A big part of the island’s northern side, including a large sea area as well, belongs to the network of protected areas NATURA 2000. The total extent of the protected zone is 60.686 acres and it includes the northern part of Amorgos along with the islets of Levitha, Kynaro and Mavria which are located further to the east. The entire area is really important from an ecological as well as scientific point of view.
Amorgos combines Asian and European ecosystemic elements. The steep slopes with limestone substrate are typical habitats of endemic species. The most important species are the Mediterranean seal Monachus monachus, the freshwater turtle Mauremys caspica, and the four-lined snake Elaphe quatuorlineata. The underwater Posidonia seagrass is important as well. On the islets, the plantation consists of brushwood and maquis.
