We're excited to announce a new step forward for Zoologica Nexus Lab, the research branch of Merman Conservation Expeditions Ltd:

We now carry field pH and water hardness test strips as part of our standard survey equipment.

This allows us to measure key water quality parameters directly in the field—on rivers, streams, wetlands, and ponds—while documenting local biodiversity.

• pH tells us if the water is acidic or alkaline, which directly affects the survival of amphibians, fish, and aquatic invertebrates.
  
  
• Water hardness (levels of calcium and magnesium) influences reproductive success, shell development, and species presence in freshwater systems.
  
  

These simple tools give us quick environmental context during surveys, making our research more complete and ecologically meaningful.

This marks the beginning of equipping our lab with dedicated field gear to support long-term wildlife monitoring and conservation work in South Pelion, Greece and beyond.

Yesterday’s birdwatching survey at Karla Lake, a biodiverse wetland in central Greece, offered a vibrant glimpse into the rich avian life of the area. From elegant waders to striking passerines, the wetland and surrounding fields buzzed with feathered activity.

Below is a list of all bird species observed on April 17, 2025, during the survey—each species a beautiful reminder of why Karla remains a critical habitat for both migratory and resident birds.

Species recorded:
​

1. Eurasian Jackdaw (Coloeus monedula)
2. Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea)
3. Eurasian Magpie (Pica pica)
4. Pygmy Cormorant (Microcarbo pygmaeus)
5. Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus)
6. Mediterranean Gull (Ichthyaetus melanocephalus)
   
7. Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus)
8. Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus)
9. Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)
10. Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus)
11. Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea)
12. Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus)
13. Corn Bunting (Emberiza calandra)
14. Northern Shoveler (Spatula clypeata)
15. Common Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna)
16. Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra)
17. Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo)
18. Common Hoopoe (Upupa epops)
    ​

📝 Notes from the Field
​

• Dalmatian Pelicans soared over the lake, a spectacular sight with their massive wingspans.
• Several Glossy Ibises foraged in shallow water, their iridescent plumage gleaming in the afternoon sun.
• The wetlands hosted a diverse mix of herons and egrets, showcasing the area's value for wading birds.
• Great Crested Grebes were seen displaying courtship behaviors.

🌿 Why It Matters

Karla continues to demonstrate its importance as a year-round bird habitat. Regular observations like these help monitor species populations, detect early signs of ecological change, and contribute to conservation efforts across Greece and beyond.

We're excited to share our Low-Impact Bat Survey Protocol for Sea Caves, designed especially for eco-visitors, researchers, and citizen scientists!

This easy-to-follow guide helps ensure that our visits to these fragile habitats are safe for bats and meaningful for conservation. With small group sizes, limited lighting, and a focus on silent observation, we aim to protect sensitive roosting colonies while still learning from them.

What it includes:
✔️ Max visit time of 30 mins
✔️ Group size of 4 or fewer
✔️ One red/amber light only
✔️ No flash photography
✔️ No touching or disturbing bats
✔️ Slow, silent entry and exit
✔️ Emphasis on education and ethics

​We've also created a beautiful A3 poster version for field use and education, available to download and print!
Let’s explore respectfully and protect these nighttime navigators
#Bats #SeaCaves #Conservation #CitizenScience #WildlifeEthics #FieldProtocol #Ecotourism #MermanConservation

We’re excited to announce that the Wildlife Observations Of Pelion (WOOP) project is now officially part of Merman Conservation Expeditions Ltd. 🎉

Since its launch in February 2020, WOOP has been a grassroots effort to document and protect the biodiversity of Pelion through citizen science. From native wildlife to alien species, the project has brought together locals, tourists, researchers, and nature lovers to better understand and conserve the incredible natural heritage of the region.

By moving WOOP under the company "Merman Conservation Expeditions Ltd", we aim to expand its impact, improve public access to research and data, and continue building strong conservation awareness across communities. 🌍✨

🏔️ Mt. Pelion holds a special place in our hearts, which is why we have established our research base there. Numerous studies and surveys have been conducted in this region, and they will continue, reflecting its significance to our work.

➡️ Wildlife observations continue to be recorded through our iNaturalist project:
🔗 https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/wildlife-observations-of-pelion-project-woop

➡️ Research and conservation materials are available on the website:
🔗 https://www.mermanconservation.co.uk/project-woop.html

Whether you’re a scientist, a hiker, a student, or simply curious about the wildlife in Pelion, you’re welcome to join us. Every observation matters. Every effort counts.

Let’s keep exploring, learning, and protecting together. 💚​

A quick butterfly survey today brought some beautiful sightings across the hills and meadows of Liri, Skino, and Theotokos in South Pelion.

Here’s what we spotted:

🦋 Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)
🦋 Green Hairstreak (Callophrys rubi)
🦋 Clouded Yellow (Colias croceus)
🦋 Eastern Bath White (Pontia edusa) 
🦋 Orange-Tip (Anthocharis cardamines)
🦋 Large White (Pieris brassicae)

A great mix of spring species. Looking forward to more as the season continues!

In July 2024, during a field visit to the remote and stunning Cave of Thetis at Radakia Beach in South Pelion, We spotted something new—something small, winged, and easy to miss. It was Rhinolophus euryale, the Mediterranean Horseshoe Bat. This was the first time this elusive species had ever been recorded in the cave.

But this wasn’t just a “tick the box” kind of observation. It was part of something much bigger.

Citation of the published article: Taklis Christos. Updated bat (chiroptera) records from the cave of thetis, south pelion, greece. Acta Entomol Zool 2025;6(1):189-191. DOI: 10.33545/27080013.2025.v6.i1c.205​

Why this research matters?

This latest discovery adds a new species to the known bat community of the Cave of Thetis, which had previously only included Miniopterus schreibersii (Schreibers’ Long-fingered Bat), first documented there in 2019. In 2021, Christos Taklis observed juveniles of that species inside the cave, confirming that the site is more than just a temporary roost—it's a breeding ground.

This means the Cave of Thetis isn’t just a cool place to explore—it’s an important home to species that are considered Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

And what makes this even more significant is that the 2024 survey was conducted as part of the Wildlife Recovery Survey: After the September 2023 Floods in Pelion. We were looking to see what had survived, what habitats were damaged, and how resilient the wildlife of the region really is.

The presence of both species—especially a new one—after such a major environmental disruption is a hopeful sign.

What do the results tell us?

• Long-Term Roosting: Miniopterus schreibersii has used the cave consistently for over five years, even raising young there. That’s long-term commitment in bat years.
  
  
• New Presence of Rhinolophus euryale: The discovery suggests that the cave may support more biodiversity than previously thought—or that species are shifting their roosts in response to environmental pressures.
  
  
• Resilience Post-Disaster: Even after catastrophic flooding in 2023, bats are returning to their roosts (or they never left). That tells us something about the ecological value and stability of this site.
  
  

Why we should care?

Bats might not get the spotlight that dolphins or bears do, but they are absolutely crucial to ecosystems. They eat insects (many of which are pests), pollinate plants, and disperse seeds. A single roosting site like the cave of Thetis can be the lifeline for entire local populations.

When we lose caves like this—or when they're disturbed by noise, tourism, or development—we risk losing more than just a handful of bats. We chip away at a fragile, interconnected ecosystem.

That’s why this research matters. That’s why we need to keep exploring, documenting, and protecting places like the Cave of Thetis.

Curious to see the cave or learn more about the species?
📸 Check out photos and observations on iNaturalist.
🦇 Follow updates from my conservation work at Merman Conservation Expeditions.

At Merman Conservation, we understand the importance of ensuring that renewable energy projects not only contribute to the environment but also create lasting social and economic benefits for local communities. As part of our commitment to sustainable development, we participated in the recent consultation on community benefits from onshore and offshore renewable energy developments.

We believe that as the renewable energy landscape evolves, with technologies like wind, solar, and hydrogen playing an increasingly vital role, it’s crucial that communities—especially those in rural, island, and coastal areas—are adequately supported. Community benefit schemes are an opportunity to share the success of these developments with those who host them, ensuring that the wealth generated from renewable energy is reinvested back into local economies.

Our views are focused on the need for fairness and transparency in how community benefits are distributed. Developers should prioritize engaging with local communities early in the process and design benefit packages that reflect their specific needs and priorities. This includes ensuring that both smaller and larger communities have equal access to opportunities, with measures in place to address any barriers, such as limited access to finance or capacity in remote areas.

​We also strongly support the idea of updating the Good Practice Principles to reflect the diverse and changing landscape of renewable energy, while ensuring that all communities—especially those most impacted by energy developments—receive meaningful benefits. By participating in this consultation, we hope to help shape a future where community benefits are an integral part of Scotland’s transition to net-zero energy, benefiting both people and the planet for years to come.​