Wildlife in Corfu ( korfu ) Island attracts many tourists from many parts of the world for its diverse collection. The Corfu Island is one of the most popular travel destinations in Greece and consists of an extensive range of flora and fauna. The Wildlife in Corfu Island is quite breathtaking and the tourists will get to find its exotic variety as they venture into the interior parts of the island. The rich wildlife collection which the island boasts of will make the Corfu Island tours pleasurable and interesting for the visitors.

There is a permanent human population of approx. 110,000, which swells dramatically during the summer months due to tourism. Compared to mainland Greece the Island is blessed with a Maritime / Subtropical climate i.e. mild winters and relatively cool summers .

The annual rainfall varies between 700mm and1400mm, the majority of this in the winter months.

Snow and frost are rarities on the island even though the Albanian and Greek mountains a few miles away have a covering of snow for most of the winter. As a result of this, humidity is high which gives rise to lush vegetation, which in turn harbours a great variety of wildlife.

The terrain is  varied with at least six peaks over 500meters the highest being Mount Pandokrator at 906 meters. On the higher slopes there is maquis, the typical Mediterranean landscape i.e. rocky with low scrub and grass etc.

There is rich pasture/tillable land like the Ropa Valley which includes a golf course, coastal plains with salt water lagoons some of which contain disused salt pans, the remainder of the Island comprises undulating hills carpeted in endless olive groves with a scattering of family owned and cultivated vegetable patches including small fields of fodder for their animals.

Historically a large part of Corfu was covered with natural oak forests but these were exploited for shipbuilding by the Venetians whose shipyard remains can still be seen at Gouvia. Later the British and French took advantage of these resources.

However it was during the Venetian occupation (1386-1797) that the Corfiots were convinced to plant olive trees, rewarding them with a payment for every ten trees planted and also allowing them to pay their taxes in oil. Obviously a very successful venture as today the island is home to over 3 Million olive trees.

Swallows and House martins: The Swallows and House martins are some of the exotic bird species which are found in the island and are seen near the exquisite lakes of the island.

Yellow and Green Butterflies: The Yellow and Green Butterflies are one of the exotic species of the island and impress the visitors with their striking dazzling appearance.

Lizards: The various pristine sandy beaches which are found in the island are the home of these lizards which are seen resting and moving over there at different times of the day. The brown lizards with a blue mark on their throat are the most common lizards which are found in the island.

The Sea Urchins: The Sea Urchins are also found basking in sunlight on the beaches of the island and one of the exotic species of the place. They resemble small balls which are covered with black spikes and if somebody happens to stand on them it is painful indeed.

Fireflies: The fireflies are another one among the variable species found in the island which seems to enhance the beauty of the dark night with its flashing lights.