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GREECE: FOREST-MOUNTAIN ECOSYSTEMS Greece is a mountainous land with rugged terrain and diverse geomorpho- logical formations, which fact, in conjunction with its geographical location and climatic environment, creates favorable conditions for the growth and proliferation of forests. In Greek Forests exist important and very beautiful woods of conifers (pine, fir) and deciduous trees (oak, beech, maple and others) covering large areas (34 million hectares), 25% of the land mass of Greece) on most of the country's mountain masses, from Taygetos, Vitina, Ossa, Olympos, Pindos, to Gramos, Vermion and Rodopi. These forests constitute a precious natural heritage, not just for Greece but for the whole of Europe. Largely unspoilt, they provide a habitat for the evolution and survival of a large number of species of wild fauna and flora. It is estimated that, in terms of biological variety, the natural flora of Greece is second only to that of the Iberian peninsula in Europe, while the country's wildlife also enjoys an enviable position, both the mammals and, primarily, the birds, whether indigenous to the Greek Forests or migrating to them. |
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A net-work of protected forests has been founded, in which the national forest parks of Parnitha, Sounion, Parnassos, Ainos, Iti, Prespes, Samaria, Vikos-Aoos, Olympos occupy a prominent place. In addition to their protective role, these constitute poles of attraction for visitors with varied interests. The picturesque forests of Greece (the palm forest at Vai in Crete, the woods on the island of Skiathos, the straits of the river Nestos, etc.), the virgin forests (Rodopi), as well as the scheduled monuments of nature (the Haidou Forest of Xanthi, the wood of dendroid broad-leafed evergreens on the island of Sapientza, etc.) play their part in the conservation of the natural environment. The network of protected regions is completed by those earmarked to play a specialized role in the conservation and development of the natural environment of Greece. These include the Dadia Forest on the banks of the Evros, where a large number of rare and nowadays endangered birds of prey (imperial eagle, osprey, black vulture, etc.) finds refuge and protection from the threat of extinction. |
Parnitha National Park (Attica): This Park, covering an area of 3,800 hectares, was established in 1961 and contains forests of fir and pine as well as bushes that are characteristic of the vegetation of the Mediterranean (holm-oak, arbutus, pomegranate, Judas tree). There are cool and fertile areas with their own micro-climate which are covered by planes-trees, willows, poplars and broad-leaved deciduous tress. The Park has a large number of different species of fauna but populations are small. They include deer, roe-deer, badger, polecat, weasel and squirrel, and a pair of golden eagles recently appeared in the area. Among the insect life are bark-eating insects which are threatening the pine forest. Parnassos National Park (Central Greece); Established in 1938, Pamassos National Park covers an area of 3,600 hectares. The predominant species of vegetation is the fir and there is a wide variety of rare plants such as Peonia Pamassica, Thyinus Pamassicus, Astragalus Pamassii, etc. Iti National Park (Central Greece): The Iti National Park lies to the south of the valley of the River Sperchios and was established in 1966. Part of the area is covered by forests of fir and black pine. Examples of the Alpine lily Lilium Cholcedonium can be found in the meadows between the forests, while holm-oak, arbutus, cedar and oleander grow on the lower slopes. The fauna of mount Iti is particularly rich in deer and roedeer, wild goat and wild boar. There is also a tremendous variety of birds, including eagles, vultures, hawks, owls, partridges and hoopoes. |
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Vikos-Aoos National Park (Epirus): The Pindus area, which encompasses a total of 12,600 hectares and includes Mount Tymfus, the Vikos Gorge and the Aoos Ravine, was declared a Olympos National Park (Thessaly): This was the first National Park to be set up in Greece (1937) and is one of the longest- established in the world. It contains approximately 1,700 species of plant, including some rare and even unique examples of wild flowers. The lower slopes are covered by species of the Mediterranean maquis such as holm-oak, arbutus, cedar and pomegranate mingled with other deciduous trees and conifers. Higher up there are forests of oak, beech, black and Balkan pine. Amongst the fauna in the Park are large mammals such as the wolf, jackal, fox, wild boar, roe-deer and wild goat, and smaller mammals such as the badger, polecat, weasel, hare and squirrel. The area's bird-life includes eagles, vultures and other birds of prey, woodpeckers and snow-thrushes. |
The National Park of Samaria Gorge, in Western Crete, about 50 kilometres from the city of Chania. One of the longest gorges in Europe and certainly the most narrow one! It's 18 km long and at a certain point it gets less than 2.5 metres wide! The National Park of Mount Ainos in the island of Kefalonia, in the Ionian sea. It is the only place in Greece where horses can be seen living free in the wilderness. The Valley of the Butterflies of Rhodes Island: On the western side of the island approximately five km south-east of the village of Theologos (Tholos). The valley is split by the Pelican River and lies directly below Kalopetra Monastery. The systematic classification of the Rhodes island butterfly, Class: Lepidoptera • Group: Heterocera • Subdivision: Noctuoidea • Division: Arctiidae • Subdivision: Callimorphonae • Genus: Panaxia • Species: Quadripunctaria Poda • In reality it belongs to the moth family. |
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