The western region of Crete is the most mountainous and untouched part of the island, which is mainly due to the Samaria Canyon, Europe’s longest canyon that is also famous for its magnificent scenery and exceptional natural beauty. In order to protect the canyon, whose entrance lies on the southern side of the Omalos Plateau, the Samaria National Park was founded in 1962. More than 450 different types of plants, among them 70 varieties that are unique to the region, make Samaria an even more remarkable and unique natural habitat. In antiquity, the island’s splendid trees, including Cypress, Pine and Crete Maple, were transported to the Greek mainland. One of the most famous inhabitants of Samaria Canyon is the Crete bezoar goat that is also known as the kri-kri. The surrounding rocks are home to a total of 30 different species of birds, among them such endangered species as the eagle, hawk, wild goose and bearded vulture. Kissed by the Greek sunshine beneath a clear blue sky, the original beauty of Samaria Canyon is indeed a true natural wonder.
BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE EPISODE 6 — WHALE SHARK GYPSY OF THE DEEP looks at the enigmatic whale shark. A favourite with divers the world over, this the biggest shark in the sea has attracted the imagination and attention of people all over the world. Unfortunately this includes commercial fisherman from the Far East. The problem is, little is known of this giant fish, the biggest of all fish. But what is known is that it is one of the world’s rarest fish and unless something is done to protect it this fish will go the same way as thousands of other endangered species, it could well become extinct. Gypsy of the Deep looks at what is happening globally to this creature. We travel to the Indian Ocean, to the Seychelles and Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia, to the Philippines where the whale shark has just be declared a protected species and to Taiwan where the aggressively hunt the whale shark for restaurant and dinner tables. We see the shark market where a huge pregnant whale shark was landed and see the only pictures of more than 300 pups that were inside the whale shark ready to be born. Until now Whale Sharks have only been seen on film as single solitary fish cruising off the coast of Western Australia. In this film we see them congregate. We also see magnificent underwater pictures, music and storytelling tell of the plight of this gentle giant. Above the waves we meet the people who are concerned for the species future, the conservation officers and scientists in the …
An undeniable benefit of investing in Nicaragua real estate or retiring to Nicaragua is the opportunity to be exposed to natural wonders that don’t exist in North America. Nicaragua plays host to several beaches that are among the few sites in the world where sea turtles lay their eggs. The sea turtles arrive in huge numbers of up to one thousand certain times of the year to lay eggs. This fascinating event is called arribadas and occurs several times per year.
There are only seven species of sea turtles left in existence throughout the entire world. Five of those seven species are present in Nicaragua including the Green Turtle, the Hawksbill Turtle, the Leatherback Turtle, the Loggerhead Turtle, and the Olive Ridley Turtle. Each of these species of turtles has been placed on the critically endangered species list or the endangered species list. The most commonly seen turtle on Nicaragua’s Pacific beaches is the Olive Ridley Turtle. The Leatherback Turtle and the Hawksbill Turtle can also be found here in much smaller numbers.
The commercial consumption of turtle eggs is a major problem facing the sea turtle. The coastal dwellers use the eggs as a food source and more recently they found there was a lucrative commercial demand for the eggs. The turtle eggs are easily sold to seafood restaurants in Leon or Managua or any other major city.
With increased knowledge of the problems being faced by the sea turtle populations there have been conservation steps taken. The protection of the sea turtles and the very important sea turtle eggs is regulated and managed by organizations like the Cocibolca Foundation. Beaches such as Chacocente and La Flor have become national turtle reserves. The local residents are allowed to take a limited number of eggs for their families in exchange for their help in protecting the sea turtle nests
Extremely interesting and turtle sensitive tours to La Flor to watch the sea turtles can be easily arranged through a number of places in San Juan del Sur. San Juan del Sur real estate is rapidly becoming a popular Nicaragua real estate investment destination amongst North Americans.
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