The accidental arks of ancient Greece: a surprising haven for rare species
In a world where biodiversity is rapidly declining, we often overlook the unexpected guardians of nature. Ancient archaeological sites, long protected for their cultural significance, have inadvertently become safe havens for plants and animals, offering a glimmer of hope in the face of ecological crisis.
Imagine bustling Lima, Peru, where a 1,500-year-old pre-Incan pyramid stands amidst modern streets. Within its crannies, small grey-brown geckos, known as the Lima leaf-toed gecko, find refuge. These lizards, native to the coastal desert, have seen their habitat shrink due to urbanization, leading to a critically endangered status. But here's where it gets controversial: the very archaeological sites we protect for their historical value have become their last stronghold, preserving the native desert ecosystem.
Alejandra Arana, a PhD student at the University of Edinburgh, first discovered this connection while studying the geckos as an undergraduate. She explains, "They are the only sort of natural landscape that we can find in the area."
And it's not just geckos. Around the world, archaeological sites have become accidental arks, sheltering rare species. In Italy, orchids bloom near an Etruscan necropolis, and in ancient Delphi, researchers found a tiny snail species, unique to the area. Even Machu Picchu, with its two newly identified lizard species, showcases how these sites offer relatively undisturbed conditions for wildlife.
But here's the part most people miss: these plants and animals have deep connections to ancient myths and legends. From Odysseus' oak tree to Socrates' hemlock, the stories and the species intertwine, suggesting an extraordinary bond across millennia.
Panayiotis Pafilis, a professor at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, puts it simply: "It's a functional part of the archaeological landscape." His recent study of 20 Greek cultural heritage sites revealed an astonishing 4,403 species, accounting for about 11% of known Greek biodiversity, all concentrated in just 0.08% of the country's territory.
The findings are a wake-up call. Human activity has severely altered an estimated 75% of the world's land area, leading to a decline of 73% in vertebrate populations since 1970, and almost two in five plant species face extinction. In Greece, where over 21% of species are under threat, changes in land use and climate change pose additional challenges.
But archaeological sites, often left relatively untouched, have become stable environments for wildlife. The Greek government's Biodiversity in Archaeological Sites research project, launched in 2022, aims to understand this connection better. Over two years, specialists surveyed 20 sites spanning Greek history, confirming the presence of numerous species.
One key finding was the denser animal populations within these sites compared to surrounding areas. In Mystras, a 13th-Century Byzantine city, researchers found six of seven lizards endemic to the region, a higher occurrence than in the surrounding zone.
For plants, the story is a bit different. Botanist Theophanis Constantinidis explains that while managers often cut back vegetation around ruins, the abundance of species highlights the value of these sites. He suggests strategies like selective cutting and reducing herbicide use to support plant life.
The research also reveals how humans have shaped these environments. In Nicopolis, Constantinidis found a potential grass species from central Asia and Anatolia, never before identified in Greece. He theorizes it may have migrated with humans during the Roman or Byzantine period, or even more recently with modern tourists.
In Athens, the project debunked a myth about a flowering plant believed to grow only around the Acropolis. Careful study revealed it to be a variation of a common shrub. And in Dodona, where Odysseus heard Zeus, researchers found centuries-old oak trees, suggesting a continuity of oaks in the area since ancient times.
Other findings connect modern residents with the past. Poison hemlock, used to kill Socrates, was found around several sites. In Epidaurus, home to a shrine for Asklepios, the god of medicine, researchers documented Aesculpian snakes, commonly depicted in modern healthcare symbols. At Delphi, the mythical meeting point of Zeus' eagles, researchers spotted the short-toed snake eagle.
"We are the evolution of people that lived in this area some centuries ago," Constantinidis says. "The same happens with the plants and animals. There is a continuity."
Ancient artworks further connect historic wildlife to the present. Myrtle and laurel, associated with Dionysus and Apollo, respectively, were identified in Etruscan tombs, and can still be found growing in the surrounding landscape. Mullein, a flowering plant, grows commonly around ancient sites and has been identified in various artworks, from the Parthenon to Renaissance paintings.
Lina Mendoni, Greek Minister of Culture, sees these sites as cultural landscapes where humanity and nature intertwine. "Archaeological sites are being transformed into arks for the rescue and protection of biodiversity," she says.
Studies in other regions, like Italy, echo these findings. Over 3,300 plant taxa were tallied across 69 archaeological sites in the Mediterranean basin, with at least 500 species considered at risk. In Peru, biologist Luis Mamani discovered two new lizard species living only in Machu Picchu, benefiting from the restricted activities around the site.
However, Mamani warns of threats to biodiversity within these sites, particularly from high tourism rates. He advocates for further research into how different factors impact biodiversity.
One challenge is the separation between biology and archaeology. Zohreh Hosseini, a researcher at Roma Tre University, emphasizes the need for shared languages between the two fields to understand different values and manage sites effectively.
Panagiota Maragou of WWF Greece sees promise in the collaboration, highlighting how archaeological sites can contribute to broader conservation efforts, such as the aim to conserve 30% of the world's ecosystems by 2030.
The Greek study is already leading to changes. Soon, major archaeological attractions will feature signs incorporating ecological information alongside history. A second research phase will survey additional sites and bring in archaeologists to examine depictions of nature in historic artifacts.
In Lima, Arana's project showcases how improved connections between archaeologists and biologists can raise awareness of the wildlife living amidst ancient remains. "If we know that the site is protected because of its historical value, we know the gecko is protected," she says.
As we navigate the complexities of biodiversity loss, these accidental arks offer a unique perspective. They remind us that even in the face of ecological crisis, there is hope, and sometimes, the greatest guardians of nature are those we least expect.
