Mountains and out to sea. A path has been created along the valley and a large number of permanent shooting positions established. The steep slopes give the course designer endless scope to present challenging targets to suit all abilities and heavy investment in automatic traps is taking place to make the most of the potential. For shooters, the appeal will lie not just in the weather but also in the chance to adapt their skills to very different conditions. The rugged scenery is quite unlike anything to be found back home and judging target trajectories can be tricky against the brilliant blue skies. With virtually unlimited access to the sporting course, there is plenty of opportunity to practice! Shooters can also enjoy a round of skeet or compact sporting on the ranges conveniently situated next to the impressive log-built clubhouse. Here a bar and snack bar provide the much needed refreshments after a round out in the sunshine and there is the chance to relax and enjoy the cooling breezes on the club house veranda and watch others in action. Cartridges, including a selection of popular international brands are available at the ground. The formalities of taking a shotgun into Cyprus are straightforward. Mediterranean Leisure Activities Ltd. in conjunction with Hetim Tourism who are the main and local booking agents for the club, will arrange all the necessary customs documentation in advance and there should be few if any delays on arrival at the airport. One point to note however, semi automatic guns are not allowed on the island yet. Once there the club has a secure armoury where your gun can be stored for the duration of your stay.

It is not hard to see the appeal of Cyprus and the Girne Gun Club, Excellent facilities and the fabulous weather would be enough. For the family man however there is also much for the non-shooting members to do and enjoy, all at prices that won’t break the bank. Girne Gun Club and its facilities are looking forward to welcome adventurous shooter.

Mediterranean Leisure Activities Ltd
Tel: 0137 2456480
Fax:0137 2454720
e-mail: huglusportique@tinyonline.co.uk

Hetim Tourism
Tel: 90-392 8159747
Fax:90-392 8159748
e-mail: hetimtourism@hotmail.com .

Northern Cyprus has one National Park in the Karpaz Peninsula. Here a large number of birds, wild donkeys, turtles, rare flora and amazingly beautiful beaches can be found.

With its wealth and variety of landscapes Northern Cyprus is an ideal place for keen photographers. Care should be taken not to take photographs in the vicinity of military installations as it is strictly forbidden.

Since 1992, Marine Turtle Research roup, in conjunction with the Society for the Protection of Turtles in Northern Cyprus and the Department for Environmental Protection, has been undertaking an annual survey, recording the turtles activity during the summer months. In the company of the team at Alagadi Beach (30 minutes drive from Kyrenia) you can share this unique event. Just before sunset you join the students at their base, "The Goat Shed" at Alagadi. First you are given information about the turles and the project, and then, when darkness falls, you will be taken down to one of the two Alagadi bays. There you will wait while the students survey the beaches. As soon as a female has begun to lay, you are, in slience, allowed to approach the nesting place. (No photoflashes are allowed at this important time.) And there, before your eyes, you can witness this one hundred million year old wonder, as soon after the other these mother-of-pearl shimmering eggs, the size of table tennis balls, are dropped into the nest cavity. On a lucky night you will be able to experience this unique happening several times before you return to your hotel, tired but happy. Incubation is indeed not by the female turtles but by the warmth of the Cyprus sunshine. After about 50 days the small hatchlings begin to emerge from the surface of their sandy nests. This is another fantastic experience that takes place in some forty nesting beaches around Northern Cyprus. All are welcome to participate in this event as well to witness up to a hundred of these amazing little creatures, not more than 6-7 cm long, fight their way from the nest down to the sea, is an unforgettable sight. It is sad fact that only one in thousand survive. Even less would survive if it was not for the special conversation project taking place here in North Cyprus concerning this endangered species. We feel it is our responsibility to help these creatures to survive and to be able to continue, without threat to their nesting grounds, to visit our island. This has been their home much longer than it has been ours. The best times to observe the nesting is at the end of June and beginning of July. To observe the hatching is the best during end of August and beginning of September.

Some tour companies and hotels organise their own bus tours of the island. If your company does not do so and you wish to join a tour, contact the Tourist Information Office.

Hiking tours for people of all ages and physical disposition are organized by a number of centers in the Girne area generally conducted in the Girne mountain range. One particular tour party, organized by "Mountain Climbing Sport Association", meets every Sunday between October and the end of April and twice a month (again on Sundays) between the summer months from May to the end of September. During the winter, the tour programme is published at the beginning of every month explaining the route and where to meet etc. All walks, as well as being good exercise, endeavour to show walkers interesting natural and historical features. The tours generally start at 7.30 am and finish between 10 and 11 am. It is essential that you wear proper grooved walking shoes. You must also take your own water, and a hiking stick is advisable.

Tel: 090 542 851 18 00 ( Mr. Mustafa Cemal - Chief of The Association )

There are several beaches in Girne and Gazi Magusa, which offer a variety of water sports ranging from water skiing, parascending, wind-surfing and Jet skiing. And for diving.

With an average of only 51 people per square kilometre, Northern Cyprus holds the enviable reputation of being relatively free of pollution, industry or high concentrations of population. And with 387 km of coastline and pine, cypress and maquis covered hillsides; Northern Cyprus is something of a haven for wildlife. Northern Cyprus plays host to over 1600 plant species of which 22 are endemic, 350 species of birds, of which 7 are endemic, and 26 different species of reptile and amphibian. The two main reasons for this amazing diversity are, firstly, that Cyprus was not affected by the last ice-age (which wiped out many species from areas further north), and secondly, that Cyprus forms a resting, and nesting, station for birds migrating between Africa and Eastern Europe.

Yacht and boat tours are available throughout the summer from Girne Harbour. There are many vendors, so take time to find a suitable service. There are also tours which depart from the port in Gazi Magusa and sail along the Karpaz Peninsula.

The Environment that we inheritted and the next generation will inherit from us, is worth of more awareness and love... There is a mysterious sense at the word 'Orchid ... "It Has To Be Known To Love"

From this point on, we prepared this inventory of the orchids of our beautiful island, Cyprus. Our duties include the possession of orchids in a way to protect them by introducing them. Perhaps it will be suitable to begin our words saying: "What is orchid? and Is wild orchid present in the environment we live in? . The terms orchid anticipates an expensive plant with pleasant odour and eye-catching colours. It is generally presented to women. But beyond its prevalent image and being man s favourite for centuries, orchids, as mysterious individuals of the nature, are not far from us.

Perhaps we met most of them during a picnic, or during a walk we had with friends in the country but we didn't noticed them perhaps we were not interested in them. If you get acquainted with orchids or get interested in them for the first time, our web site will be a good guide for you at the beginning.

All the plants, covered in this web site are the orchid growing naturally in Northern Cyprus. Of these thirty two taxon, one is endemic to Cyprus. The others are the members widespread in five continents. With this information, we prepared and presented, both botanic specialists and passionate amateurs lowers of nature will have the opportunity to know closely the orchids of Northern Cyprus.

Orchids
The family Orchidaceae, thought to have originated from the Liliaceae family, is one of the largest and most evolved plant families in the entire plant kingdom. Orchids (Orchidaceae) comprise the most diverse family of plants, with over 25,000 described species in 400 to 800 genera worldwide. The Amazon is among the world's richest sources of native orchids, from where thousands of species are described and many more undoubtedly remain to be discovered. Orchids are differ from other flowering plants because they have: their stamens and pistils (male and female parts) fused together in one structure known as a column three petals and three petal-like sepals usually has one different petal that forms a lip or labellum making the flower laterally symetrical the pollen is usually bound together in a few large masses known as pollinia their flowers twists around during development known as resupination.

Ecology of Orchids
The ecology of orchids is a complex topic as the flowers themselves. Orchids have a large habitat diversity and can be found almost anywhere in the world, especially in tropical and warm temperate regions. Many orchids live on other plants (epiphytic), on decayed material (saphrophytic) or independent as usual plants (auto trophic). Nearly all orchids are pollinated by insects notably bees and wasps, but also butterflies, ants, flies and others. Moreover, almost every orchid species is pollinated by just one or two kinds of insects. Even though there are plentiful, many of them may go extinct if its pollinator insect dies out.

North Cyprus Orchids
Because of their rarity and beauty, orchids hold a special fascination for all naturalists. At North Cyprus, the orchid flora consists of 32 confirmed species, subspecies and varieties and a further three or five which presence needs verifying. Some species will be familiar to botanists from north-western Europe, such as pyramidal orchid and autumn lady's tresses, but there are also more exotic species including violet limodore, tongue-flowered serapias, naked man orchid and more. No doubt more observant botanists will find these and other orchid species more frequently but we think it s true to say that they are localised and hence always a delight when stumbled upon.

Orchis italica
Perennial herbs with two ovoid or ellipsoid tubers. Leaves up to 10, bright green, rosulate, Stem erect up to 50 cm, with cailine leaves. Infloresence dense and many flowered. The flowers resemble a naked man. Pinkish-white with pink dots. Species grows in grigue, in maqiue, or under Pine forest, sometimes in damp grassy hillsides on calcerous soils from sea-leavel to 1000m. Flowering period March-April.






Dactylorhiza romana
Perennial herbs with 2-3 tubers. Stem erect, up to 35cm. Leaves up to 10, mostly rosulate, oblong to linear-lanceolate. Infloresence few to many flowered, cylindirical, lax or dense.
Flowers spurred, bright yellow or pale yellow coloured and unspotted. Species grows at dry rocky places in Pine forests, often in association with Orchis morio ssp. Picta from 150 to 1000m. Flowering period March – May.






Neotinea maculata
Tuberous perennial herbs. Stem up to 40 cm, pinkish-purple and glaucous. Leaves rosulate and cauline, 2-6, spotted or unspotted. Infloresence dense, many flowered.
Flowers white, yellowish, pink or pinkish-purple. Species grows in garig, under Pinus or Cupressus foreste, usually on calcerous soils from 100 to 1000m. Flowering period March – April.






Orchis papilonacea
Tuberous perennial herbs, with stem up to 50 cm. Leaves up to 10, mostly rosulate, unspotted. Infloresence up to 14 flowered, lax or dense.
Flowers dark pink, red to purple with darker nerves and spots. Species grows in garigue or in dry grassy places on calcerous soils near the sea-level. Flowering period March-April.






Spiranthes spiralis (L.) Chevall.
Perennial herbs, roots tuberous and fleshy, stem up to 35 cm. Leaves unspotted, fleshy, basal and cauline.
Infloresence spirally twisted, flowers numerous, white, scented.Species grows on grassy banks and in sand dunes, \ .acier garigue 01 Pinus from sea-level to 300 m. Flowering period September-November.








Orchis simia
Perennial herbs with two ovoid or ellipsoid tubers. Stem erect up to 45cm. Leaves 3-6, bright green, unspotted, rosulate and sometimes with stem leaves. Insloresence dense and many flowered.
Flowers white with dark pink tips.Species grows in garigue, and grassy places, on stony slopes, in Pine forsest, on calcerous soils from 500 to 1000m. Flowersing period April – May.








Ophrys bornmuelleri ssp. Bornmuelleri
Distinguished from O. bornmuelleri ssp. bornmuelleri by its with more compact and less elongated infloresence, up to 7 flowered. Labellum brownish, hairy, with creamy yellow shoulders and h-shape, below shoulders, without creamyyellow bordered. Species grows at damp grassy places, in garigue, under Pine or Cypress, on calcerous soils from 100 to 700 m. Flowering period March-April.








Orchis collina
Tuberous perennial herbs. Stem up to 40 cm, rather fleshy often red or purplish. Leaves rosulate and cauline, dark green. Infloresence lax, up to 20 flowered. Flowers variable in colour ranging from violet to creamy white. Species grows in garigue or in sandy or stony places mostly on calcerous soils from sea-level to 400 m. Flowering period February-March.








Limodorum abortivum (L.) Swartz.
Plants usually robust. Stem is thick, erect, up to 80 cm, violet, violet-red or bluish-violet and resembles an asparagus. Infloresence a spike-like raceme up to 25 flowered. Sepals and petals pale to dark violet.
Species grows in Pine forests, dry grassy places, on calcerous soils from 800 to 1000 m. Flowering period April-June.







Serapias vomeracea (Burm.fil.) Briq.ssp. orientalis W.Greuter
Perennial herbs up to 30 cm. Leaves 4-6, broadly lanceolate bluish to yellowish-green. Infloresence condensed with 3-6 flowered. Flowers of all Serapias species have a lip divided into two, a front section and 2 side section.
The front section reminds a tongue. This sub-species has larger front lip or tongue than the S. vomeracea ssp. laxiflora. Species grows in damp calcerous or slightly acidic soils under Olive or Pine trees from sea-level to 400 m. Flowering period March-May.






Serapias vomeracea ssp. Laxiflora
Perennial herbs up to 60 cm. Leaves 4-7, linear to lanceolate unspotted. Infloresence elongate with up to 10 flowered.
All Serapias flowers, just like Ophrys flowers have simillar shape, resemble a tongue and this sub-species has smaller front lip or tongue than S. vomeracea ssp. orientalis.Species grows primarily in calcerous damp soils from sea-level to 800 m. Flowering period March-April.







Serapias parviflora. Ophrys fusca ssp. Fusca
erennial herbs with two ovoid tubers. Leaves up to 6, rosulate, narrow or broad elliptic. Infloresence lax, up to S flowered.
Labellum, which resembles an insect in outline, is brownish with two paler eye-shaped dots near its top, and a narrowyellow margin is characteristic. Species grows under Pine, Cypress, Olive or Cistus, in garigue or at limestone hills or on calcerous places from sea-level to 1000 m. Flowering period February-April .






Ophrys fusca ssp. Fleischmanii
Perennial herbs with two ovoid tubers. Leaves up to 6, rosulate, narrow or broad ellipti0c.Infloresence lax, up to 10 insect shaped flowered. Labellum is brownish-yellowish and white w-shaped line divide it into two clear parts.Species grows in garigue or under Pine forests, on calcerous soils from SOO to 1000 m. Flowering period February-April.








Ophrys fusca ssp. tricolor
Perennial herbs with two ovoid tubers. Leaves up to 6, rosulate, narrow or broad elliptic.
Infloresence lax, up to 5 insect shaped flowered. Labellum is brownish with two blue eye-shaped dots near its top. Species grows, in garigue or under Pinus or Cistus, from sea-level to 1000 m. Flowering period February-April.








Ophrys lutea ssp. galilaea
Perennial herbs with two ovoid tubers. Stem up to 40 cm. Leaves 4-8, all basal forming a rosette. Infloresence lax, up to 7 flowered. Insect shaped flowers resemble O. fusca ssp. fusca but düs one has wider yellow margin. Species grows in garigue or stony places under Pines or Olives on calcerous soils from sea-level to 1000 m. Flowering period February-April.








Ophyrs bornmuelleri ssp. grandiflora
P erennial herbs with two tubers. Stem up to 40 cm. Leaves 3-4, all basal except 1 at stem. Subspecies bornmuelleri with very lax, elongated infloresence, up to IS flowered. Labellum, brownish, hairy, with cream) yellow shoulders and creamy yellow bordered h-shape below shoulders. Species grows in garigue, under pines or at grassy places, on calcerous soils from sea-level to 1000 m. Flowering period March-April.







Ophrys sphegodes ssp. Mammosa
Perennial herbs with two oblong or ovoid tubers. Stem up to 80 cm., bearing upto 4 cauline leaves. Infloresence lax up to 10 flowered. Insect shaped parts of the flowers blackish and has bright purplish h-shaped lines. Species grows in garigue or under Pines, on calcerous soils from sea-level to 1000m. Flowering period March-June.








Ophrys sphegodes ssp. Transhyrcana
Distinguished from O. sphegodes Mammosa by its narrower insect shaped parts (Labellum) of flowers. Special grows in garigue or under Pines, often in damp places, on calcerous soils from 100 to 1000 m. Flowering period March-April.









Ophrys apifera var. Chlorantha
Perennial herbs with two globose tubers. Leaves up to 9, dark greei mostly rosulate. Stem up to 50 cm., bearing 1-2 cauline leaves. Infloresenc lax, up to 17 flowered. Labellum entire, green, yellowish-green or pink, with distinct appendage at its lower end and two yellowish dots above the appendage. Horshoe shaped dots near the neck of the labellum.Species grows on sandy or on calcerous soils, approximately at 200 m.Flowering period April.







Ophrys argolica ssp. elegans
Perennial herbs with two small globose or ovoid tubers. Leaves 3-4 mostly basal. Stem up to 35 cm., bearing 2-3 cauline leaves. Infloresence lax, up to 6 flowered. Labellum nearly entire, pale pinkish-violet, lilac or purple, with soft hairs on the shoulders. Central area of the labellum with spectacle shaped metalic purple spot. Species grows at grassy, shady places under Pine, Cypress, in garigue or on sand dunes or on calcerous soils from sea-level to 1000 m. Flowering period February-March.







Ophrys kotschyi
Perennial herbs with two ovoid tubers. Leaves dark green, all basal except 1 at stem. Infloresence up to 10 flowered. Sepals pale pink with green nerves and petals olive green, purple tinged at center. Shoulders hairy and tips yellow tinged. Only Cyprus endemic orchid species.
Species grows at grassy, shady places under Pine, Cypress, also under Acacia and Eucalyptus, in garigue or on sand dunes or on calcerous soils from sea-level to 1000m. Flowering period March-April.







Ophrys scolopax
Perennial herbs with two globose or eliptic tubers. Leaves up to 10 and groupped at the base. Stem up to 60 cm. Infloresence lax, up to 12 flowered. Insect shaped part of the flower narrower, brownish with purplish neck.
Shoulders hairy and appendage tri-lobed. Species grows at shady places under Pine or Cypress, in garigue or on dry turf from 100 to 1000m. Flowering period March-June.







Ophrys umbilicata ssp. Umbilicata
Perennial herbs with two tubers. Leaves up to 8, mostly basal. Stem up to 45 cm with 1-2 cauline leaves. Infloresence up to 12 flowered. Insect shaped part labellum with white bordered brownish spots, one at the center and two below shoulders. Shoulders hairy and labellum with yellowish appendage at the bottom.Species grows at variable habitats from sea-level to 800 m. Flowering period March-April.








Ophrys umbilicata ssp. attica
Distinguished from O. Umblicata ssp. Umbilicata by its longer shoulders, wider labellum and smaller yellowish appendage at the bottom. Species grows in garigue, shady places under Pine, Cypress, or in dry turf, on calcerous soils from sea-level to 300 m . Flowering period March-April









Barlia robertiana
Herbaceous perennials with 2-3 large tubers. Leaves 5-8 large, unspotted and grouped at the base of the stem. Cauline leaves amplexicaul and much smaller. Stem up to 80 cm. Infloresence long, many flowered. Flowers large, scented, white or pink with central area white and spotted pinkish.
Monotypic genus, widespread in the world from sea-level to 500 m. Flowering period February-March.








Orchis anatolica var. anatolica
Plant perennial, herbaceous with two tubers. Stem up to 50 cm. Leaves 2-5, oblong or eliptic, rosulate, dark green with dark spots or blotches. Infloresence lax up to 14 flowered. Flowers white, pale pink and purple with red spots. Species grows in garigue, in stony places, in light forest on calcerous soil from 150 to 1000 m. Flowering period March-May.








Orchis morio ssp. picta
Tuberous perennial herbs, with stem up to 70 cm. Leaves up to 9, mostly rosulate sometimes 1-2 cauline, unspotted. Flowers yellowish-green, yellow or brownish-yellow with reddish dotts. Species grows in garigue, on dry stony or sandy slopes, on calcerous soils from 100 to 300 m. Flowering period February.









Orchis coriophora ssp. fragrans
Tuberous perennial herbs. Stem up to 60 cm. Leaves rosulate up to 10 and with several leaves above, unspotted. Infloresence dense and many flowered. Flowers purple, red or reddish purple, three red spotted and sweet scented. Species grows in garigue and dry grassy places and by the roadsides on calcerous soils from sea-leve;l to 600 m. Flowering period April-May.