Biodiversity and Endemicity

Why Greece?

By Tonia Mavrommati

• Plant biodiversity leader:

  • The highest plant diversity in Europe (~6,500 species, ~1,500 endemic).

  • Unique island ecosystems (Crete, Aegean) and glacial refugia.

• Animal diversity: Rich in reptiles, birds, and marine life (e.g., monk seals

• Greece boasts the highest biodiversity in the plant kingdom in Europe due to a combination of geographical, climatic, geological, and historical factors. Here’s why:

  1. Geographical Position & Climate Diversity

  • Greece is located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, allowing species from all three continents to thrive.

  • It has a Mediterranean climate (hot, dry summers & mild, wet winters) but also includes alpine, temperate, and semi-arid zones, supporting diverse plant life.

  • High mountains (like Olympus and Pindus) create microclimates, fostering unique species.

  2. Complex Geology & Topography

  • Greece’s mountainous terrain and numerous islands create isolated habitats where endemic species evolve.

  • Varied soil types (limestone, volcanic, etc.) support different plant communities.

  3. High Number of Endemic Species

  • Over 6,000 plant species are recorded in Greece, with about 1,500 being endemic (found nowhere else).

  • Examples:

    • Cretan Date Palm (Phoenix theophrasti) – One of only two native European palms.

    • Greek Fir (Abies cephalonica) – Endemic to mountainous regions.

    • Silene hellenica – A rare flower found only in central Greece.

  4. Refugia During Ice Ages

  • Southern Greece (especially Crete and the Peloponnese) acted as a glacial refugium, allowing ancient plant species to survive while they disappeared from northern Europe.

  5. Historical & Evolutionary Factors

  • Greece’s long geological history and stable landmass allowed species to evolve without major disruptions.

  • Low human impact in remote mountainous and island regions preserved biodiversity.

  6. Island Biodiversity Hotspots

  • Greek islands (e.g., Crete, the Aegean islands) have high endemism due to isolation.

  • Example: Cyclamen creticum (endemic to Crete).

  Comparison with Other European Countries

  • Spain and Italy also have high biodiversity, but Greece surpasses them in endemic species per area.

  • The Balkan Peninsula as a whole is a biodiversity hotspot, with Greece at its heart.

  Threats to Greek Plant Biodiversity

  Despite its richness, Greece’s flora faces threats from:

  • Climate change (droughts, wildfires)

  • Urbanization & tourism

  • Overgrazing & agriculture

  Greece’s unique mix of geography, climate, geology, and evolutionary history makes it Europe’s top hotspot for plant biodiversity, with an exceptionally high number of rare and endemic species.