Location information

DODEKANISSOS (Island complex) GREECE
  Τhese islets, from which both human beings and land meat eaters are absent, serve as refuges for ancient species, which have disappeared with the passage of time from other areas. Fossil findings, which show the different evolution of animal species on these isolated ecosystems, aren’t rare, a prime example being the dwarf elephants of Tilos.
  The many caves, crevices in the rocks, high rocky formations, and dangerous cliffs all serve as refuges for rare species of birds such as birds of prey, small hawks, wild pigeons, herons and cormorants. Also, due to their geographical position, the islands are a stopover for migrating birds. Tens of millions of these birds visit the islands each spring and autumn.
  Quite surprising is the rich sea life found in the Dodecanese seas. The rare Mediterranean seal finds refuge in the coastal caves, together with the dolphins, turtles, many varieties of fish, molluscs and crustaceans which form the rich ecosystem of the Dodecanese sea.
  Every single island and islet is of itself a unique natural museum. This of course favours the development of special types of tourism.
(Text: Manolis Makris)
This text (extract) is cited February 2004 from the Dodekanissos Union of Municipalities & Communities pamphlet.