Editing Hydra (island) (section)

== Topography and ecology ==
[[File:Aerial of Hydra island, Greece (43958918185).jpg|thumb|Aerial view]]
[[File:Hydra Island.jpg|thumb|View from the promenade.]]

The dominant geographic features of Hydra are its rocky hillsides, which are bare, and pine-forested valleys with the occasional farmhouse. The island was subject to a modern geologic study by Renz in 1955. Some of the later Permian limestone strata are rich in well-preserved fossils.

There are many types of wildflowers, including rare ''spentzes'' or [[cyclamen]] and [[poppy|poppies]]. As well as pine trees, there are cypress and olive trees. Birds species include [[partridge]]s, [[quail]]s, and many [[migratory birds]], which are subject to local hunting. Mammals include [[rabbits]], [[feral cats]], and [[goats]].

Although the island's name is derived from ancient springs known to the Ancient Greeks, it is now almost dry. Hydra previously had wells, and three new wells have been found. Today,{{when|date=May 2025}} the island imports its water by boat from the Greek mainland. A [[desalination]] plant was opened in 2014.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.hydradirect.com/water-supply-hydra | title=Water Supply for Hydra Island Greece }}</ref> Many local people store winter rainfall in cisterns beneath their houses to use later as drinking water.

A fire during the [[2007 European heat wave]] destroyed much of the pine forest to the east of Hydra Port. However, the fire left some forest untouched above Kamini and at the west end of Hydra. The forest around Molos, Bisti, and Agios Nikolaos was also unaffected.