The Challenge
The Cyclades, beyond a unique travel destination, are also home to rare and threatened species of birds and wildlife. As pressures from human activity, habitat loss, and climate-related stressors grow, local wildlife faces increased threats to survival.
On Naxos, a critical biodiversity hotspot, injured wild animals —especially sea turtles and vultures — are frequently found, requiring urgent care. The island also lies on key migratory routes for raptors such as eagles and griffon vultures, who cross the Aegean Sea facing immense risks including dehydration, disorientation, exhaustion, and injury from human-made structures or weather extremes.
As climate change intensifies there is a growing need to build adequate local rehabilitation infrastructure and increase the capacity of local actors to safely treat and reintegrate wild animals.
The Solution
With the support of CPF, Naxos Wildlife Protection will construct a new aviary (7m x 3m x 2m) within its licensed facilities to provide a safe and appropriate environment for wild birds undergoing rehabilitation. This new aviary will fully comply with national legislation and the organisation’s operational protocols, ensuring the proper care and reintegration of injured birds.
Additionally, CPF funding will enable the upgrade of two existing aviaries: one housing owls will be enhanced with a wooden door and timber paneling to increase shade and privacy, while the large raptor aviary will be enriched with natural perches and shaded areas to better simulate the natural environment and reduce stress during extended rehabilitation.
These improvements will significantly increase the station’s capacity to care for a growing number of wildlife admissions driven by extractive development and its consequential environmental pressures, thus supporting the conservation of native species and biodiversity on Naxos and the wider Cyclades region.
Activities
Construction of a New Aviary
A new aviary measuring 7 meters by 3 meters by 2 meters will be constructed for wild birds providing a secure, shaded, and quiet environment to support the successful care and reintegration of the birds, and increasing the capacity of Naxos Wildlife Protection
Upgrade of the Owl Aviary
A custom wooden door will be installed. Timber paneling measuring 4 meters by 4 meters will be added to provide privacy and shade. Conditions for owl recovery will be improved and stress will be reduced.
Upgrade of the Raptor Aviary
A wooden cover measuring 3 meters by 3 meters will be added on one side to provide shade and privacy. High perches and natural branches will be installed to simulate natural resting and movement patterns. Support will be provided for species such as Griffon Vultures and eagles during extended rehabilitation stays.
About the Grantee
Naxos Wildlife Protection is a non-profit, environmental organization of volunteers based on the island of Naxos. While Naxos is where their first aid-rescue center Naxos Wildlife Protection supports wild animals found injured/sick in neighborhood islands of Cyclades, but also contribute for the protection of wildlife all over Greece.
What You Can Do
- Save these instructions on how to help an injured wild animal: (in Greek, in English).
- If you find a wild animal in need, on Naxos or on a nearby island, contact Naxos Wildlife Protection at +30 697 679 7070
- Support CPF to empower highly impactful organisations in Cyclades, responding to and serving their needs.
- Become a volunteer for the Cyclades Care for Wildlife Program and help rescue wildlife. Sign up using the form in Greek.
CPF’s grants support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This grant supports:
- SDG 15: Life on Land
Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, manage forests sustainably, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.
This project directly supports wildlife rehabilitation and restoration of native species. - SDG 13: Climate Action
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
By protecting and rehabilitating migratory birds that face climate-related threats like dehydration, the project contributes indirectly to climate resilience.
