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In a surprising and unprecedented journey, Iris, a young Sea Crow fitted with a satellite transmitter in February, has stunned researchers by covering nearly 500 kilometers across Cyprus in just three days. Born in Akamas, Iris traveled to Limassol, then returned to Akamas before flying along the northern coastline to Agia Napa. For the past four months, she has remained in the tourist hotspots of Protaras and Agia Napa—an area not typically associated with Sea Crows—captivating both scientists and the public.
What makes Iris' journey especially intriguing is its length. Sea Crows usually stay within 500 meters of their birthplace, so her nearly 500-kilometer flight is the longest ever recorded in Cyprus for this species. While it's normal for young birds to explore, Iris' travels defy expectations, revealing new insights into Sea Crow behavior.
Iris’ extended stay in tourist areas caught the attention of residents and visitors, who began reporting sightings to researchers. This public interest has been key in tracking her movements and highlights how this bird has brought awareness to the species’ plight.
This satellite transmitter project, run in collaboration with the Game and Wildlife Service, helps researchers better understand the Sea Crow's breeding and feeding habits and the threats it faces. The Mediterranean subspecies, endemic to Cyprus, has suffered a drastic population decline over the last 30 years, making Iris' journey even more significant.
Iris’ extraordinary expedition underscores the importance of Cyprus' coastal areas and the need to preserve them for threatened species. Her record-breaking journey has not only surprised scientists but also brought hope that these resilient birds might one day thrive again on the island.
[Information from Birdlife Cyprus]
