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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.) |
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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. MORE INFO by clicking here |
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| Source: Tourist Guide of Greece® 2002 |
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