Four-lined snake (Elaphe quatuorlineata) (C) Will Atkins

During my last visit in July last year I actually decided that would be my last to Corfu, since some of my favorite areas had been transformed by property developpers in the south of the island. In fact, at an area that contained the highest diversity of species that I have found in Corfu, I could see several notices about the purchase of the land to build holiday homes. Therefore I didn’t want to have to return to this spot, which is especially rich in tortoises, green lizards and snakes, to see how it has been destroyed since my last visit. However hearing of such great trips like that of Will, I surely cannot resist but to return to this island in the near future, and discover some new areas that aren’t threaterned by habitat destruction as so many sadly are at present. For those of you who follow my blog, you may recall me posting on the illegal capturing of Hermann’s tortoises (Testudo hermanni) from Corfu for the pet trade last summer. However it is reassuring, when I read field reports of such high numbers of species being found, considering how the island has changed over the years for the tourist industry which Greece needs now more than ever.