Pindus National Park
Encyclopedia
Pindus National Park also known as Valia-Kalda, is a national park in mainland Greece
, situated in an isolated mountainous area at the periphery of West Macedonia
and Epirus, in the northeastern part of the Pindus
mountain range. It was established in 1966 and covers an area of 6927 hectares (17,117 acre). The park's core zone, 3360 hectares (8,302.7 acre), covers the greatest part of the Valia Kalda valley and the slopes of the surrounding peaks.
The National Park has an elevation range from 1076 to 2177 m (3,530.2 to 7,142.4 ft) and is characterized by dense forests of European black pine
and common beech, rocky ridges, several peaks over 2000 metres (6,561.7 ft), rapid streams and mountain lakes. The area belong to the wider Pindus Mountains mixed forests
ecoregion
and is a representative part of
Pindus mountain range. Moreover, it belongs to the Natura 2000
ecological network of protected areas and is one of the three places in Greece that hosts a population of bear
s.
and Ioannina Prefecture
, north of the town of Metsovo
and near the villages of Vovousa
, Perivoli and Milea. There are no settlements or any facilities inside the protected area's borders.
Several peaks reach an altitude of over 2000 m (6,561.7 ft); these include Avgo, 2177 m (7,142.4 ft), Kakoplevri, 2160 m (7,086.6 ft), Flegga, 2159 m (7,083.3 ft), Tria Sinora, 2050 m (6,725.7 ft) and Aftia, 2082 m (6,830.7 ft).
The underlying rock formations are mainly serpentine
and they support a specialized range of plants.
and varies according to elevation and aspect. Annual rainfall ranges 1000 millimetre, whereas mean monthly temperatures vary between 0.9 to 21.4 °C (33.6 to 70.5 F).
, while some individuals of Abies borisii-regis are scattered among the Pinus nigra and Fagus sylvatica forests.
In total, 415 types of plants and 86 species of mushroom are recorded in the area. A number of local flower types are considered endemic to the Balkans, such as Dianthus deltoides and Allium breviradum. On the other hand, many endemic plants of central and northern Greece grow also in the park, like the Centaurea vlachorum. Moreover, rare species of the forests of Pindus mountains, typical of the lower geological layers, are Minuartia baldaci
, Bornmuellera tymphaea, Campanula hawkinsiana
, Viola dukadjinica
and Silene pindicola
. The most important places for the gathering of rare plants are the northern slopes of the peaks of Aftia, Flegga and Kapetan Kleidi. All the above places are very steep and difficult for grazing animals and therefore natural regeneration of the forest in this area is progressing normally and many rare plants are conserved. The serpentine soil
, which is dominant in the area of the Pindus National Park also favors the growing of rare endemic plant species.
s (Ursus arctos arctos), which is considered a conservation priority species.
The region itself is also called "bear park". Other large mammals that live in the park are lynx
es, deer
s and wild cat
s, with the last two being found in the area of Flegga forest. Additionally wolves, beech marten
s, wild boars and red squirrel
s are present in the area all year round. On the other hand the Balkan Chamois
, a Balkan endemic species, is found on the steep and rocky parts of the park, as well as in areas with beech forests. Its population density fluctuates between 3-5 and even 20 individuals per 100 ha (247.1 acre) depending on the habitat productivity. The three small rivers crossing the area of the park have very clear water and are the well conserved habitat of the otter
.
In the area of the National Park up to five types of bat
have been reported, with most common being niktovatis (Nyctalys noctula). Moreover, it provides shelter for than 80 species of birds, such as 10 types of rare bird species including the Eastern imperial eagle
, Golden eagle
, Levant sparrowhawk
and the Lanner falcon
,
which indicates the ornithological importance of the area. One of the rare birds found in the park is the shore lark
(Eremophilla alpestris), found in the alpine meadows, and Lanius excubitor, which migrates in the summer from Africa. The dense and mature forests of the area host eight types of woodpecker, including the white-backed
, the middle spotted
, the lesser spotted
and the black woodpecker
.
, an initiative by the governments of the European Union
that aims to protect the most seriously threatened habitats and species across Europe. The 'Northern Pindus Management Body', together with the local forest service, is responsible for regulating human activities and maintaining the ecological value of the protected area. However,until now this target remains elusive, because of a lack of expertise and of a science-based management plan. A great need therefore exists to conduct conservation-oriented research that can be translated directly into practical management proposals.
The core of the National Park has been declared a 'biogenetic reserve' zone by the European Council
with human activities such as woodcutting, grazing, hunting, fishing and access by car prohibited. In the park's buffer zone activities are also controlled in general. The most serious danger the park faced in the past were extensive fires caused by cattle breeders to create meadows for grazing. These fires have destroyed large parts of the Pinus nigra and P. heldreichii forests. However, since 1960, no fire has occurred due to improved protection measures by opening up many forest roads. Furthermore, an observation post was established near Avgo peak. A potential threat for the national park is a state initiative to divert the Arkoudorema river for the construction of a hydroelectric power plant. This initiative will have a negative impact on the park since a great part of the existing forest area will be covered by water, resulting in the reduction of the core zone. Another danger is the high grazing
pressure in the core area, while a number of small coal-producing units at the outskirts of the park have raised a lot of concern.
Greece
Greece , officially the Hellenic Republic , and historically Hellas or the Republic of Greece in English, is a country in southeastern Europe....
, situated in an isolated mountainous area at the periphery of West Macedonia
West Macedonia
West Macedonia is one of the thirteen regions of Greece, consisting of the western part of Greek Macedonia. It is divided into the regional units of Florina, Grevena, Kastoria, and Kozani.-Geography:...
and Epirus, in the northeastern part of the Pindus
Pindus
The Pindus mountain range is located in northern Greece and southern Albania. It is roughly 160 km long, with a maximum elevation of 2637 m . Because it runs along the border of Thessaly and Epirus, the Pindus range is often called the "spine of Greece"...
mountain range. It was established in 1966 and covers an area of 6927 hectares (17,117 acre). The park's core zone, 3360 hectares (8,302.7 acre), covers the greatest part of the Valia Kalda valley and the slopes of the surrounding peaks.
The National Park has an elevation range from 1076 to 2177 m (3,530.2 to 7,142.4 ft) and is characterized by dense forests of European black pine
European Black Pine
Pinus nigra, the European Black Pine, is a moderately variable species of pine, occurring across southern Mediterranean Europe from Spain to the Crimea, in Asia Minor and on Cyprus, and in the high mountains of the Maghreb in North Africa....
and common beech, rocky ridges, several peaks over 2000 metres (6,561.7 ft), rapid streams and mountain lakes. The area belong to the wider Pindus Mountains mixed forests
Pindus Mountains mixed forests
The Pindus Mountains mixed forests constitute a terrestrial ecoregion of Europe according to both the WWF and Digital Map of European Ecological Regions by the European Environment Agency...
ecoregion
Ecoregion
An ecoregion , sometimes called a bioregion, is an ecologically and geographically defined area that is smaller than an ecozone and larger than an ecosystem. Ecoregions cover relatively large areas of land or water, and contain characteristic, geographically distinct assemblages of natural...
and is a representative part of
Pindus mountain range. Moreover, it belongs to the Natura 2000
Natura 2000
Natura 2000 is an ecological network of protected areas in the territory of the European Union.-Origins:In May 1992, the governments of the European Communities adopted legislation designed to protect the most seriously threatened habitats and species across Europe. This legislation is called the...
ecological network of protected areas and is one of the three places in Greece that hosts a population of bear
Bear
Bears are mammals of the family Ursidae. Bears are classified as caniforms, or doglike carnivorans, with the pinnipeds being their closest living relatives. Although there are only eight living species of bear, they are widespread, appearing in a wide variety of habitats throughout the Northern...
s.
Geography
The park lies on the borders of GrevenaGrevena Prefecture
Grevena is one of the regional units of Greece. It is part of the region of West Macedonia. Its capital is the town of Grevena.-Geography:Grevena borders the regional units of Ioannina to the west, Kastoria to the northwest, Kozani to the north and east, Larissa to the southeast and Trikala to...
and Ioannina Prefecture
Ioannina Prefecture
Ioannina is one of the regional units of Greece. It is part of the Epirus region. Its capital is the city of Ioannina. It is the largest regional unit in Epirus, and one of the largest regional units of Greece.-Geography:...
, north of the town of Metsovo
Metsovo
Metsovo is a town in Epirus on the mountains of Pindus in northern Greece, between Ioannina to the north and Meteora to the south. The largest centre of Vlach life in Greece, Metsovo is bypassed by GR-6 and also by Egnatia Odos Motorway....
and near the villages of Vovousa
Vovousa
Vovousa is a village and a former community in the Ioannina regional unit, Epirus, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Zagori, of which it is a municipal unit. It is one of the original Zagori villages. Population 179...
, Perivoli and Milea. There are no settlements or any facilities inside the protected area's borders.
Several peaks reach an altitude of over 2000 m (6,561.7 ft); these include Avgo, 2177 m (7,142.4 ft), Kakoplevri, 2160 m (7,086.6 ft), Flegga, 2159 m (7,083.3 ft), Tria Sinora, 2050 m (6,725.7 ft) and Aftia, 2082 m (6,830.7 ft).
The underlying rock formations are mainly serpentine
Serpentine soil
A serpentine soil is derived from ultramafic rocks, in particular serpentinite, a rock formed by the hydration and metamorphic transformation of ultramafic rock from the Earth's mantle....
and they support a specialized range of plants.
Climate
The park's climate is montaneMontane
In biogeography, montane is the highland area located below the subalpine zone. Montane regions generally have cooler temperatures and often have higher rainfall than the adjacent lowland regions, and are frequently home to distinct communities of plants and animals.The term "montane" means "of the...
and varies according to elevation and aspect. Annual rainfall ranges 1000 millimetre, whereas mean monthly temperatures vary between 0.9 to 21.4 °C (33.6 to 70.5 F).
Biology
Flora
The park was established in 1966 and is considered one of the most important protected areas for the maintenance of mountainous biodiversity and ecosystem integrity at the national level. Forests of European black pine (Pinus nigra) and common beech (Fagus sylvatica) cover the park's lower and middle altitudes 1000 to 1600 m (3,280.8 to 5,249.3 ft), with several of these trees being more than 700 years old. At higher altitudes 1600 to 1900 m (5,249.3 to 6,233.6 ft), Bosnian pine (Pinus heldreichii) woodland is dominant, while at the greatest heights 1900 to 2177 m (6,233.6 to 7,142.4 ft), only certain types of bushes are found in the treeless alpine meadows. Additionally, the dry places and the lower parts of the valley are characterized by the domination of Buxus sempervirensBuxus sempervirens
Buxus sempervirens is a flowering plant in the genus Buxus, native to western and southern Europe, northwest Africa, and southwest Asia, from southern England south to northern Morocco, and east through the northern Mediterranean region to Turkey. Buxus colchica of western Caucasus and B...
, while some individuals of Abies borisii-regis are scattered among the Pinus nigra and Fagus sylvatica forests.
In total, 415 types of plants and 86 species of mushroom are recorded in the area. A number of local flower types are considered endemic to the Balkans, such as Dianthus deltoides and Allium breviradum. On the other hand, many endemic plants of central and northern Greece grow also in the park, like the Centaurea vlachorum. Moreover, rare species of the forests of Pindus mountains, typical of the lower geological layers, are Minuartia baldaci
Minuartia
Minuartia is a genus of small flowering plants, one of those commonly known as "sandwort" or "stitchwort". The genus is classed within the family Caryophyllaceae, the pink family, characterised by its opposite and decussate leaves....
, Bornmuellera tymphaea, Campanula hawkinsiana
Campanula
Campanula is one of several genera in the family Campanulaceae with the common name bellflower. It takes its name from their bell-shaped flowers—campanula is Latin for "little bell"....
, Viola dukadjinica
Viola
The viola is a bowed string instrument. It is the middle voice of the violin family, between the violin and the cello.- Form :The viola is similar in material and construction to the violin. A full-size viola's body is between and longer than the body of a full-size violin , with an average...
and Silene pindicola
Silene
Silene is a genus of flowering plants in the family Caryophyllaceae. Common names include campion and catchfly....
. The most important places for the gathering of rare plants are the northern slopes of the peaks of Aftia, Flegga and Kapetan Kleidi. All the above places are very steep and difficult for grazing animals and therefore natural regeneration of the forest in this area is progressing normally and many rare plants are conserved. The serpentine soil
Serpentine soil
A serpentine soil is derived from ultramafic rocks, in particular serpentinite, a rock formed by the hydration and metamorphic transformation of ultramafic rock from the Earth's mantle....
, which is dominant in the area of the Pindus National Park also favors the growing of rare endemic plant species.
Fauna
The national park is one of three areas in Greece that hosts a population of Eurasian brown bearEurasian Brown Bear
The Eurasian brown bear is a subspecies of brown bear, found across northern Eurasia. The Eurasian brown bear is also known as the common brown bear, European brown bear and colloquially by many other names....
s (Ursus arctos arctos), which is considered a conservation priority species.
The region itself is also called "bear park". Other large mammals that live in the park are lynx
Lynx
A lynx is any of the four Lynx genus species of medium-sized wildcats. The name "lynx" originated in Middle English via Latin from Greek word "λύγξ", derived from the Indo-European root "*leuk-", meaning "light, brightness", in reference to the luminescence of its reflective eyes...
es, deer
Deer
Deer are the ruminant mammals forming the family Cervidae. Species in the Cervidae family include white-tailed deer, elk, moose, red deer, reindeer, fallow deer, roe deer and chital. Male deer of all species and female reindeer grow and shed new antlers each year...
s and wild cat
Wild cat
The wildcat is a small cat with several subspecies and a very broad distribution, found throughout most of Africa, Europe, and southwest and central Asia into India, China, and Mongolia. It is a hunter of small mammals, birds, and other creatures of a similar or smaller size. Sometimes included is...
s, with the last two being found in the area of Flegga forest. Additionally wolves, beech marten
Beech Marten
The beech marten , also known as the stone marten or white breasted marten, is a species of marten native to much of Europe and Central Asia, though it has established a feral population in North America. It is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN on account of its wide distribution, its large...
s, wild boars and red squirrel
Red Squirrel
The red squirrel or Eurasian red squirrel is a species of tree squirrel in the genus Sciurus common throughout Eurasia...
s are present in the area all year round. On the other hand the Balkan Chamois
Chamois
The chamois, Rupicapra rupicapra, is a goat-antelope species native to mountains in Europe, including the Carpathian Mountains of Romania, the European Alps, the Tatra Mountains, the Balkans, parts of Turkey, and the Caucasus. The chamois has also been introduced to the South Island of New Zealand...
, a Balkan endemic species, is found on the steep and rocky parts of the park, as well as in areas with beech forests. Its population density fluctuates between 3-5 and even 20 individuals per 100 ha (247.1 acre) depending on the habitat productivity. The three small rivers crossing the area of the park have very clear water and are the well conserved habitat of the otter
Otter
The Otters are twelve species of semi-aquatic mammals which feed on fish and shellfish, and also other invertebrates, amphibians, birds and small mammals....
.
In the area of the National Park up to five types of bat
Bat
Bats are mammals of the order Chiroptera "hand" and pteron "wing") whose forelimbs form webbed wings, making them the only mammals naturally capable of true and sustained flight. By contrast, other mammals said to fly, such as flying squirrels, gliding possums, and colugos, glide rather than fly,...
have been reported, with most common being niktovatis (Nyctalys noctula). Moreover, it provides shelter for than 80 species of birds, such as 10 types of rare bird species including the Eastern imperial eagle
Eastern Imperial Eagle
The Eastern Imperial Eagle is a large species of bird of prey that breeds from southeastern Europe to central Asia. Most populations are migratory and winter in northeastern Africa, and southern and eastern Asia. The Spanish Imperial Eagle, found in Spain and Portugal, was formerly lumped with...
, Golden eagle
Golden Eagle
The Golden Eagle is one of the best known birds of prey in the Northern Hemisphere. Like all eagles, it belongs to the family Accipitridae. Once widespread across the Holarctic, it has disappeared from many of the more heavily populated areas...
, Levant sparrowhawk
Levant Sparrowhawk
The Levant Sparrowhawk is a small bird of prey in the family Accipitridae which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers....
and the Lanner falcon
Lanner Falcon
The Lanner Falcon is a large bird of prey that breeds in Africa, southeast Europe and just into Asia. It is mainly resident, but some birds disperse more widely after the breeding season.-Description:...
,
which indicates the ornithological importance of the area. One of the rare birds found in the park is the shore lark
Shore Lark
The Shore Lark , called the Horned Lark in North America, is a species of bird in the genus Eremophila.- Description :...
(Eremophilla alpestris), found in the alpine meadows, and Lanius excubitor, which migrates in the summer from Africa. The dense and mature forests of the area host eight types of woodpecker, including the white-backed
White-backed Woodpecker
The White-backed Woodpecker is a Eurasian woodpecker belonging to the genus Dendrocopos.It is the largest of the spotted woodpeckers in the western Palearctic, 24–26 cm long with wing-span 38–40 cm and has plumage similar to the Great Spotted Woodpecker, but with white bars across the...
, the middle spotted
Middle Spotted Woodpecker
The Middle Spotted Woodpecker is a European woodpecker belonging to the genus Dendrocopos.The Middle Spotted Woodpecker is 20–22 cm long and has plumage similar to the Great Spotted Woodpecker. As with that species the upperparts are predominantly black with white oval wing patches and white...
, the lesser spotted
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker
The Lesser Spotted Woodpecker is a member of the woodpecker family Picidae. It is assigned to the genus Dendrocopos ....
and the black woodpecker
Black Woodpecker
The Black Woodpecker, Dryocopus martius, is a large woodpecker, 45–50 cm long with a 64–84 cm wingspan. Body weight is approximately 300-400 grams on average. It is easily the largest woodpecker in its range...
.
Management
Since 2003, the park is under the administrative authority of the 'Northern Pindus Management Body'. This authority is responsible for the ecological management of a much larger region that includes eight protected areas in Greece, also part of the Natura 2000Natura 2000
Natura 2000 is an ecological network of protected areas in the territory of the European Union.-Origins:In May 1992, the governments of the European Communities adopted legislation designed to protect the most seriously threatened habitats and species across Europe. This legislation is called the...
, an initiative by the governments of the European Union
European Union
The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 independent member states which are located primarily in Europe. The EU traces its origins from the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Economic Community , formed by six countries in 1958...
that aims to protect the most seriously threatened habitats and species across Europe. The 'Northern Pindus Management Body', together with the local forest service, is responsible for regulating human activities and maintaining the ecological value of the protected area. However,until now this target remains elusive, because of a lack of expertise and of a science-based management plan. A great need therefore exists to conduct conservation-oriented research that can be translated directly into practical management proposals.
The core of the National Park has been declared a 'biogenetic reserve' zone by the European Council
European Council
The European Council is an institution of the European Union. It comprises the heads of state or government of the EU member states, along with the President of the European Commission and the President of the European Council, currently Herman Van Rompuy...
with human activities such as woodcutting, grazing, hunting, fishing and access by car prohibited. In the park's buffer zone activities are also controlled in general. The most serious danger the park faced in the past were extensive fires caused by cattle breeders to create meadows for grazing. These fires have destroyed large parts of the Pinus nigra and P. heldreichii forests. However, since 1960, no fire has occurred due to improved protection measures by opening up many forest roads. Furthermore, an observation post was established near Avgo peak. A potential threat for the national park is a state initiative to divert the Arkoudorema river for the construction of a hydroelectric power plant. This initiative will have a negative impact on the park since a great part of the existing forest area will be covered by water, resulting in the reduction of the core zone. Another danger is the high grazing
Grazing
Grazing generally describes a type of feeding, in which a herbivore feeds on plants , and also on other multicellular autotrophs...
pressure in the core area, while a number of small coal-producing units at the outskirts of the park have raised a lot of concern.
Recreation
Pindus National Park is considered as one of the least visited and least known National Parks in Europe and it is not signposted from the main roads of the region. The area offers opportunities for hiking with its dirt roads being in good condition except in winter. The park can be best accessed from north, from the village of Perivoli, while there is also a track from the west side, near Milia.A climbing resort lies near Mavrovouni peak, at a height of 1950 metres (6,397.6 ft), which is an ideal base for excursions to the Park's area. According to the local legislation, the collection of any kind of organism is not allowed, while camping and staying in the park's core after the setting of the sun is prohibited. Additional restrictions include the lighting of fires, while activities such as kayaking and rafting need a special clearance from the local forestry.External links
- High-resolution pictures from Pindus National Park (Valia Calda).