Sifnos island

Sifnos is situated north from the Milos archipelago. The name 'Sifnos' is believed to originate either from Sifnos, the son of the Attic hero Sounio and the island's first settler, or alternatively from the adjective ‘sifnos,’ meaning empty or hollow—a reference to the many underground shafts created by extensive mining activity. With a total surface area of about 74 square kilometers it is a medium sized island with only one Natura 2000 area, GR4220008. Famous for its pristine beaches and a great road connection, during the peak summer months it suffers an influx of tourists.

There are many beaches that draw people's attention including but not limited to Cheronnissos, Platys gialos, Chrysopigi (following photo), Vathy etc. Locals try to maintain the islands character as much as possible and the mayor is putting a lot of effort to safeguard the island's natural habitats. However, heavy construction and wind turbine installations are always looming, removing habitats and increasing fragmentation. 

The vast majority of herpetologists are also not selecting this island to photograph Macrovipera schweizeri - and maybe rightfully so. Sifnos is considerably different from the other three islands. More, taller and denser vegetation offer an exceptional habitat for the Milos viper to both hide and thrive. An infamous population of the species that is quite difficult to encounter. As opposed to the Milos standards, the species on Sifnos does not seem to be drawn to water pools and may instead be dispersed throughout the island. The island has an incredible number of stone walls throughout. It is one type of habitat that the viper seems to prefer (following photo). 

The animals also seem to have slightly different dorsal pattern coloration and size. Their dorsal markings seem to be more orange and in terms of size, the Sifnos population seems to be arguably the biggest of the four islands. Upon a closer look, the head shape also seems to differ to an extend, reminding more of Macrovipera lebetina obtusa than lebetina lebetina. 

Herpetofauna of Sifnos: Caspian whipsnake (Dolichophis caspius), European ratsnake (Zamenis situla), Balkan frog (Pelophylax kurtmuelleri), Mediterranean house gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus), Kotchy's gecko (Mediodactylus kotschyi), European snake-eyed skink (Ablepharus kitaibelii), Balkan green lizard (Lacerta trilineata hansschweizeri), Erhard's wall lizard (Podarcis erhardii erhardii)