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Our Biome Development Process

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Creating a sustainable natural biome, as defined by Habitat/Species Management Area (IUCN Category IV) - Protected involves thoughtful planning, conservation efforts, and community engagement. Our approach is based on the following:

  1. Biodiversity Assessment:

    • Conduct a thorough assessment of existing biodiversity. (completed)

    • Identify native plant species, including endemic ones. (completed)

    • Study animal habitats and migration patterns. (completed)

  2. Habitat Restoration and Enhancement:

    • Reforestation: We have planned for food forests to be created within the biomes and conservancy. (identified and planned for)

    • Habitat Connectivity: Create wildlife corridors to link fragmented habitats.

    • Wetland Restoration: Protect and restore wetlands, which are critical for biodiversity. (each property has been designed with an individual wetland)

  3. Invasive Species Management:

    • Control invasive plants and animals that threaten native species.

    • Promote native vegetation over non-native species. (planned for)

  4. Sustainable Land Use:

    • Agroforestry: Food forest with a no till approach has been identified for implementation

    • Silvopasture: Combine forestry with livestock grazing. ( we will be re-introducing Fallow Deer into the conservancies)

    • Ecotourism: Develop sustainable tourism to fund conservation efforts. ( this is underpinned by the Akamas Ranch Education  and Eco Tours Business Unit)

  5. Community Involvement:

    • Educate locals about the importance of biodiversity. ( the Akamas Ranch Open Farm Business Unit has a strong community focus)

    • Involve communities in tree planting, habitat restoration, and monitoring.

  6. Climate Resilience:

    • Choose climate-resilient species. ( this is an integral part of our philosophy)

    • Implement water-saving techniques.(designed for)

    • Adapt to changing climate conditions. (designed for with own power generation, recycling of waste through bio-digesters for irrigation purposes)

  7. Conservation Policies and Regulations:

    • Advocate for protected areas and enforce regulations.

  8. Research and Monitoring:

    • Continuously monitor biodiversity health. (this will undertaken through the Akamas Ranch Innovation Hub)

    • Adapt strategies based on scientific findings.

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When developing an integrated biome we will utilise our circular philosophy to ensure balance. 

The focus will not on be on restoring under threat animal species but to create a balanced environment that will become self sustaining. 

To achieve this we will focus on the development of wetlands, the introduction of hoofed animals (deer and horses), birds, mammals, reptiles, fish and especially insects into the biomes. Focus then on the correct fauna species is thus vital to ensure food sources (through the surrounding food forests) and cover species (for example bamboo) that will allow for a thriving eco-system.

Bird Life

Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca)    

  • Marbled Duck aka marbled teal (Marmaronetta angustirostris) (reintroduction program)    

  • White-headed Duck (Oxyura leucocephala) introduction program IUCN Endangered.    

  • Ferruginous Duck (Aythya nyroca) breeding program/population bolstering IUCN Near Threatened    

  • Black-bellied sandgrouse (Pterocles orientalis)  reintroduction program    

  • Chukar Partridge (Alectoris Chukar Cypriotes) IUCN Least Concern    

  • Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix) IUCN Least Concern Cages for livestock.    

  • Barn Owl (Tyto alba)  IUCN LC    

  • Helmeted Guinea Fowl (alien species) + Domestic ducks

Reptiles and Amphibians

  • Cyprus Grass Snake (Natrix natrix cypriaca) Endemic Sub-species IUCN Critically Endangered    

  • Cyprus Whipsnake (Hierophis cypriensis) Endemic Species IUCN Endangered    

  • Balkan Terrapin (Mauremys rivulata) IUCN Least Concern    

  • Mediterranean Gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus) IUCN Least Concern    

  • Cyprus Marsh Frog (Pelophylax cypriensis)  IUCN Vulnerable

Fish   

  • Freshwater blenny    

  • Killifish (Aphanius cf. Fasciatus) 

  • Tilapia  

Insects​

  • Mayflies

  • Beautiful demoiselle reintroduction program 

  • Migrant Spreadwing reintroduction program 

  • Small Blue Damselfly reintroduction program

  • Persian Bluetail IUCN EN 

  • Magnificent emperor IUCN EN 

  • Blue-eyed Hawker 

  • Green-eyed Hakwer 

  • Southern Darter 

  • Northern Banded Groundling 

  • Bee Farms 

  • Scorpion 

  • Mealworms 

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Flora

A Nursery and seed bank for the following species:

  • Caspian Orchid reintroduction program

  • Scilla morrisii

  • Akamas Centauri 

  • Arabis kennedyae

  • Erysimum kykkoticum

  • Brassica hilarionis

  • Delphinium caseyi

  • Salvia veneris

  • Tulipa akamasic

Image by Soledad Lorieto

Mammals  

  • Common bent-wing bat (Miniopterus schreibersii)   

  • Mehely’s Horshoe Bat (Rhinolophus mehelyi)    

  • Cyprus Spiny Mouse (Acomys nesiotes)  IUCN listed Data Deficient (but likely endangered)

  • Cypriot Fox - pest control and balancing of biome 

Mammals- Hoofed Animals

Research shows that the introduction of hoofed animals to farms  have about a third more carbon stored within their soil.

  • Horses

  • Fallow Deer

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Nest Boxes and Nesting Habitat native/migrant species:

  • Stone Walls for Cyprus Wheatear Nesting

  • Mud Wall for European Bee-eater Nesting and European Roller

  • Nest Boxes for European Roller

  • Nest Boxes for Cyprus Scops Owl

We would like to thank and acknowledge Matt Smith for his invaluable work, research and support of the Biome Development project

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