THE FAUNA OF ELBA ISLAND

The island of Elba and its sister islands of the Tuscan Archipel, provide a habitat for rare species. The animals are not always easy to detect in nature because they are very shy. Its geographical isolation made the fauna on the islands different from the fauna on the mainland. The phenomenon is particularly evident when one looks at the large number of endemic flora of Elba, which are primarily terrestrial invertebrates. Such as the tiny Oxychilus Snails of the genus or unique blind shrimp and many species of butterflies, as Ilvanella Coenonympha corinna and Hipparchia neomiris. Besides these, there are also many endemic species of spiders, of which one can mention the Migale Cteniza resident in daylight in the underground caves. The islands are a paradise for some species that have disappeared elsewhere, just like the Tyrrhenian frog. The frog has a medium size, the dhows on the islands of Giglio and Montecristo as the only amphibians. There are countless lizards on the islands, including the emerald-green livery, which can reach a length of 25 cm, while among the snakes, is the most common type of rat snake. She glides quickly around in the low bushes. Along the coast there were even the sea turtle Caretta-brown with large tanks, which can reach a length of about one meter. Sometimes if you are lucky you can observe the turtle Today.

MAMMALS - The seal Monaca, which are found only in three locations in Italy, you see sometimes on the coast of the Tuscan Archipel. They hide mostly in caves, as on the south side of the island of Montecristo. Whales can be observed, much more than seals. Regularly seen dolphins, whales, or one of the rare fin whales. On land there are the goat and the Viper have been brought here by humans. Noteworthy is the presence of rare pine marten (Martes martes). In the seventies, the wild boar (Sus scrofa) were brought on the Island, which can reach a weight of 150 kg. There are also rabbits and wild sheep on the island of Elba.

AVIFAUNE OF ELBA - On the island of Elba you will find a rich bird life. All birds are typical of the Mediterranean. There are many swallows and swifts, sparrows and finches. At dusk you can see the bats. The birds of prey of Elba hot barn owls, peregrine falcons and kestrels, owls and buzzards. Among the seabirds are the most common herring gulls that occupy large territories and nest on the cliffs.