The Organization of Natural Environment and Climate Change (OPIPKA), in collaboration with the Hellenic Research and Innovation Foundation (ELIDEK), essentially strengthens scientific research on the biodiversity of Greece.

Recently, the scientific community has shown that the population of the rocky island is a new species for science, which emphasizes the importance of continuing and empowering such research initiatives. Researchers from the Biology Departments of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (EKPA), Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki) and the University of Patras, collect morphological and genetic data, with the aim of publishing a scientific publication.

In the context of the project funded by Optypeca entitled “Actions for the Protection, Conservation and Promotion of Biodiversity – Field Studies of Endemic, Endemic, Endered and National Importance of Greece”, research team of the Department of Biology of the NCSR, under the guidance of the Professor of Animal Paul Milensis).

Scientists conducted on -the -spot research on small islands off Milos, examining the small populations of the species and specialized mechanisms of adaptation to environments with particularly high temperatures. The results of the study highlight the serious threat of animals living in secluded ecosystems, such as the Aegean islands, due to climate change, as the lack of dispersion capabilities makes it difficult to address the effects of temperature rise.

This study is part of the 32 projects announced by ELIDEK on January 30, 2023 and continues under the new program contract signed on June 8, 2023, with a total budget of approximately EUR 800,000.

OPYPKA CEO, Konstantinos Triantis, said: “With actions like this, Oypecca proves in practice that research, protection and promotion of Greek nature are an investment for the future. The new species of lizard once again highlights how unique Greek biodiversity is and that our rocky is treasured by biodiversity treasures ».