Located in the central Aegean Sea, Despotiko covers an area of approximately 7.6 square kilometers and features a varied topography with a peak elevation of about 187 meters above sea level. The island is composed primarily of metamorphic rocks, including gneiss and marble, which create a rugged landscape of ravines and rocky outcrops. Historically, Despotiko, known in ancient times as Prepesinthos, was inhabited from the early Bronze Age until the late 17th century, with the Sanctuary of Apollo serving as a significant religious center during the Archaic period. Today, the island is uninhabited by humans but supports a population of approximately 200 goats, which graze heavily across the terrain, while daily cruise tourism adds a modern layer of human activity to the ancient landscape.

The primary objective of the 2024 survey was to address the lack of recent herpetological data for Despotiko and to assess the current state of its reptile diversity. Researchers conducted visual surveys and rock-flipping transects between June 17 and June 23, 2024, focusing on the northeastern side of the island, which is closest to the goat farm and experiences the highest grazing pressure. The surveys were limited by boat access schedules and the presence of archaeologists, resulting in four total survey sessions. Despite these constraints, the study yielded significant findings, including the first published records of two reptile species on the island: the javelin sand boa (Eryx jaculus) and the striped wall lizard (Lacerta citrovittata).

The javelin sand boa, a cryptic species that is rarely observed, was found curled under a white rock, confirming its presence on Despotiko. This finding is particularly notable because reptiles in Greece frequently use archaeological sites as hibernacula, and excavations often disturb these hidden populations. The striped wall lizard was also documented for the first time on the island, with two individuals found during the surveys and additional ad-hoc sightings within the archaeological site. These new records expand the known herpetofauna of Despotiko beyond the five species previously identified by Gruber and Fuchs in 1977, which included Kotschy’s gecko, the Mediterranean house gecko, the European copper skink, the agama lizard, and the grass snake.

Interestingly, the study revealed that the enclosed archaeological site harbored greater reptile diversity and richness compared to the areas outside the site. This observation suggests that the archaeological site may serve as a key habitat for reptiles, potentially offering shelter and resources that are scarce in the surrounding grazed areas. The mean Shannon’s Diversity Index was slightly higher within the archaeological site, although the difference was not statistically significant. This pattern may be influenced by the heavy goat grazing outside the site, which can degrade vegetation and reduce habitat quality for reptiles. In contrast, the fenced archaeological site protects its vegetation from goats, creating a more favorable environment for species like the striped wall lizard and the European copper skink.

The absence of certain species, such as the agama lizard (Laudakia stellio) and the grass snake (Natrix natrix), which are common on neighboring islands, raises questions about the specific ecological conditions on Despotiko. The agama lizard prefers dry habitats with stone walls and rocks for basking, yet it was not observed during the 2024 surveys, despite being common on Antiparos, Paros, and Naxos. The grass snake, which requires freshwater habitats and amphibians as a food source, is likely absent due to the lack of permanent water bodies on the island. These absences highlight the importance of habitat specificity in determining species distributions, even on small islands with similar climatic conditions.

The impact of goat grazing on reptile populations is a critical factor in understanding the current herpetofauna of Despotiko. Studies in the Skyros Archipelago have shown that goat presence can have a greater negative impact on endemic lizard species compared to islands without goats. On Despotiko, the heavy and continuous grazing by goats outside the archaeological site may be reducing the availability of suitable microhabitats for reptiles. The fenced archaeological site, by excluding goats, may be acting as a refuge for reptile species, preserving vegetation and providing cover. This dynamic underscores the potential for conservation efforts to focus on protecting such refuges to maintain reptile diversity on islands with significant grazing pressure.

The findings from Despotiko contribute to the broader understanding of reptile diversity in the Cyclades and the Aegean Sea. New records from small islets like Despotiko help to fill gaps in the herpetological literature and provide insights into the interactions between human activities, such as archaeology and grazing, and wildlife. The study also highlights the importance of archaeological sites as potential habitats for reptiles, suggesting that these areas may play a crucial role in conserving biodiversity. Future research could explore the long-term effects of goat grazing on reptile populations and the potential for restoring habitats on islands with similar ecological challenges.

As the Aegean Islands continue to be a hotspot for herpetological research, the need for comprehensive and up-to-date surveys remains evident. The work on Despotiko demonstrates that even small, uninhabited islands can harbor unexpected species and ecological dynamics. By combining historical records with modern fieldwork, researchers can better understand the factors shaping reptile diversity in the region. The discovery of new species records and the identification of the archaeological site as a key habitat for reptiles on Despotiko provide valuable insights for conservation and management efforts in the Cyclades. This study not only updates the herpetofauna list for Despotiko but also opens new avenues for research into the interactions between ancient human settlements and modern wildlife.

Subject of Research: Herpetofauna survey and reptile diversity assessment on Despotiko Island, Greece

Article Title: The herpetofauna of Despotiko Island (Cyclades, Greece)

Article References: Poole, J. R., Smith, J., Hesselberg, T., & Pafilis, P. (2025). The herpetofauna of Despotiko Island (Cyclades, Greece). Herpetozoa, 38, 71-75. https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.38.e152516

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.38.e152516

Keywords: herpetofauna, Despotiko Island, Cyclades, reptile diversity, archaeological site, goat grazing, Eryx jaculus, Lacerta citrovittata, Aegean Sea, conservation biology, Despotiko, Island