Calanques National Park

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Calanques National Park, located along the Mediterranean coast of France, is renowned for its stunning limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and diverse marine and terrestrial wildlife. This protected area is home to a variety of fascinating species that thrive in its unique coastal and rocky environments.

European Leaf-toed Gecko (Euleptes europaea)
This small nocturnal gecko is well adapted to the rocky cliffs of the Calanques. With its camouflage coloration and the ability to cling to vertical surfaces, it is a master of hiding among the limestone formations.

Mediterranean Monk Seal (Monachus monachus)
Once common in the region, this critically endangered marine mammal occasionally visits the park’s secluded coves. It is one of the rarest seals in the world and is protected under conservation efforts.

Common Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)
A frequent sight in the Mediterranean waters of the Calanques, these intelligent and playful dolphins are often seen leaping through the waves or swimming alongside boats.

European Green Lizard (Lacerta viridis)
This strikingly green lizard is one of the park’s more vibrant reptilian residents. It can be seen basking in the sun on rocky outcrops or darting between vegetation in search of insects.

Mediterranean Moray Eel (Muraena helena)
A hidden predator of the park’s underwater caves and rocky crevices, this eel is known for its elongated body and sharp teeth. Though it looks intimidating, it is not aggressive unless provoked.

Striped Dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba)
Smaller and more agile than the common bottlenose dolphin, the striped dolphin is often spotted in deeper waters near the park. It is known for its energetic leaps and social behavior.

Ocellated Lizard (Timon lepidus)
One of Europe’s largest lizards, this species is easily recognizable by the blue-ringed patterns on its green scales. It prefers dry, rocky terrain and is an agile hunter of insects and small vertebrates.

Dusky Grouper (Epinephelus marginatus)
A keystone species in the park’s marine ecosystem, this large fish is often found hiding in rocky reefs. It plays an essential role in maintaining ecological balance in Mediterranean waters.

Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta)
These large marine turtles occasionally visit the Calanques’ waters. They are migratory and rely on healthy marine environments to feed and rest during their long oceanic journeys.

Mediterranean Chameleon (Chamaeleo chamaeleon)
A rare sight in the park, this slow-moving reptile blends perfectly with its surroundings using its remarkable color-changing abilities. It is a skilled ambush predator, using its long, sticky tongue to catch insects.

Birds

The rugged cliffs and coastal ecosystems of Calanques National Park provide a haven for a variety of bird species. Seabirds, raptors, and songbirds thrive in this Mediterranean paradise, making it a prime location for birdwatching.

European Shag (Gulosus aristotelis)
This agile seabird is often seen diving beneath the waves in search of fish. It nests along the rocky cliffs and is distinguished by its dark plumage and slender, hooked bill.

Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
One of the fastest birds in the world, the peregrine falcon makes its home among the park’s towering limestone cliffs. It is a skilled hunter, using its incredible speed to capture prey mid-air.

Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis)
A common sight along the coast, this large and adaptable gull is known for its bold behavior and loud calls. It thrives in both natural and urban environments within the park.

Scopoli’s Shearwater (Calonectris diomedea)
Gliding effortlessly over the waves, this seabird breeds on the cliffs of the Calanques. It spends much of its life at sea, only returning to land for nesting season.

Eurasian Crag Martin (Ptyonoprogne rupestris)
This small, agile bird is often seen darting around rocky cliffs in search of flying insects. Its brownish plumage allows it to blend seamlessly with the limestone landscape.

Blue Rock Thrush (Monticola solitarius)
A striking blue bird with a melodious song, the blue rock thrush prefers rocky outcrops and steep coastal cliffs. Males are particularly vibrant, while females have a more subdued brownish hue.

Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)
This elegant white wading bird is commonly seen along the park’s shores and wetlands. It hunts by stealthily stalking fish and invertebrates in shallow waters.

Bonelli’s Eagle (Aquila fasciata)
A majestic bird of prey, Bonelli’s eagle is a rare but treasured sight in the park. It patrols the cliffs and woodlands, preying on small mammals and birds.

Common Swift (Apus apus)
These aerial acrobats fill the sky during the warmer months, feeding on insects while in constant flight. They are known for their incredible endurance, spending most of their lives airborne.

Cory’s Shearwater (Calonectris borealis)
A relative of Scopoli’s Shearwater, this seabird follows the Mediterranean currents, gliding effortlessly over the water. It breeds on islands and isolated cliffs within the park.

With its dramatic landscapes and rich biodiversity, Calanques National Park is a remarkable refuge for wildlife, both on land and at sea.