All research activities of the Department of Vertebrates have as a common starting point the study of Biodiversity in the area of the Eastern Mediterranean.
This study includes methods from many fields of Biology (Ecology, Biogeography, Systematics, Evolution etc). Details are given under each vertebrate order.

Amphibians

• Inventory of Greek amphibian species and their distributions.
• Phylogenetic relationships and phylogeography of the frog Genus Rana in the area of the Eastern Mediterranean.

Reptiles

• Inventory of Greek reptile species and their distributions.
• Phylogenetic relationships and phylogeography of the lizard Genus Podarcis in Greece and adjacent regions.
• Ecology and ecomoprhology of lizards Genus Podarcis in the southern Aegean.
• Phylogenetic relationships and phylogeography of the turtle Genus Mauremys in the area of the Eastern Mediterranean.
• Ecology of Mauremys rivulata in the southern Aegean.
• Phylogenetic relationships and phylogeography of the lizard Genus Ablepharus in Greece and adjacent regions.
• Phylogenetic relationships and phylogeography of the lizard Genus Ophisops in the Mediterranean.
• Phylogenetic relationships and phylogeography of the lizard Genus Mesalina in the Mediterranean.
• Contribution to parts of management projects of the NHMC concerning Amphibians and Reptiles.

Birds

• Management projects on endangered bird species Gypaetus barbatus and Falco eleonorae.
• Bird migration – Crete as a main migratory route.
• Ecology of the Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus) in Crete.
• Atlas of the birds of Crete.
• Inventory of Greek bird species and their distributions.

Mammals

• Inventory of Greek mammal species and their distributions.
• Ecology and distribution of small carnivores in Crete with emphasis on the Cretan Wildcat.
• Phylogenetic relationships and phylogeography of the rodent genus Acomys in the area of the Eastern Mediterranean..
• Ecology of the cretan endemic rodents species Acomys minous.
• Phylogenetic relationships and phylogeography of the insectivore Genus Crocidura in the area of the Eastern Mediterranean.
• Ecology of the cretan endemic insectivore species Crocidura zimmermanni and its relationships with Crocidura suaveolens in areas of sympatry.