Fauna
Hymettus is a recognised Important Bird Area (code GR126, criteria A3, B3, C6). The Hellenic Ornithological Society calls it particularly important for species of phrygana and shrubland, and for breeding and feeding raptors. Its breeding birds include seven of the 21 European species restricted to the Mediterranean biome.
Species listed in the source
- Breeding. Rüppell’s warbler (Curruca ruppeli), Sardinian warbler (Curruca melanocephala), subalpine warbler (Curruca cantillans), western rock nuthatch (Sitta neumayer), black-eared wheatear (Oenanthe hispanica), Cretzschmar’s bunting (Emberiza caesia) and black-headed bunting (Emberiza melanocephala).
- Raptors. One pair of peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) and one pair of long-legged buzzard (Buteo rufinus), from records of 2000 to 2007.
- Passage. Red-footed falcon (Falco vespertinus) and Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus), with older data up to 1997.
The source singles out two places: the Kaisariani Aesthetic Forest, as the best for woodland birds thanks to its variety of vegetation, and the Karea and Ilioupoli area, with the highest density of Mediterranean biome species. The steep eastern slopes with their rock outcrops are suitable raptor nesting sites.
Sources
- Hellenic Ornithological Society, Important Bird Area GR126 Mount Hymettus
- Kathimerini (English edition), "Mt Hymettus", John Leonard, 28 December 2010
The Hellenic Ornithological Society population data are mostly from 2000 to 2007, and for some species before 1997. The sources opened hold no recent surveys of mammals, reptiles or insects, so this page covers birds only. English common names are this page’s own, the source gives scientific names.