Pindus National Park: Difference between revisions
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==Biology== |
==Biology== |
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===Flora=== |
===Flora=== |
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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.<ref name= kati> |
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.<ref name= kati> |
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| author=Kati Vassiliki, Dimopoulos Panayotis, Papaioannou Haritakis, Poirazidis Kostas |
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| ⚫ | {{cite journal | quotes = | last1 = Kati| first1 = Vassiliki | authorlink = | coauthors = Dimopoulos Panayotis, Papaioannou Haritakis, Poirazidis Kostas | date = | year = 2009 | month = | title = Ecological management of a Mediterranean mountainous reserve (Pindos National Park, Greece) using the bird community as an indicator | journal = Journal for Nature Conservation | volume = 28 | issue = 17 | pages = 47-59 | doi = 10.1016/j.jnc.2008.12.002 | id = | url = http://www.springerlink.com/content/f3jb5erf3u4445g3/fulltext.pdf | language = | format =PDF | accessdate = 2010-08-12| laysummary = | laysource = | laydate = | quote = | pmid =}}</ref> Forests of European black pine (''[[Pinus nigra]]'') and common beech (''[[Fagus sylvatica]]'') cover the park's lower and middle altitudes {{convert|1000|to|1600|m|ft|abbr=off}}. At higher altitudes {{convert|1600|to|1900|m|ft|abbr=off}}, Bosnian pine (''[[Pinus heldreichii]]'') woodland is dominant, while at the greatest heights {{convert|1900|to|2177|m|ft|abbr=off}}, only certain types of bushes are found in the treeless [[alpine meadow]]s.<ref name=refuge/> The dry places and the lower parts of the valley are characterized by the domination of [[Buxus sempervirens]]. Moreover, some individuals of [[Abies borisii-regis]] are scattered among the Pinus nigra and Fagus sylvatica forests .<ref name=Natura9/> |
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| title=Ecological management of a Mediterranean mountainous reserve (Pindos National Park, Greece) using the bird community as an indicator |
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In total, 415 types of plants and 86 species of mushroom have been found in the area. A number of local flower types are considered endemic to the Balkans, such as ''[[Dianthus deltoides]]'' and ''Allium breviradum''. Moreover, rare species of the Pindos forests, typical of the lower geological layers, are ''[[Minuartia|Minuartia baldaci]]'', ''Bornmuellera tymphaea'', ''[[Campanula|Campanula hawkinsiana]]'', ''[[Viola |Viola dukadjinica]]'' and ''[[Silene|Silene pindicola]]''.<ref name=refuge/> Moreover, 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 favors the growing of rare endemic plant species.<ref name=Natura9>Natura 2000: p. 9</ref> |
In total, 415 types of plants and 86 species of mushroom have been found in the area. A number of local flower types are considered endemic to the Balkans, such as ''[[Dianthus deltoides]]'' and ''Allium breviradum''. Moreover, rare species of the Pindos forests, typical of the lower geological layers, are ''[[Minuartia|Minuartia baldaci]]'', ''Bornmuellera tymphaea'', ''[[Campanula|Campanula hawkinsiana]]'', ''[[Viola |Viola dukadjinica]]'' and ''[[Silene|Silene pindicola]]''.<ref name=refuge/> Moreover, 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 favors the growing of rare endemic plant species.<ref name=Natura9>Natura 2000: p. 9</ref> |
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Revision as of 13:35, 12 August 2010
| Pindus National Park (Valia-Kalda) | |
|---|---|
| Lua error in Module:Location_map at line 526: Unable to find the specified location map definition: "Module:Location map/data/Greece_location_map.svg" does not exist. | |
| Location | West Macedonia and Epirus, Greece |
| Nearest city | Ioannina |
| Area | 6,927 hectares (17,120 acres) |
| Established | 1966 |
| Governing body | National Forest Department (Greek Ministry of Agriculture) |
Pindus National Park (Greek: Εθνικός Δρυμός Πίνδου Ethnikós Drymós Píndou), 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 6,927 hectares.[1] The park's core zone (3,360 hectares) covers the greatest part of the Valia Kalda valley and the slopes of the surrounding peaks.[2] The area has an elevation range from 1,076 to 2,177 metres (3,530 to 7,142 feet) and is characterized by dense forests of European black pine and common beech, rocky ridges, several peaks over 2,000 metres (6,600 ft), rapid streams and mountain lakes. Pindus National Park belongs to the Natura 2000 ecological network and is one of the three places in Greece that hosts a population of bears.
Geography
The park is on the borders of Grevena and Ioannina Prefecture, north of the town of Metsovo[3] and near the villages of Vovousa, Perivoli and Milea. There are no settlements inside the protected area's borders.[4] The core zone of the national park covers the greatest part of the valley of Valia Kalda ("warm valley" in Aromanian) and the slopes of the surrounding peaks. These peaks, part of the Lygkos mountain range, form a horseshoe around the valley, leaving an opening westwards. Several peaks reach an altitude of over 2000 meters; these include Avgo (2,177 m), Kakoplevri (2,160 m), Flegga (2,159 m), Tria Sinora (2,050 m) and Aftia (2,082 m).[5]
The two small mountain streams of Salatoura and Zesto Rema begin from the valley joining Arkoudorema river ("bear's stream" in Greek), which is a tributary of the Aoos. A common feature of Pindus's forests is their small streams and many small lakes; the largest one, named Lakkos, is situated at an altitude of 1,750 m near Avgo peak, while two others are north of Flegga peak at 1,930 m.[5]
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.[6] Forests of European black pine (Pinus nigra) and common beech (Fagus sylvatica) cover the park's lower and middle altitudes 1,000 to 1,600 metres (3,300 to 5,200 feet). At higher altitudes 1,600 to 1,900 metres (5,200 to 6,200 feet), Bosnian pine (Pinus heldreichii) woodland is dominant, while at the greatest heights 1,900 to 2,177 metres (6,234 to 7,142 feet), only certain types of bushes are found in the treeless alpine meadows.[4] The dry places and the lower parts of the valley are characterized by the domination of Buxus sempervirens. Moreover, some individuals of Abies borisii-regis are scattered among the Pinus nigra and Fagus sylvatica forests .[2]
In total, 415 types of plants and 86 species of mushroom have been found in the area. A number of local flower types are considered endemic to the Balkans, such as Dianthus deltoides and Allium breviradum. Moreover, rare species of the Pindos forests, typical of the lower geological layers, are Minuartia baldaci, Bornmuellera tymphaea, Campanula hawkinsiana, Viola dukadjinica and Silene pindicola.[4] Moreover, 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 favors the growing of rare endemic plant species.[2]
Fauna
The national park is one of three areas in Greece that hosts a population of Eurasian brown bears (Ursus arctos arctos),[7] which is considered a conservation priority species.[8] The region itself is also called "bear park".[9] Other large mammals that live in the park are wild cats, lynxes and deers.[4] 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. 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.[10]
In the area of the National Park up to five types of bat have been reported, with most common being niktovatis (Nyctalys noctula).[4] Moreover, it hosts ten types of rare bird species including the eastern imperial eagle, golden eagle, Levant sparrowhawk and the lanner falcon. 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.[4]
Management
The park is under the administrative authority of a recently created (2003) management body, which is responsible for the ecological management of a much larger region that includes eight protected areas in Greece, also part of the Natura 2000 network. This authority, together with the local forest service, is responsible for regulating human activities and maintaining the ecological value of the protected area. However, this target remains elusive, because of a lack of expertise and of a science-based management plan for the park. A great need therefore exists to conduct conservation-oriented research that can be translated directly into practical management proposals.[6] The most serious danger to the park were in the past the 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 towards all directions. Furthermore, an observation post was established near Avgo peak.[10]
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.[1][9][5]
See also
References
- ^ a b "GR068 Valia Kalda (Pindos National Park)" (HTTP). Hellenic Ornithological Society. Retrieved 2010-08-09.
- ^ a b c Natura 2000: p. 9
- ^ Facaros Dana, Theodorou Linda (2003). Greece Cadogan guides. New Holland Publishers. p. 438. ISBN 9781860118982.
- ^ a b c d e f Valia Calda refuge. Vovousa. X. Papaioanou.
- ^ a b c "Pindus National Park" (HTTP). Δίκτυο ερευνητών διαχείρισης περιβάλλοντος. [Researchers network of environmental management.] (in Greek and English). Retrieved 2009-05-10.
- ^ a b
Kati, Vassiliki (2009). "Ecological management of a Mediterranean mountainous reserve (Pindos National Park, Greece) using the bird community as an indicator" (PDF). Journal for Nature Conservation. 28 (17): 47–59. doi:10.1016/j.jnc.2008.12.002. Retrieved 2010-08-12.
{{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters:|laydate=,|quotes=,|laysource=,|laysummary=, and|month=(help); Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - ^ "Bear newsletter" (FTP). WWF-life. p. 3. Retrieved 2009-05-10.
- ^ "Sustainable Management and Development of Mountainous and Island Areas" (PDF). Department of Forestry and Management of the Environment and Natural Resources. Democritus University of Thrace. Retrieved 2009-07-21.
- ^ a b Baker Susan, Milton Kay, Yearley Steven. Protecting the periphery: environmental policy in peripheral regions of the European Union. Routledge. p. 126. ISBN 9780714645841.
{{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|1=(help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ a b Natura: p. 10
Sources
- "Natura 2000 Data Form. Site code: GR1310002" (PDF). NATURA 2000. 2009. Retrieved 2010-07-12.
External links
- High-resolution pictures from Pindus National Park (Valia Calda).
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