| Zakynthos, the southernmost of the Ionian islands and the second-largest in area, is situated 10 miles (16 km) off the shore of the Peloponnese. It takes its name from the abundant wild hyacinths that grow there. One part of the island features imposing chalky cliffs, lined with white gypsum, which have crumbled away—from the effects of erosion and several earthquakes, the most serious of which occurred in 1953—forming beaches of fine sand. These beaches are favorite egg-laying sites of loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta). However, boat propellers, pollution, urbanization, and tourism have all affected the numbers of sea turtles that come to Zakynthos, which now range between 800 and 2,000 animals. Conservation measures and public awareness campaigns since 1981, reinforced by the creation of the Zakynthos National Marine Park in 2000, are now starting to bear fruit. A few of the best-known endangered species, including sea turtles, benefit from ambitious protection programs. Nevertheless, one-fourth of the Earth’s mammal species, one-third of fish species, and one-eighth of bird species are still threatened with extinction today. |
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