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The area of northern Pindos |
The national park of northern Pindos includes the area of Vikos - Aoos, which was declared a national park in 1973, the area of Valia Calda, which was declared a national park in 1966 and the area between them that didn't come under the regime of a national park. The rivers of Aoos and Voidomatis, as well as the tributaries of Arachthos (Metsovitikos, Zagoritikos, Vardas), Aliakmonas and Sarantaporos consist the natural bountaries of the national park of northern Pindos.
The area includes the second highest mountain of Greece, Smolikas,the imposing massif of the mountain range of Tymfi with the two gorges (of Vikos and Aoos),the massifs of Lygos, Vasilitsa, Zygos, Mitsikeli and other lower mountains or mountain bulges (Tsouka Rossa, Kousta, Kosiakos, Flabouro, Kleftes, KLeftis, Orliakas, Tsourgiakas, e.t.c.)
The high abrupt mountain peaks and the slopes with the extensive forests of deciduous and coniffer trees give the impression of a compound mosaic that offers suitable living conditions for many species of the fauna and flaura of our country. The natural phenomena and the living creatures of the area, with the human and his activities predominating, are the main factors for this diversity.
Apart from the interesting fauna and flaura, this area draws particular interest for the Greek mythology and history:
We can find references for Pindos in Greek mythology, which, according to it, is considered to be a "birthplace of the Greek nation". In ancient times it was considered as a "holy mountain" dedicated to Apollo and the Muses. During the Roman period, the area becomes a part of Provintia Romana. Later, in the times of the Byzantine Empire (330 - 1430 AD) it became one of its provinces, whereas, after the enslavement to the Otomans, the area of Pindos had the same fate with the rest of the Empire. Later, after the liberation from the Otoman occupation, the area was incorporated to the rest of the Greek state.
But, apart from the very interesting ancient and byzantine history, this area draws particular interest for the modern Greek history, for here the decisive battle of Pindos took place during the Italian invasion at the time of the World War II. It is generaly accepted that if the front of Pindos had collapsed during the battle of Vasilitsa, the outcome of the war would have been totaly different for the Greek side...
Fauna and flaura of the area of northern Pindos
Brown Bear |
In Greece, the brown bear is becoming extinct. There are about 160 bears left on the mountain ranges of Pindos and Rodopi. Pindos hosts the largest part of the population of the brown bear in our country which is also the southest spread location of the species in Europe. The bear has no natural enemies. The reduction of the population and the destruction of the forest biotope are due to the human element. |
Wolf |
The wolf used to be the mammal with the largest geaographical spread on earth. Today it has disappeared from a large part of its previous geographical distribution and thus the continuation of its survival is considered to be problematic. The reduction of the natural food of the wolf and the negative opinion people have for him, are the main reasons why this species is vulnerable and its future uncertain. |
Wild Goat |
The wild goat is characterised as a rare species in Greece and it is becoming extinct. Altough it is a prey for the carnivores, the major threats for the wild goat is illegal hunting and the loss of its biotope. In Greece, its population numbers about 400 wild goats. |
Otter |
The otter has disappeared fom most of its biotopes. It is an important health idicator for the mountain waters and is protected all over E.U. The rivers crossing the area of northern Pindos have very clean waters and thus they provide an excellent biotope for the otter. |
| Golden eagle (Aquila Chrysaetos) |
The golden eagle nests in abrupt mountain slopes and hunts flying above mountain and alpine zones. It eats small mammals and birds, reptiles and also dead bodies of cattle and other animals. The golden eagle is threaten with extinction by the illegal hunting and the reduction of the population of the animals which are its natural prey. |
| Black Woodpecker (Dryocopous Martius) |
9 of the 10 species of woodpecker living in Greece have been recorded in this area. The black woodpecker is the biggest species. It lives in the full-grown forests of the area. The major threats for it are the intensification of the forest production and the logging of the old unexploited full-grown and over-grown forests. |
| Alpine Merman (Triturus Alpestris) |
It is one of the three species of merman in Greece. It lives in alpine lakes and also in waterholes in the high alpine zone. It is always found in the water or in damp places near it. It eats various aquatic invertebrata and winters in the water or hidden under stones, roots, e.t.c. |
| Black Pine (Pinus Nigra) |
The black pine is an evergreen tree, commonly known by the names wildpine and blackpine. It can reach 20-40 meters in height. It has an upright trunk and it is red - brown and grey - silver. It appears at altitudes of 600 - 2.150 metres and it is widely spread across Greece as it can grow to poor and dry soil. |
| Robolo (Pinus Heldreichii) |
The robolo is an evergreen tree 20-30 meters high. It has a characteristic pyramidal shape and cider-white bark relevantly smooth when the tree is young. It is one of the rarest conifers in the Balkans and Europe. It exists in mountain and subalpine zones at an altitude from 1.300 to 2.200 meters. It has a limited extend in Greece and it exists mainly on the mountains of Smolikas and Gamila of northern Pindos. |
Photos from the area
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Smolikas Mt. Refuge
Konitsa area (Greece)
Mob.+30 6946 670565 - Fax +30 26550.24993
E-mail: info@smolikas.com
| Mountain Smolikas |The refugeThe area of northern Pindos
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