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Template:Geobox The Vikos–Aoös National Park (Template:Lang-el Ethnikós Drymós Víkou–Aóou) is a national park in the periphery of Epirus in northwestern Greece. The park, founded in 1973, is one of ten national parks in mainland Greece and is located 30 kilometers north of the city of Ioannina in the northern part of the Pindus mountain range. It is named after the two major gorges of the area and encompasses 31,135 acres (12,600 ha) of mountainous terrain, with numerous rivers, lakes, caves, deep canyons, dense coniferous and deciduous forest. The park is part of the Natura 2000 ecological network and spans an elevation range from 550 to 2,497 metres (1,804 to 8,192 feet).[1] Over 100,000 people visit the park each year and take part in activities including rafting, canoe-kayaking, hiking and mountain biking.[2]

The core of the park, 8,402 acres (3,400 ha),[1] comprises the spectacular Vikos Gorge, carved by the Voidomatis river. The gorge's main part is 12 km (7 mi) long and attains a depth of 1,000 metres (3,300 ft). The Aoös gorge, mount Tymfi (2,497 metres (8,192 ft) at Gamila peak), and a number of traditionally preserved settlements form the park's peripheral zone. The park's remoteness and relatively small human population, combined with the great variation of biotopes and microclimatic conditions favors the existence of a rich variety of flora (1,800 species) in the area.[3][4] Moreover, Vikos–Aoös National Park hosts one of the most complete spectra of animal species,[5] with a plethora of large mammals such as the brown bear, for which the park is one of the last European strongholds, and a variety of natural habitats and ecosystems that rank it among the most valuable parks for nature conservation in Greece.[6]

The first evidence of human presence in the area is dated between 17,000 and 10,000 years ago. Throughout historical times the local population was sparse, however from the 17th to the 19th century the local communities of Zagori acquired an autonomous status, flourished economically due to increased trade, and became a major center of folk medicine.[7] During the last decades, ecotourism is seen as a remedy to the economic decline of heavily depopulated local settlements, while preserving the natural environment and local architecture.[8]

Geography and geology

Vikos Gorge

Main article: Vikos Gorge
Panoramic view of a deep gorge with grey and white cliffs and a man standing on the foreground, bottom left.
Panoramic view of Vikos Gorge.

Vikos Gorge is located on the southern slopes of mount Tymfi.[9] Its main part stretches from the village of Vikos to Monodendri and attains a depth of about 1,000 m (3,281 ft).[10] The landscape of the 20 km (12 mi) long gorge, 12 km (7 mi) which belongs to the park's core zone,[11] presents a diverse relief and is characterized by abrupt altitudinal changes. At one point the gorge measures 900 m (2,953 ft) deep and 1,100 m (3,609 ft) wide from rim to rim and because of this it is listed by the Guinness Book of Records as the deepest canyon in the world in proportion to its width,[12] though some gorge lobbyists contest that claim.[13] Steep slopes and precipitous rocky cliffs dominate in the middle and higher zones respectively. Numerous gullies dissect both sides of the Vikos Gorge and the weathering action of water down its walls creates extended screes.[9]

The Vikos Gorge, with a southeast-northwest direction,[4] has been carved over millions of years by the Voidomatis river, a tributary of the Aoos. The Voidomatis is mostly seasonal, with year-round flow occurring only in the lower part of the gorge.[9] Due to its nature, the area of the gorge is precipitous and impassable most of the year.[14]

Part of the Aoos Gorge, with high mountain peaks in the background and a dirt road on the foreground.
Aoos Gorge, with Tymfi's peak Gamila (right).

As the Vikos Gorge is a deep cross section of the mountain, its slopes expose a series of rock formations of different ages. The upper layers consist of limestone formations, while the lower ones of grey dolomite.[11] A special feature of the limestone, resulting from its weathering by water, is its karstic nature. Since limestone dissolves as the water percolates through its pores, an extended underground drainage system has developed, with caves and channels that enlarge with time when their roofs collapse, producing rocky exposures and perpendicular slopes. Moreover, this is the same reason the water is scarce. Only when an impenetrable stratum is met, does water appear on the surface.[15]

Aoös Gorge

In the northern part of the Park, and very close to the town of Konitsa,[4] the Aoös river passes through channels formed by the bulges of the nearby mountains of Trapezitsa 2,022 m (6,634 ft), Tymfi and Raidovouni 1,957 m (6,421 ft), creating another gorge that is 10 km long. The canyon has an east-west direction and features numerous stone single-arched bridges from the 17th to 19th centuries as well as monasteries built in the local architectural style.[16] It is characterized by the great number of secondary gullies and currents, and the dolomite rock formations which are dominant on both sides of Aoos.[11] The age of the compact dolomite rocks that lie on the bottom of the gorge has been determined by means of sea fossils found inside them and has been dated back to the Early Jurassic period.[17]

Tymfi

Main article: Tymfi
A small lake surrounded by alpine pasture with traces of snow and two mountain peaks in the background: center and right.
Drakolimni (Dragonlake), overlooked by Ploskos (center) and Astraka (right) peaks.

Between the two gorges lies the Tymfi mountain range. Its highest peaks are Gamila 2,497 m (8,192 ft), Astraka 2,436 m (7,992 ft), Ploskos 2,400 m (7,874 ft), and Lapatos 2,251 m (7,385 ft).[11] A unique feature of this area are the several natural pools formed by the erosion of the bed of a local stream, which have been traced on the horizontal layers of the thin bedded limestones.[18] Moreover, in the high-altitude zone of Tymfi are found a number of alpine lakes, surrounded by alpine pasture and home to a number of rare amphibian species. The biggest lake of the National Park, Drakolimni ("Dragonlake"), a formation which was created after the retreat of the glaciers,[18] is located at a height of 2,000 m (6,562 ft) in mount Tymfi. Its maximum depth is 4.95 m while its surface covers 1 ha.[19]

A characteristic of the Tymfi massif are the several impressive precipices which are the result of the perpendicular karsting of its imestone. Another important sight are the remnant formations of moraines dating from the latest ice age.[20] There are several vertical caves and precipices, especially in the area around the village of Papingo, which lies near Gamila and Astraka peaks. These have been explored and studied by caving enthusiasts, while some of them bear names inspired from mythology, such as the Hole of Odysseus and Chasm of Epos. The cave of "Provatina" ("Ewe's Cave), with a depth of 408 m (1,339 ft), one of the deepest worldwide, was first discovered in 1965 by British speleologists, of the Cambridge University Caving Club, and has since then been studied by a large number of expeditions. Another nearby cave named Epos, with a depth of 451 m (1,480 ft), drains the water coming from the surrounding plateaus.[20]

Settlements

A small village in the middle of dense vegetation. Part of a deep gorge can be seen on the background.
The village of Monodendri, in dense vegetation.

There are four villages inside the Vikos–Aoös National Park, and an additional 9 near the borders of the peripheral zone. All these settlements, in the western part of the Zagori region, are sparsely populated with a total population of 1,515 people.[21] The villages have a nucleus-like form, with the houses situated around the central square and interconnected by rocky pathways.[22] Historically, all the villages of the Zagori region were connected by a very good system of paths or small roads and they functioned more like a single entity rather than as separate communities.[23]

The economic affluence of Zagori's past is still reflected in the admirable architecture of the villages,[7] while today, the preservation of the local architectural legacy is enshrined in law, which dictates that all buildings in the area must be constructed with local traditional materials and in compliance with local architecture. One of the characteristic features of the National Park are its stone bridges, which were the only connection to the outside world until roads were built in the 1950s.[24] Sixteen of these stone bridges and seven churches in the region have been listed as protected historical monuments.[25]

Climate

The climate of the Vikos–Aoös National Park is Mediterranean, transitioning to continental. The Mediterranean character is associated with the annual distribution of precipitation, being high during the winter months and having a drought period of 2 to 3 months in summer. The continental climatic element is attributed to the high amplitude of annual temperature variation, to such a degree that the difference between mean maximum and mean minimum annual temperature, exceeds 40oC.[26] The climate of the area is quite unique due to the complex relief, the altitude variations and the position of the area with regard to the Ionian Sea coastline.[27] The mean annual temperature and annual precipitation are 11.9oC and 1,100.9 mm respectively. Extremely low temperatures occur in the area during the winter months. Compared to Mediterranean bioclimatic divisions, the area belongs to the humid zone with cold winters.[26][28]

Month Jan Feb Mar
Apr
 May Jun Jul Aug Sep
Oct
 Nov Dec
Daily mean °C (°F)
3.7
(38.7)
4.0
(39.2)
6.1
(43.0)
9.0
(48.2)
 15.4
(59.7)
18.7
(65.7)
 22.0
(70.0) 		21.1
(64.6) 		18.1
(54.1)
12.3
(54.1)
7.8
(46.0)
4.5
(40.1)
Precipitation mm (inches) 110.4
(4.35) 		108.3
(4.26)
89.4
(3.52)
 108.9
(4.29) 		68.8
(2.71)
52.4
(2.06)
36.9
(1.45)
36.7
(1.44)
60.1
(2.37)
 128.8
(5.07) 		156.8
(6.17) 		143.4
(5.65)

Wildlife

A small village in the middle of dense vegetation. Huge cliffs can be seen on the background right.
The village of Vikos (center), in dense vegetation lying below Astraka peak.

The park's varied geology and topography have resulted in a unique variety of flora and fauna. There are three main habitat zones:[8]

  • Sub-mediterranean woodland: This mainly consists of the deciduous broadleaf forests and woodlands and extends up to an elevation of about 1500 meters.
  • Combined areas of agricultural land with tree hedges and various woodlots, in addition to semi-open shrublands and rocky sites of the lower and middle slopes near human settlements.
  • Uplands with subalpine grasslands and rock cliffs. This habitat is found above 1500 meters altitude and hosts important bird species such as the Mediterranean Golden Eagle.

Flora

The forests are composed of diverse species of deciduous and coniferous trees and a great variety of wildflowers. An important element of the region's flora, apart from the rich variety of plant species, is the high degree of endemism in Balkan (23%) and Greek species (5,8%).[29] Recent studies on the flora of the National Park counted 873 vascular plants, including more than 250 medicinal, aromatic and poisonous taxa. The park's forests are abundant in species associated with the cool local climate, such as Ulmus glabra, Campanula trachelium, Aesculus hippocastanum and Tilia platyphyllos.[30] In the valley of the Vikos gorge, Platanus orientalis form an azonal gallery forest along the banks of the Voidomatis.[31] On the other hand, the woodland in the mountain area around the village of Papingo is characterized by the domination of different juniper species, such as Juniperus communis, foetidissima, oxycedrus and excelsa. In the upper hills, up to the tree line, Juniperus foetidissima dominates with exceptionally high (more than 10 m (33 ft)) trees. At higher altitudes, pure conifer forests of either pine or fir are found.[32]

Studies on the non-vascular flora recorded the presence of about 150 moss species in the area of the national park, including one newly described taxon.[5] Many herbs of the Vikos Gorge and other areas within the park were regarded to have medicinal properties and were once harvested by local healers, colloquially referred to as "Vikos doctors" (Template:Lang-el).[33] These herbal healers used special recipes that were often copies of ancient Greek recipes of Hippocrates or Dioscorides and became famous beyond the borders of Greece.[34] The plants included the lemon balm Melissa officinalis, Tilia tomentosa, the spearmint Mentha spicata, the gas-plant Dictamnus albus, St John’s Wort Hypericum perforatum, absinth Artemisia absinthium, the very popular Sideritis raeseri, known colloquially in Greece as the “mountain tea”, and the elder bush Sambucus nigra.[35] A chemical screening of these native plant species has shown that a high number of them are characterized by biologically active ingredients.[33] A collection of 2,500 dried species of local plants and herds is exhibited in the local natural museum in Koukouli.[36]

Fauna

The Alpine Newt stands on a rocky surface.
Triturus Alpestris. His presence is associated with local folktales about Dragons.

Vikos–Aoös National Park hosts one of the most diverse spectra of animal species and is considered among the five or six areas in Greece with the richest fauna characteristic of mountain and forest ecosystems.[5] Numerous species of large mammals such as wolves, foxes, wild horses and roe deer use the area the whole year around. Moreover, otters and wild cats live around the area of Tymfi, with the latter being quite rare.[1][37] The Pindus region, of which Vikos–Aoös is part, is home to the endangered brown bear and lynx, and is also the southernmost point of their European habitat.[38] One of the park's special attractions is the existence of the Balkan chamois deer (Rupicapra rupicapra balcanica), which is considered a rare species and lives at higher altitudes far from human activity, especially at the rocky cliffs of the gorges,[38] for example in Megas Lakos, a secondary ravine of Vikos.[37][39]

A small frog on the side of a river sitting on brown sand.
A tiny frog in the river Aoos.

Numerous fish, such as brown trout, roach, and barbel are to be found in the park's rivers.[1] Birds are also numerous and varied. Characteristically, eight of the ten known species of woodpeckers and several species of birds of prey can be found here. A total of 121 bird species has been observed in the area of the National Park, with twenty six of them being considered of conservation priority. The bird communities are considered among the most complete in Greece; important species include the Griffon Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, Peregrine Falcon and Red-rumped Swallow.[5] Regarding invertebrates species, the forests, due to their structural complexity and the co-existence of various small biotopes, i.e. streams, ponds, forest openings, rocky sites, dead trees, old pollards, coppices, support a very diverse fauna, especially at the various ecotones, including often very specialized species.[37]

The park contains a variety of suitable habitats that support dense populations of amphibians and reptiles. Vipera ursinii lives in the subalpine meadows and is considered a threatened taxon.[38] The amphibian Alpine Newts (Triturus Alpestris), living in the alpine lakes of the Tymfi region, mostly in Drakolimni, are associated with local folktales of dragons and dragon battles.[40] Yellow-bellied Toads (Bombina variegata) are also common in that same area.[19]

Human history

A three arched stone bridge stands over a small torrent.
Plakidas bridge, a three arched stone bridge near the village of Kipoi.[41]

The first evidence of human presence in the area is dated between 17,000 and 10,000 years ago. During this period favorable climatic conditions prevailed that permitted the hunting of the ibex and the chamois on a seasonal basis.[42] Important epipaleolithic artifacts have been unearthed from a rock shelter on the banks of the Voidomatis.[43] During the 9th–4th centuries B.C., a small Molossian settlement existed between Monodendri and Vitsa, including stone houses and two cemeteries which have yielded important findings.[44] However, throughout most of the historical time the local population was sparse, while the land provided mainly for pastoralism and firewood for the local needs.[45]

In the era of Ottoman rule, and especially from the 17th to the 19th century, the local Greek Orthodox communities were granted special privileges by the Ottoman authorities. At that time the area of Zagori acquired an autonomous status inside the Ottoman Empire, whereby the locals were exempt from the fiscal extortion that crippled the more prosperous lowland communities.[45][46] During this period large groups of villagers emigrated to metropolitan centers. Many among them became members of successful professional classes before finally returning to their home villages, endowing the region with wealth and building luxurious mansions.[47] In such an environment, the art of herbal healing by the so called Vikos doctors, developed and flourished. This was accompanied by an impressive cultural and intellectual life that produced many renowned scholars and benefactors of Greece.[7]

The area is nowadays sparsely populated as the result of urbanization after World War II. Many of the dwellings now remain shut, while abandonment of the traditional rural economy and the land use system has affected the cultural landscape.[10] Epirus, of which Vikos–Aoös is part, is considered one of the most underdeveloped regions in Greece. Tourism constitutes the principal source of revenue for the local business, from the 1970s onwards, although it has a highly seasonal character. Intense development in terms of accommodation and tourism infrastructure followed occurred the 1980s mainly through state initiatives.[48]

Park management

A small pool on a rocky surface.
Natural pools near Papingo.

Vikos–Aoös was designated as a National Park in 1973, in an effort by the Greek Government to conserve the richness in fauna and flora and the geological formations of the area.[1]

The administration and management of the Vikos–Aoös National Park belongs to two district forest offices, supervised by a forest directorate at the prefecture level. Moreover, the office of World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) in the village of Papingo plays an essential role in management issues.[48] Apart from government efforts, incentives have been given to local management organizations as well as to the local population to participate in the protection of the ecosystems. In the National Park's core, according to the law, forestry activities, grazing, hunting, and fishing are prohibited. In the peripheral zone there are no such restrictions but the Forest Service can take any necessary measure for the realization of the aims of the park.[21] Apart from the above-mentioned activities, dangers to the park include land erosion, landslides, wildfires which threaten the local flora and fauna. Another issue for consideration is the impact of tourism development in recent decades. Moreover, extreme geophysical conditions make the construction and maintenance of the necessary infrastructure network, mainly access routes and telecommunications, difficult.[49]

A group of hikers walking along a river among Platanus orientalis trees
Hikers walking along the Voidomatis river.

The vast area of the National Park and the present lack of road infrastructure make remote sensing the only means for monitoring the human activities in the area and their impact on the ecosystem. An evolution analysis has begun by taking an as detailed as possible picture of the territory covering at least the following items: orography and slopes, road networks, land cover and use, human settlements, tourist sites. The use of remote sensing and Geographic Information System techniques, is of essential value for the park's management and constitutes the base for further evaluations and impact analysis.[49]

The objective of the present state and regional policy is to carefully combine tourism development in the area with the preservation of the natural and cultural heritage. Ecotourism might be an ideal solution, since it has the potential to bring about the desired balance between socio-economic development and environmental protection.[48] Specific objectives of ecotourism development include the reviving of traditional activities such as small-scale farming and stock-raising,[50] as well as the establishment of a 'network of communities of chamois biotopes'.[51]

Recreation

A team of rafters is standing on the bank of a river.
Rafters on the bank of the Voidomatis.

Vikos–Aoös National Park is a natural tourist attraction, with a high ecotourism and agrotourism potential.[52] The local tourism industry has been favored by national and European funds and provides modest accommodation and tourism services with respect to the local tradition and culture.[53] Characteristically, the Federation of Nature and National Parks of Europe (FNNPE) stated that "the need for a sustainable form of tourism has never been greater in the area".[52]

The rivers in the Vikos–Aoös area are a destination for rafting and canoe-kayaking. Additional forms of adventure sports include climbing, hiking and mountain biking, along local paths in order to observe the area's natural features and architecture.[2][48] Popular trails in the region include the crossing of the Vikos Gorge, which lasts approximately 6–7 hours and is considered of medium difficulty, as well as hiking around the peaks of Tymfi.[54] On the other hand, several viewpoint are accessible only on foot, such as the Oxya and Beloe outlooks and the 15th century Monastery of Saint Paraskevi that offer panoramic views to the Vikos Gorge.[13]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Trakolis 2001, p. 3
  2. ^ a b Papadopoulou 2008, p. 20
  3. ^ Spanopoulou 2001, p. 16
  4. ^ a b c Natura 2000, p. 8
  5. ^ a b c d Amanatidou 2005, p. 28
  6. ^ Papageorgiou 2001, p. 3
  7. ^ a b c Vokou, Katradia, Kokkini 1993, p. 1
  8. ^ a b Amanatidou 2005, pp. 30-31
  9. ^ a b c Amanatidou 2005, p. 21
  10. ^ a b Amanatidou 2005, p. 17
  11. ^ a b c d Hanlidou, Kokkini 1997, p. 2
  12. ^ "Northern Greece: The Pindhos Mountains: A Greentours Natural History Holiday" (PDF). greentours.co.uk. p. 2. Retrieved 2010-08-10.
  13. ^ a b Hellander Paul (2008). Greece. Lonely Planet. p. 335. ISBN 9781741046564.
  14. ^ Natura 2000, p. 10
  15. ^ Amanatidou 2005, pp. 21-22
  16. ^ Papadopoulou 2008, p. 12, 18, 20
  17. ^ Paschos, Nikolaou, Papanikos 2004, p. 7
  18. ^ a b Paschos, Nikolaou, Papanikos 2004, p. 15
  19. ^ a b Denoël, Mathieu; Schabetsberger, Robert (2003). "Resource partitioning in two heterochronic populations of Greek Alpine newts, Triturus alpestris veluchiensis" (PDF). Acta Oecologica. 24: 2. doi:10.1016/S1146-609X(03)00043-2. Retrieved 2010-11-09. {{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters: |month=, |laydate=, |laysource=, and |laysummary= (help); More than one of |pages= and |page= specified (help); More than one of |work= and |journal= specified (help)
  20. ^ a b Paschos, Nikolaou, Papanikos 2004, p. 16
  21. ^ a b Trakolis 2001, pp. 2-3
  22. ^ Amanatidou 2005, p. 36
  23. ^ Vokou, Katradia, Kokkini 1993, p. 8
  24. ^ Drakopoulou 2004, p. 27
  25. ^ Spanopoulou 2001, p. 17
  26. ^ a b Amanatidou 2005, pp. 23-24
  27. ^ Paschos, Nikolaou, Papanikos 2004, p. 5
  28. ^ "Papingo meteorological station, 1971-1990 climatic data". Hellenic National Meteorological Service. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help); Missing or empty |url= (help)
  29. ^ Amanatidou 2005, p. 27
  30. ^ Amanatidou 2005, p. 84
  31. ^ Amanatidou 2005, p. 80
  32. ^ Vokou, Katradia, Kokkini 1993, p. 10
  33. ^ a b Hanlidou, Kokkini 1997, p. 1
  34. ^ Vokou, Katradia, Kokkini 1993, p. 1,8
  35. ^ Vokou, Katradia, Kokkini 1993, pp. 3-8
  36. ^ Facaros Dana, Theodorou Linda (2003). Greece. New Holland Publishers. p. 434. ISBN 9781860118982.
  37. ^ a b c Amanatidou 2005, p. 29
  38. ^ a b c Natura 2000: p. 9
  39. ^ Drakopoulou 2004, p. 26
  40. ^ Jackson Jack (2003). The world's great adventure treks. New Holland Publishers. p. 114. ISBN 9781843302612.
  41. ^ Papadopoulou 2008, p. 15
  42. ^ Amanatidou 2005, p. 32
  43. ^ Gowlett, J. A. J. (1987). "The Archaeology of Radiocarbon Accelerator Dating" (PDF). Journal of World Prehistory. 1 (2): 22. Retrieved 2009-11-02. {{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters: |laydate=, |quotes=, |laysource=, |laysummary=, |month=, and |coauthors= (help)
  44. ^ Papadopoulou 2008, p. 14
  45. ^ a b Amanatidou 2005, p. 34
  46. ^ M. V. Sakelarriou (1997). Epirus, 4000 years of Greek history and civilization. Ekdotikē Athēnōn. p. 342. ISBN 9789602133712.
  47. ^ De Jongh Brian , Gandon John , Graham-Bell Geoffrey (2000). Companion guide to Greece. Companion Guides. p. 482. ISBN 9781900639354.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  48. ^ a b c d Drakopoulou 2004, p. 28
  49. ^ a b Petrakis, M.; Psiloglou, B.; Lianou, M.; Keramitsoglou,, I.; Cartalis, C. (2005). "Evaluation of forest fire risk and fire extinction difficulty at the mountainous park of Vikos-Aoos, Northern Greece: use of remote sensing and GIS techniques". International Journal of Risk Assessment and Management. 5 (1): 50–65. doi:10.1504/IJRAM.2005.006612.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link)
  50. ^ Drakopoulou 2004, p. 29
  51. ^ Drakopoulou 2004, p. 31
  52. ^ a b Trakolis 2001, p. 11
  53. ^ Amanatidou 2005, p. 41
  54. ^ Paschos, Nikolaou, Papanikos 2004, p. 9

Sources

Further reading

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