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“Let’s make our world more green and clean” Comenius 2012 2014 Book about National Parks and Fauna & Flora

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Page 1: National parks

“Let’s make our world more green and clean” Comenius 2012 – 2014

Book about National Parks and

Fauna & Flora

Page 2: National parks

CONTENT

National parks of Greece (Fauna and flora) National parks of Latvia (Fauna and flora) National parks of France (Fauna and flora) National Parks of Spain (Fauna and flora) National parks of Sicily (Fauna and flora) National parks of Romania (Fauna and flora) National parks of Poland (Fauna and flora) National parks of Norway (Fauna and flora) National parks of Slovenia (Fauna and flora) National parks of Turkey National parks of Lithuania (Fauna and flora)

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National parks of Greece

Greece is characterized by a highly fragmented, rugged landscape hosting a great variety of ecosystems and an outstanding biodiversity. It is a relatively small country with a population of up to eleven (11) million people and an area of 132.000 km2, which,

however, is positioned at the crossroads of three continents (Europe, Asia and Africa) and therefore played a key role in communication and development of the surrounding area.

The natural environment of Greece is characterized by dramatic changes of ecosystems and habitats

It has a very long coastline (16,000 km), numerous peninsulas and islands. It is mainly a mountainous country with a great variety of geological formations and rocks. It is estimated that forests cover 20% of the surface. and over 50 % of its territory is 200-1000

meters above sea level. There is a wide geographical variation (mountains, hills, valleys, plains, rivers, islands, beaches, lakes and lagoons. All these features create a unique landscape, with unique

specificities from region to region. Moreover, in our country we find many different types of climates (from dry - Crete

until cold - continental Rhodope), creating a large mosaic of vegetation and contribute to the isolation of certain habitats, which in turn generate a relatively large number of

endemic and rare species of plants and animals. At the same time, the paleogeographic history of the site in conjunction with

changes in the global climate and glacial periods resulted in the enrichment of flora and fauna. In addition, many species were widespread in Central and Northern Europe,

remained in our country as a residual and considered quite rare today.

The Greek forests are among the richest in flora and fauna rare species in Europe.

H form and composition depends on their geographical location. In the northern part of the country, one encounters the green forest of the Rhodope

mountains and Pindos, and the famous Mount Olympus. The tree species that grow there firs , poplars - trees , dogwood , elm , cedar , wild walnut tree , hazel , trees , cherry trees , cypresses , etc.In the southern parts of coniferous trees dominated by different species of

pine trees ,mountain and oak in the lower parts. Even at 700 meters above sea bushy formations are developed covering 13.5 % of the total forest area of country. The species grown there consist of small trees, laurels as arbutus, willow trees and

shrubs, such as ivy, thyme, oregano, holly, mullein . etc. as a series of wild flowers such as orchids , saffron , cyclamen , irises , anemones , dragon flowers , daisies , chamomile , wild

pansies , violets , poppies , etc. Also , there are riparian forests in Greece which is on par with those in other

European countries and deserves to be protected as a forest of ash in the delta of Achelous , the forest of the river ( Kotza Orman ) and forest Delta Lokrou – Arachthou

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Also one of the important elements that constitute the Greek landscape is natural and ecological fences develop rural areas , help to protect the crops from the natural

environment and the land from erosion and flood prevention and is an important habitat for many plants and animals. These hedges are formed by more than 150 species of plants,

shrubs and trees (Such as wild roses, willows, elms, trees, etc.) Over 1200 species of animals , birds and insects find shelter , food and shelter in

these places , such as partridge , blackbird mouse, mole , butterfly , grasshopper , Wasp , etc.

It is understandable, therefore, that our country has enormous natural wealth and conquered the first place in Europe in this field. Unfortunately, the environment in Greece

is facing multiple threats of degradation, even destruction.

Feature is that the Greek wetlands have been destroyed by three quarters, while the rate of reforestation is only 25 % and is the lowest in the Mediterranean

Almost 5% of the Greek coastline consists of ecologically sensitive wetlands, especially in areas experiencing rapid growth of tourism.

The risk of disappearance of the natural environment of our country led to the designation of certain areas, habitats, plants and animals are protected. With national laws

and presidential decrees, but also with international resolutions, conventions and directives, a sizable percentage of species and regions of the country are protected.

Climate change and biological diversity, along with its rich flora and fauna associated with it, has necessitated the creation of national parks.

Greek national parks (protected areas)

National parks usually consist of an area of absolute protection , the core, and a

protective zone. According to Greek law, the kernel can not be less than 15,000,000 square meters,

with the exception of marine national parks. The area should be greater than or at least equal to the size of the core. At the heart of the national park, only scientific research, mild

recreational activities, and collection of information related to the environment. In the wider area of the national park allowed outposts, aquaculture, construction of forest roads,

hiking camping, in conjunction with infrastructure and controlled logging. Some of the activities that are prohibited in national parks cores are industry, creating settlements,

houses, cottages and huts, grazing, logging, hunting, cutting, uprooting, collecting plants etc.

In Greece the demarcation National Parks, ie areas of natural wealth protected by state regulations began to be consolidated from the 1950.

The national parks in Greece, known for its lush vegetation and fauna and has enormous ecological value. Rare species of plants, animals, reptiles and birds nesting in

these shelters and deserve every possible protection and attention. The first National Park established in the country in 1938 is Olympus.

So in our country are:

10 national forest parks, two water parks and 27 national parks

National forest parks

• Olympus National Park • National Park of Parnitha • Parnassos National Park

• National Forest Enos Kefalonia • Sounio National Park

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• Iti National Park • White Mountains National Forest (Samaria)

• Pindos National Park (Valia Calda) • National Park Prespa

• Gorge Aoou

National marine parks (National Marine Parks are marine areas declared as protected areas) .

In Greece have set up two sites as National Marine Parks

• National Marine Park of Allonisos, Northern Sporades, 1992 which includes land and sea areas of the high sea,

because they are the refuge of the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus)

• National Marine Park of Zakynthos, 1999 for the protection of the sea turtle Caretta caretta

National Parks

There is an abundance of protected areas, particularly wetlands specifically designated after the 2004 National Parks.

These, in order of approval are as follows :

• National Park Ropes Marathon 2000 • Park wetlands and lake Koroneia Macedonian Tempi , 2004

• Northern Pindos National Park , 2005 • National Park Messolonghi ( lagoons ) , wetlands and estuaries Aitolikou Achelous and

Evinou and islands Echinades , 2006 • National Park of Dadia Lefkimmis and Soufliou, 2006

• National Park Lake and Lake Kerkinis Pamvotidas , 2006 • National Wetland Park Evro Delta , 2007 • National Park wetlands Ambracian , 2008

• National Park of East Macedonia - Thrace 2008 ( Nestos ) • Tzoumerkon National Park and Canyon Arachthou , 2009

• National Park Kotychi - Strofylia , 2009 • National Park Axios , Loudias and Aliakmona , 2009

• Rhodope Mountains ( virgin forest fence ), 2009 , and • National Park Chelmos Vouraikos 2009 .

According to the Greek Biotope - Wetland Goulandris today in Greece are :

• 10 National Forest Parks ( 687,320 hectares)

• 14 National parks (713,480 hectares) • 51 Preserved natural monuments ( 168,400 hectares )

• 585 Wildlife Refuges • 7 Controlled hunting areas ( 1,070,860 hectares )

• 21 game farms Treasure ( 36,030 acres) • 2 Protection of Nature (Psalidi Kos western Milos )

• 1 - area house development in the area ( Lake Pamvotida ) • 10 Wetlands of International Importance (Convention Ramsar)

• 390 Areas of the NATURA 2000 network • 16 Districts biogenetic reserves ( 222,610 ha)

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• 2 Biosphere Reserve ( Parks and Samaria Olympus ) • 2 World heritage sites (Metsovo and Athos )

• 1 area ( Samaria , which has been awarded Eurodiploma)

Nowadays , designated 234 NATURA 2000 sites across the country , covering a total of 18% of the land area of Greece , which is about 2,360,000 hectares , excluding purely

marine areas .• 19 Aesthetic forests ( 325,060 hectares )

Map of Greece with the positions of National Parks and National

Parks (including water parks

The national parks in Greece, famous for its rich vegetation and fauna and have tremendous ecological value. Rare species of plants, animals, reptiles and birds nesting in these havens and deserve every possible protection and attention.

What follows are just a few of the most important national parks in Greece: 1. Parnassus, the sacred mountain of the Muses of ancient Greece mythology

2. Mount Iti, where Hercules met terrible fate. 3. Parnitha, with more than 1000 species of plants and 120 species of birds

4. Mount Sounio (important passage for migratory birds) 5. Olympus, the living part of the ancient Greek gods, with over 1700 species of plants

live, including 25 points in the world 6. National Park Aoou - gorge with two of the biggest natural landscapes Greece

7. The Vikos Gorge with rich flora consisting of rare species at risk of extinction threat

Page 7: National parks

8. The chasm Aoou, which is also rich in flora and fauna where one can find , among other species , the rare otter in the river

9. The National Park Valia Calda - the most important park of our country , where more than 80 species of birds nest , while 30 of those listed in Annex I to 79/409 EEC

direction . It is a place of considerable ornithological value presents 11 species of raptors and 68

species of woodpeckers. Also , is the living part of the brown bear (Ursus arctos) and wolf (Canis Lupus), while an ideal habitat for otters and amphibians are rich region (6 species) and reptiles (9 items) 10. Another important park is park of Samaria in Crete with the unique canyon. The

Cretan wild goat and one of the rarest raptors necrovorous in Greece, the Vulture. 11. The National Park of Ainos Kefalonia the island is famous for its magnificent fir

(Abies Kefalonia ) The fauna of all these areas consist of a large number of mammals , such as badgers

, foxes, squirrels , hares , bears , wolves , deer , badgers , wild boars , wild cats , a few jackals , deer and rare species of birds, especially raptors , such as vulture , vultures ,

golden eagle and the golden eagle , the snake eagle , the robin and owl . The vegetation is also awesome abundant and therefore, these parks are fairly

characterized as a botanical paradise and living spaces of the ancient gods! Greece also has a great reputation for several surfaces of water. Setting the humidity

and climate regulation is their function. The play important role in wintering birds and migration, breeding in northern Europe and the former Soviet Union.

In this way you will becme an integral environmental supply chain that connects the northern areas to the south.

In Greece 410 regional surfaces importance of water has been recorded, while 11 have been declared as “Water Surfaces international importance” RAMSAR- February

1971, like the Messolonghi lagoon - Aitolikou - Achelous mouth Ambracian Coast (

breeding area of marine turtle Caretta - Caretta), the delta of the Euro (one of the most important bodies of water in the Mediterranean lagoons Thrace Porto - Lagos and Acetabulum , the Prespa National Park ( two lakes) , Nestos and Axios and

earthscapes and bulbs. All these places are home to more than 300 species of birds such as Pelicans

onocrotalus, the cormorant, the cinder Goose, the black stork, the Agathocalimana (unique species in Europe), the Aegioglarus etc. Also, a large number of amphibians,

reptiles, mammals and insects nest to find food and shelter there. However, these areas are not seriously undermined by excessive cultivation of the

land, drainage, pesticides, destruction of riparian forest, open channel, hunting, construction of new dams etc. regardless of high ecological, scientific and cultural costs.

Threats

The pollution of the natural environment and the degradation of forests and other natural ecosystems, although dating from the beginning of the industrial revolution,

however, took place during the last 40 or so years. Industrial development of the country follows inevitably to a greater or lesser

extent, depending on the concentration of industry size urban centers, local climate, etc., destruction of the environment. In industrialized Western countries (Germany, France,

England), and in countries of the former Eastern bloc necrosis observed from plants, pollution of surface and groundwater, a dramatic reduction of species and populations of

fauna and flora.

Page 8: National parks

From this general rule could not be differentiated our country. The rapid and unregulated development of the two major urban centers (Athens, Thessaloniki) created,

among other things, a serious pollution problem. Athens until 1960 had 1,000,000 residents and several factories, without '' cloud ‘‘, except perhaps in Eleusis and Piraeus,

where heavy industry is concentrated. In 15 years (1975) the population tripled (3,000,000 inhabitants), cars proliferated

and gathered to bowl three quarters of industrial and economic activity. This led Attica previously had one of the best climates in the world, become the most polluted region of our country, as demonstrated by systematic studies on the effect of emissions from these

activities in natural ecosystems of Attica. Thus, one of the big threats is air pollution.

Series are human interventions (uncontrolled logging, dams, creating settlements, etc.

At the same time , other activities , such as recreation in the national forest and natural phenomena (sometimes artificial of course) such as fires , creating a threat to the forests of our country , especially during the summer months , when tourism increases and high

temperatures create flammable forests . Another serious threat is the human intervention

All these positions seriously undermined by excessive cultivation land , drainage , pesticides , destroying riparian forest , open channel , hunting , construction of new dams

etc. regardless of high ecological, scientific and cultural costs .

Conclusions on environmental protection

It is reasonable that every part of the planet Earth is a paradise!

It is vital to keep on improving our own quality of life and as a legacy for future generations.

It is our duty to protect our environment, our forests and our shores. There will be no life on our planet, without the awakening of environmental awareness and

environmental responsibility are values that must be guided in future citizens who will influence legislation and environmental policy through voting, pressure or

Page 9: National parks

involvement to make our world their best! Let's not waste time!

Let's all try, citizens and state together in every part of the earth to save the environment, or at least save what is left of it, before it is too late for

all of us!

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Latvian National Parks

Latvian has four national parks. They take up about 3.2% of the Latvian territory.

Name Founded Territory (km²)

Gaujas National

park

1973 917,45

Ķemeru National

Park

1997 406,92

Rāznas National

Park

2007 596,15

Slīteres National

Park

1999 163,6

Latvian nature reserves

Latvian is the four nature reserves. They take up about 0.4% of the Latvian territory.

Name Founded Territory (km²)

Grīņu Nature Reserve

193 14,55

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6

Krustkalnu Nature

Reserve

1977 29,15

Moricsalas Nature Reserve 1912 8,18

Teiču Nature Reserve 1982 193,37

Gaujas National Park

Gauja National Park is the largest and oldest Latvian National Park, founded

in 1973. on the 14th september. The park is located in Vidzeme. The area is

91,745 ha. Gauja National Park was created to protect the existing animal and

plant species. Gauja National Park is the most popular tourist destination

outside the Latvian capital region.

Flora and fauna

47% of the park area is covered by forests. The main forest types in the

deciduous, pine forest and spruce forest. River valleys grows in deciduous and

mixed forests.

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Gauja National Park found nearly 900 species of plants and ferns. The park

area found 48 mammals, 149 birds, 5 reptiles, 8 amphibians and 2 species of

cyclostomes.

The park area is home to several lakes. The largest is Lake Ungurs - 393,6 ha,

but deepest lake Kaņepu - 18 m.

Fauna and Flora

Hedgehog

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Lynx

Elk

Wild pig

Fox

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Wolf Birds

White wagtail

White stork

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Lapwing

Crane

Green Hoodie

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Grouse

Hoopoe

Duck

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Rowan

Chestnut

Birch

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Oak

Lime

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National Parks in France

France has 10 national parks within its territory, including 3 overseas territories. Each

space is bringing a natural, cultural and landscape exception.

Parc national des Calanques Création du parc : 18 avril 2012

Location

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Department : Bouches du Rhône Region: Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

Commons: 3 heart (Marseille, Cassis and La Ciotat) and 3 membership (Marseille, Cassis and La Penne-sur-Huveaune) area

Biodiversity: 140 terrestrial plant and animal species protected; 60 heritage marine

species.

Parc national des Cévennes Création du parc : 2 septembre 1970

Location Departments: Lozère (48) Gard (30) and Ardeche (07)

Region: Languedoc-Roussillon and Rhone Alps Commons: 152 (55 partially Heart Park)

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Flora : rich and diverse (11,000 species, 2,250 flowering plants), with remarkable and endemic plant associations, particularly in peatlands Mont Lozère and Mont

Aigoual in the pseudo-steppe caussenarde, unique in France, and in the anthropogenic Cevennes chestnut.

Fauna: 2410 species of vertebrates, 45% and 2/3 of mammals that are found in France. 20 bat species on 30 recencés in France. Many raptors highly threatened: golden eagle, short-toed Jean-le-Blanc, peregrine falcon, great horned owl ... Site

privileged location of griffon vulture, Egyptian monk, and the bearded vulture.

Situation Department: Hautes-Alpes (05) and Isère (38)

Region: Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur and Rhône-Alpes Common: 61 (including 26 partially Heart Park)

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situation

Departments: Alpes-Maritimes (06) and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence (04) Region: Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

Common: 28 (27 partially in the heart of the park) Flora: the highest diversity at the national level with 2,000 species of plants, including 200

rare and 30 endemic. Fauna: 58 species of mammals - including seven wild ungulates found in France and the

wolf - and 153 species of birds, unique encounters with the world as the Siberian boreal owl or owl little Duke of North Africa.

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situation Department: Pyrénées-Atlantiques (64) and the Hautes-Pyrénées (65

Region: Aquitaine and Midi-Pyrenees Common: 86 (including 16 partially Heart Park)

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Flora: 1200 species recorded, of which 107 are protected. Wildlife: 2600 ibex, chamois 6000, 125 breeding bird species - twenty pairs of golden

eagles and three pairs of bearded.

FAUNA IN MERCANTOUR NATIONAL PARC

Mammals

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REPTILE

INSECT

BIRDS

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Fishs

RIVER

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.

FLORA IN MERCANTOUR NATIONAL PARC AND COASTLINE

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NATIONAL PARKS IN SPAIN (CACERES REGION)

Monfragüe is roughly in the centre of the province of Cáceres, at the confluence of

the rivers Tajo and Tiétar. It is at present the only National Park in Extremadura, with 18,118 ha under this protection. The park and its immediate surrounding area, a total of 116,151 ha, are

protected by the Natura 2000 network as a SPA. The centre of the park consists of several small, parallel mountain ranges, between which flows the River Tajo. The River Tiétar and other lesser

watercourses carve out deep gorges as they flow towards the Tajo, creating a spectacular system of rocky cliffs in which a huge number of birds breed. Nowadays the river courses are dammed up by

the reservoirs of Alcántara, Torrejón-Tajo and Torrejón-Tiétar.

Despite the area’s low height, the uneven relief and the water barrier has meant that areas of Mediterranean forest and scrubland of extremely high value in terms of their fauna and flora have been conserved. But what really gives the area its value are the large dehesa areas that

extend to the north and south of the National Park, providing an abundant food supply for Monfragüe’s most valuable birds.

Fauna and flora in Extramadura

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National Parks in

Sicily-Italy

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Etna Park

Etna Park was the first Park established in Sicily in March 1987. And not by chance. As a

matter of fact, Etna is not only the highest active volcano in Europe, but also a mountain with recent lava flows where no form of life has settled yet and very ancient lava flows housing natural

fomations of Austrian pines, beech trees, and birches.

To protect this unique and extraordinary landscape marked by the presence of man, Etna Park has been divided into four areas.

In the "A" area, 19,000 ha that are almost all public property, there are no human

settlements. It is the area of the big uncontaminated spaces, the realm of big birds of prey like the Golden Eagle.

The "B" area, 26,000 ha, is partly formed by small private agricultura l lots and is characterized by wonderful examples of rural houses, shelters for animals, palm groves, and noble

houses witnessing the ancient and current human presence. Besides the "A" and "B" Park areas, there is a pre-Park area in the "C" and "D" areas: 14,000 ha, to guarantee the presence of eventual

tourist facilities in the respect of the safeguard of landscape and nature.

Valle del Leone

Etna with lava fountain from the south-eastern crater

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Snow-clad steaming Etna

Fauna

About one and a half century ago, Galvagni, describing the wildlife of Etna, talked about the

presence of animals which nowadays have almost disappeared such as wolves, wild boars, fallow deer, and deer. The opening of new roads, deforestation, and hunting activities contributed to the extinction of these big mammals and continue to threaten the life of other species. In spite of this,

porcupines, foxes, wild cats, martens, rabbits, and hares can be seen on the volcano together with weasels, hedgehogs, dormice, and several species of mice and bats.

In the area, many bird species live. In particular, birds of prey which witness the existence of

large uncontaminated sites. Among the diurnal birds of prey, there are sparrow-hawks, buzzards, kestrels, peregrines, and the golden eagle. The nocturnal birds of prey include the barn owl, the scops owl, the tawny owl, and the long-eared owl. Herons, ducks, and other aquatic birds can be

observed in Gurrida Lake, the one and only stretch of water in the mountain area of Etna. In the woodlands, it is possible to sight jays, rock pigeons, and the rock partridge, as well as many

song birds like the warbler, the tit, the cuckoo, and many others. In the upper areas, around the lava fields, the wheatear will surprise you with its rapid and irregular flying style. Among the various

snake species populating the woodland with green lizards and lizards, the most dangerous snake is

the viper, whose presence has increased in recent years because of a decrease in its predators. The world of insects is also worth a mention: butterflies, grasshoppers, crickets, locusts, bees, etc. with

their essential role in the ecological balance.

Flora

The vegetation of Etna Park is characterized by a series of factors, first of all the volcanic nature of the mountain. The Park flora is extremely rich and varied, and shapes the landscape with

its continuous changes. This depends on the compactness of the soil and the continous changes in the substrate due to different lava flows, as well as on the variability of the temperature and rainfall in relation to altitude and slopes. In the lower areas, once characterized by holm oak forests, there

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are vineyards, hazelnut tree groves, oak forests, apple and chestnut tree orchards. At 2,000m asl or even higher, it is possible to find the beech tree, reaching in Sicily its southernmost distribution

limit, and the birch, considered by most of the authors an endemic species.

Beyond the woodlands, the landscape changes and gives way to astragalus formations offering shelter to other mountain plants, like senecio, violets, and cerastium. Beyond the limit of astragalus,

between 2,450 and 3,000m asl, there are a very few elements able to survive in the harsh environmental conditions of Mt. Etna. Beyond this level and up to the summit, no vegetable species

can survive.

Alcantara River Park

The first evidences of human settlements in the valley date bake to the late Copper Age/beginning of the Ancient Bronze Age (necropolis in Marca). After the arrival of the Greeks in

Naxos in 735 BC, the Sicilians were forced to look for shelter in the hinterland: some time after the area of Francavilla housed a Calcidese colony, of which we know the rich sanctuary of Demetra and

Kore (6th century BC).

Flora Flora

The 48 km of river Alcantara, developing among Nebrodi, Etna, and Peloritani Mountains, are characterized by river or torrent environments, mesoxerophilous vegetation, and rural areas.

Riparian vegetation

Semi-submerged hydrophytic plants

Citrus tree area (lower-medium valley)

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Freshwater crab

Fauna

The morphological differences characterizing the river environment allow different animal species to populate it. In the mountain area, near the spring and at the confluence with Nebrodi

Park, it is not rare to sight brids of prey reaching the Alcantara in search of food.

Mammals Birds

Reptiles Amphibians

Osteichthyes Invertebrates

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River Alcantara

Madonie Park

The naturalistic, historical, and artistic heritage of the area is of considerable importance. In a context characterized by harsh mountains facing the Sicilian sea, the human signs still represent

the evidence of a millenary presence (Prehistory) which in some cases has been handed down in current activities. The territory is scattered with several religious buildings, monasteries,

hermitages, and churches, often isolated on the top of the mountains. Along the watercourses you will find abandoned mills which, together with the old farmsteads (the so-called "masserie") often

built on the more ancient ruins of Roman farmhouses, witness the ability of a culture to live in

symbiosis with nature.

In the Madonie there are the most ancient rocks of Sicily, dating back to the Triassic period. The several fossils of lamellibranchs, algae, and sponges found in the calcareous areas of the

mountain chain are an evidence of it. The highest and most spectacular peaks of the chain are: Pizzo Carbonara (1,979m), Monte San Salvatore (1,912m), Monte Ferro (1,906m), Monte Ouacella

(1,869m), Monte dei Cervi (1,656m). Although they are part of the same complex, each of them has

a different aspect. Gentle or harsh, covered in vegetation or bare, they are scattered over the territory shaping valleys, plateaus, cliffs, and gentle hills. In the Madonie - which cover only the 2%

of the surface of the island, there are more than a half of the Sicilian vegetable species, among which endemic species.

The area of the Madonie with its geomorphological and climatic features leads to the identification of three different areas: the coastal strip of the northern slope, protected by the

African winds and covered by thick woods, centuries-old olive groves, cork tree woods, chestnut tree woods, ash trees, oak woods made of Downy oak and the holly nuclei of Piano Pomo. On the

contrary, the large mountain chain preserves the woods of ilex and beech trees, and is characterized by several endemic species, among which Abies Nebrodensis, a relict of ancient glaciation. The

southern and sunny slope, bare or luxuriant and mild in the changing succession of the seasons is

"The aspect of real Sicily; however, it is also a gentle series of mountain and hilly slopes cultivated with wheat and barley.

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Fauna

It is impossible to make an exhaustive list of the mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates populating this territory. Some data can however give an idea of the value of this

heritage - both as far as quantity and quality are concerned. Madonie house all the mammal species

living in Sicily, about the 70% of the nesting birds, and about the 60% of the invertebrates of the island. Among them, there are several endemic, rare, and protected species.

Wild Boar

Fallow Deer Italian Hare

European Hedgehog

Red Fox

Flora

If you enter Madonie Park and reach its central area, you can grasp landscape features linked to the local vegetation, rich and diversified, also considering the extension and orographic

articulation of the territory which includes altitudes going from a few meters above sea level to

altitudes reaching the 2,000m. A crossroads for botanists and researchers, Madonie Park is the cradle of a vegetal variety unique in the world. This aspect characterizes a mountain chain including

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an area which is considered a "real botanic barden in the middle of the Mediterranean".

Nebrodi Park

Nebrodi Mountains, together with Madonie in the west and Peloritani in the east, form Appennino siculo (Sicilian Apennines). They face in the north the Tyrrheanian Sea, while their

southern border is marked by the Etna, in particular by the river Alcantara and by the high course of

the Simeto. The main elements characterizing the natural landscape of Nebrodi are the asymmetry of each slope, the different shaping of the relief, the very rich vegetation, and the wetla nds. The

essential peculiarity of the orographic situation is the gentleness of the relief deriving from the presence of wide banks of clayey-arenaceous rocks: the peaks, reaching with Mt. Soro the

maximum height of 1,847 meters a.s.l., have rounded slopes and open in wide valleys crossed by

many rivers flowing into the Tyrrheanian Sea. Where the limestone prevail, the landscape presents dolomitic aspects, with irregular profiles and harsh forms with many fissures. It is the case of Monte

San Fratello and, above all, Rocche del Crasto (1,315 meters a.s.l).

Finally, it is important to underline the widespread process of progressive acculturation of the Park's territory, which led throughout the centuries to the transformation of Nebrodi from a natural to a

cultural landscape.

Further information (Italian text)

Maulazzo Lake Wild peony (Paeonia mascula)

Flora

The Arabians defined the Nebrodi as "an island within the island": the reason will become clear to the visitor the first time he/she will set about a visit to this surprising territory: its richness

in charming woods, high mountain green pastures, silent lakes, and flowing streams clashes with the more common image of a dry and sunburnt Sicily. If you leave the coast and you climb the

mountains, it is possible to immediately recognize precise vegetational levels depending not only on

the altitude distribution but also on the singular physical factors that, together with temperature and abundant rain and snow, determine favorable ecological conditions. The Mediterranean level (from

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the sea- level up to 600-800 meters) is characterized by the typical evergreen Mediterranean maquis, where the Spurge, the Myrtle, the Lentisk, and the Broom dominate and where you can find narrow

leaf arboreal elements like the Strawberry Tree, the Cork Oak and the Ilex. The cork plantation

(interesting formations can be mainly found in the territory of Caronia) is present in its original state when the climate and the soil are favorable; however, it mainly appears together with other species

like the Ilex and the Downy oak with a thick underwood.

Above the 800 meters of height and up to the 1,200-1,400 meters a.s.l., there is the supramediterranean level, where the deciduous oaks grow. Among the several species, we quote the

widespread Downy oak, Sessile oak, Quercus gussonei, which form more or less large groups

depending on the geological substrata and the exposure of the slopes. The Turkey oak is also widespread; it dominates in the coolest areas, especially with a north exposure.

Above the 1,200-1,400 meters of height, on the mountain-Mediterranean level, there are the beech woods, marvellous wood formations covering the whole ridge of Nebrodi for more than 10,000 hectares and characterizing environments of great value for their naturalistic aspects and their

landscape. At the highest altitudes, the Beech is almost the only one growing species: only some rare specimens of Sycamore maple, Maple, and Ash tree are present. Among the species of the

undergrowth there are the Holly, the Butcher's-broom, the Hawthorn, the Daphne, and the Yew, a relict species surviving in very localized microclimatic conditions.

Fauna

If in the past they were the kingdom of yearlings, (as well as of fallow deer, bears, and roe deer), Nebrodi (whose name derives from the Greek nebros, meaning yearling) still are the richest

part of Sicily in fauna, despite the progressive environmental impoverishment. The last wolves were killed at the end of the 1920s and the bearded vultures, which flew above Rocche del Crasto,

disappeared at the beginning of the 60s because of the poisoned bites scattered over the territory to

kill foxes. Thanks to its great environmental variety, Nebrodi Park houses rich and complex wildlife communities: there are several small mammals, reptiles and amphibians, many species of nesting

and migratory birds, a huge number of invertebrates. The first group includes the Porcupine (Hystrix cristata), the Wildcat (Felis sylvestris), and the Marten (Martes martes), all very rare

species; among the reptiles there are the Hermann's tortoise (Testudo hermanni) and in particular,

the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis); finally, the amphibians include the Painted frog (Discoglossus pictus) and the Edible frog (Rana esculenta). In the Nebrodi, about 150 species of

birds have been classified; among them there are some very interesting endemic species, like the Sicilian Marsh tit (Parus palustris siculus) and the Sicilian Long-tailed tit (Aegithalos caudatus siculus). The open areas at the edge of the woods are populated by many birds of prey, like the

Buzzard (Buteo buteo), the Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), the Lanner (Falco biarmicus), the Red kite (Milvus milvus), and the Peregrine (Falco peregrinus), while the harsh rocky areas rich in fissures

of Rocche del Crasto are the kingdom of the Golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos). The Little grebe (Podiceps ruficollis), the Coot (Fulica atra), the Grey wagtail (Motacilla cinerea), the Dipper

(Cinclus cinclus), and the Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) prefer the wetlands, while in the pasture zones

it is not difficult to sight the rare Sicilian Rock partridge (Alectoris graeca whitakeri), the unmistakable erectile tuft of the Hoopoe (Upupa epops), and the powerful flight of the Raven

(Corvus corax). Among the migratory avifauna, the Black-winged stilt (Himantopus himantopus) and the Grey heron (Ardea cinerea) are worth a mention. The invertebrate fauna is very rich. Recent researches have led to surprising results: out of the 600 registered species concerning a small part of

the existing fauna, 100 are new in Sicily, 25 are new in Italy, and 22 are new to science. Among the most relevant forms from the point of view of the landscape, butterflies (over 70 species) and

Carabids (over 120 species) are worth a mention.

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Moreover, within the territory of the Park there are many specimens of Sanfratellano horses; native to these mountains, they are a precious breed for their characteristic features and their limited

number.

It is the horse of Nebrodi, which has become the object of important scientific studies in the

last decades and more and more relevant among the horse breeds.

NATIONAL PARKS OF ROMANIA Romania is situated in the southeastern part of Central Europe and shares borders with

Hungary to the northwest, Serbia to the southwest, Bulgaria to the south, the Black Sea to the

southeast, Ukraine to the east and to the north and the Republic of Moldova to the east.

Located halfway between the Equator and the North Pole, Romania is the 12th largest

country in Europe having a population of about 20 million people.

Romania’s terrain is almost evenly divided between mountains, hills and plains.Romania's

territory features splendid mountains, beautiful rolling hills, fertile plains and numerous rivers and

lakes. The Carpathian Mountains traverse the centre of the country bordered on both sides by

foothills and finally the great plains of the outer rim. Forests cover over one quarter of the country

and the fauna is one of the richest in Europe including bears, deer, lynx, chamois and wolves. The

legendary Danube River ends its eight-country journey at the Black Sea, after forming one of the

largest and most biodiverse wetlands in the world, the Danube Delta.

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About a third of the country consists of the Carpathian Mountains (also known as the Transylvanian Alps). Another third is hills and plateaus, rich with orchards and vineyards. The final

third is a fertile plain, largely devoted to agriculture.

Although not as high as the Alps, the Carpathian Mountains extend over 600 miles in Romania, in the shape of an arch. They are divided into three major ranges: the Eastern (Oriental)

Carpathians, the Southern Carpathians (also known as the Transylvanian Alps), and the Western Carpathians. Each of these ranges feature a variety of landscapes, due to the different types of

terrain (glacial, karstic, structural, and volcanic).

98% of the Romania’s rivers spring from the Carpathian Mountains. The upper streams are

usually more spectacular, featuring numerous gorges, caves and precipices. The main rivers in

Romania are Mures (473 miles on Romania's territory), Prut (461 miles on Romania's territory), Olt

(382 miles), Siret (347 miles on Romania's territory), Ialomita (259 miles), Somes (233 miles on

Romania's territory) and Arges (217 miles). In the east, river waters are collected by Siret and Prut

rivers. In the south, waters flow directly into the Danube and in the west most of them are collected

by Tisa River.

Europe’s second longest river, the Danube, flows through southern Romania forming part

of the country’s frontier with Serbia, Bulgaria and Ukraine. Its blue waters run along 621 miles,

from Bazias to the Black Sea. Virtually all of the country's rivers are tributaries to the Danube,

either directly or indirectly.

There are around 3,500 lakes in Romania, most of them small or medium.

The largest are the lagoons and coastal lakes on the Black Sea shore, such as Razim (164 sq. miles)

and Sinoe (66 sq. miles), or lakes along the Danube bank - Oltina (8.5 sq. miles); Brates (8.1 sq.

miles).Formed at the end of the last Ice Age, the glacial lakes in the Carpathian Mountains are

small, but spectacular. Worth mentioning are the glacial lakes in the Retezat Mountains: Zanoaga,

the deepest lake in the country (95 feet) and Bucura, the largest (24.7 acres) as well as the lakes

located in the Transylvanian Alps (Balea, Capra, Caltun, Podragu).Lake St. Ana, located in

Ciomatu Mare Massif, near Tusnad is the only volcanic lake in Romania, sheltered in a perfectly

preserved crater and surrounded by vast fir-tree forests. The lake is solely fed by rain. Therefore, its

waters are nearly as pure as distilled water. The Red Lake (elevation 3,215 feet), located in the

Hasmas Massif, near Bicaz Gorges, is unique in shape and landscape. It is a natural dam

lake created in 1837 after a major landslide. The name “Lacul Rosu” (Red Lake) comes from the

reddish alluvia deposited by its main tributary.

Danube River ends its journey of almost 1864 miles through Europe in south-eastern

Romania. Here the river divides into 3 frayed branches (Chilia, Sulina, Sfântu Gheorghe) forming the Danube Delta. It is the newest land in the country, with beaches expanding almost 65 feet into

the sea every year. Overall, the delta is a triangular swampy area of marshes, floating reed islands and sandbanks. It is a UNESCO Biosphere Reservation as well as a protected wetland and natural

habitat for rare species of plants and animals.

The Romanian Black Sea Coast stretches a little over 150 miles. The Black Sea is a continental sea, with a low tide and salinity and water temperatures of 77 - 79˚F

in the summertime. Its wide, sandy beaches facing east and south-east become a major tourist attraction from May until September.

Due to its varied terrain and climate Romania has a diverse flora and fauna.

Over 3,700 species of plants and 33,792 species of animals can be found in Romania. Oak, beech,

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elm, ash, maple and linden made up 71 percent of Romania’s forests while conifers (fir, spruce, pine and larch) account for the remaining 29 percent.

The mighty Danube River flows 1,788 miles from its springs in Germany’s Black Forest to

the Black Sea. Just before reaching the sea it forms the second largest and best preserved of

Europe's deltas: 2,200 square miles of rivers, canals, marshes, tree-fringed lakes and reed islands.

The Danube Delta is a wildlife enthusiast’s (especially a bird watcher’s) paradise.

The Danube Delta is comprised of an intricate network of waterways and lakes divided

between the three main estuary channels of the Danube. This area of floating reed islands, forests,

pastures and sand dunes covers 3,000 square miles and is home to a fascinating mix of cultures and

people as well as a vast array of wildlife. Located at the tip of the three channe ls, Tulcea makes a

great starting point for exploring the Danube Delta.

Romania’s national and natural parks, displaying a unique variety of landscapes, vegetation

and wildlife, protect some of the largest remaining areas of pristine forest in Europe. Grasslands, gorges, subterranean caves, volcanic lakes, and extensive river network add to the richness of the

park system that also includes the Danube Delta, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and Europe’s largest wetland.The maze of canals bordered by thatch, willows and oaks entangled in lianas, offers the perfect breeding ground for countless species of birds, some of them from as far away as China

and Africa. Millions of Egyptian white pelicans arrive here every spring to raise their young, while equal numbers of Arctic geese come here to escape the harsh winters of Northern Europe.

Some 300 species of birds make Danube’s Delta their home, including cormorants, white

tailed eagles and glossy ibises. The bird watching season lasts from early spring to late summer.

Birds are not the only inhabitants of the Delta. There is also a rich community of fish and animals;

from wildcats, foxes and wolves, to even an occasional boar or deer. Altogether, 3,450 animal

species can be seen here, as well as 1,700 plant species.

Formed over a period of more than 10,000 years, the Danube Delta continues to grow due to

the 67 million tons of alluvia deposited every year by the Danube River. The Delta is formed

around the three main channels of the Danube, named after their respective ports: Chilia (in the

north), Sulina (in the middle), and Sfantu Gheorghe (in the south).The Danube Delta Biosphere

Reserve has the third largest biodiversity in the world (over 5,500 flora and fauna species),

exceeded only by the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Galapagos Archipelago in Ecuador.

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The Danube Delta is home to over 60% of the world’s population of pygmy cormorants

(phalacrocorax pygmeus), 50% of red-breasted geese (branta ruficollis) and the largest number of

white pelicans (pelecanus onocrotalus) and Dalmatian pelicans (pelecanus crispus) in Europe.It

also is home to the world’s largest reed bed expanse– 625, 000 acres / 240,000 ha. Some 15,000

people inhabit the Delta area, living in 28 villages and one city (Sulina). The area was first attested

by Herodot of Halicarnas (484 – 425 B.C.). More then half of the Delta Biosphere Reserve is

virtually intact.

National parks encompass extensive areas of particular geographical interest or outstanding

natural beauty. They have an important conservation role and offer protection to many rare species

of animals and plants. In addition to nature conservation, Romania’s natural parks also play an

important role in preserving local customs, traditional crafts, historical settlement patterns, and

regional architecture.

Most of Romania’s national parks have arrangements for outdoor activities with a network

of marked paths and trails and overnight accommodation in either staffed lodges or local

guesthouses. In vulnerable areas where it is desirable to limit the impact of visitors, paths and

accommodation are minimal.

National Parks

Cheile Bicazului (Bicazului Gorges) – Hasmas

Calimani

Ceahlau

Cozia

Domogled – Valea Cernei (Cerna Valley)

Muntii Macin (Macin Mountains)

Cheile Nerei (Nerei Gorges) – Beusnita

Piatra Craiului

Retezat

Muntii Rodnei (Rodnei Mountains)

Cheile Semenic - Carasului (Semenic – Carasului Gorges)

Buila-Vanturarita

Nature Parks

Apuseni

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Balta Mica a Brailei (Small Moor of Braila)

Bucegi

Comana

Gradistea Muncelului-Cioclovina

Lunca Muresului

Muntii Maramuresului (Maramures Mountains)

Portile de Fier (Iron Gates)

Vanatori Neamt

Romania's natural areas captured scientific attention early in the 20th century. The first law

on environment protection was passed in 1930; the first forest reservation (Domogled-Baile

Herculane) was set up in 1932, the first National Park (Retezat) in 1935 and the first geological

reservation (Detunata Goala - Apuseni Mountains) was recognized in 1938.

Piatra Craiului Natural Park features the longest and highest limestone ridge in the

country (over 15 miles long and 6560 ft. high). Bordered by glacial lakes, the ridge is regarded as

one of the most beautiful sights in the Carpathians. The two-day north–south ridge trail is both

challenging and rewarding. Starting at either Plaiul Foii in the northwest or Curmatura in the

northeast, hikers climb up to the ridge along the narrow spine of the range. The descent at the

southern end leads into a karst landscape of deep gorges and pitted slopes where water penetrating

the rock has carved a series of caves. Sheltering one of the largest biodiversity of wildlife in the

country, the national park is home to about 300 fungi species, 220 lichen species, 100 different

mosses, and 1100 species of superior plants (a third of the number of all plant species found in

Romania). On the high cliffs there are chamois, wild boar, red and roe deer, pine martens and red

squirrels. Some 270 butterflies species, 110 birds species, 17 bats species, many large carnivores

(wolfs, brown bears, lynx) can be observed in the park. The gorges are a good place to see

wallcreepers and alpine swifts, three-toed and white-backed woodpeckers and Ural owls in the

forested areas.

Hiking in Retezat National Park you may well lose your breath, not from the climb, but

from the breathtaking views of nature at her wildest. Peaks of differing heights, many topping the

8,028 ft. mark (such as Peleaga Peak), provide hikers with plenty of challenges. Local communities

and cultural sights from around the park area add a special value to that of the landscape and the

biodiversity inside the park. Wildlife enthusiasts will find here many species of animals, including

chamois, red and roe deer, wild boar, bear, wolf, and fox, and may come across lynx tracks. Otters

find themselves at home in the park's rivers. Chaffinch, song thrush, ring ouzel, red-breasted

flycatcher, chiffchaff, nutcracker and the rare golden eagle, leaser spotted eagle, eagle owl, pigmy

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owl, crag martin, scarlet rosefinch, three toed woodpecker, horned lark are among the 120 nesting

bird species of Retezat.

Retezat National Park was included in the Important Bird Areas Network. Butterflies are

abundant in Retezat, in number and species, and specialists designated two Prime Butterfly Areas

here.

CEAHLĂU NATIONAL PARK

Surrounded by watercourses and dam lakes, Ceahlau Mountain, the Olympus of Romania,

displays an incredible concentration of flora - over 2,000 flower species, and wildlife. Fossil

limestone, the rock formations Dochia, Cusma Dorobantului, and the Duruitoarea waterfall are just

some of the main attractions in the park. The park is bounded to the east by the Bistrita River and

Lake Bicaz, and to the south by the Bicaz River.

Some of the most exciting Romanian legends refer to the strange stone shapes spread around

the peaks in the park. The Dochia rock formations are said to represent a mean old woman ("baba")

who came on Ceahlau to feed her sheep. Deceived by the sunny days of early spring, she took off,

one by one, all her nine-sheepskin waistcoats. When the frost came, it turned both her and her

animals into ice, which over the years transformed into the stones we see now. ver 90 species of

birds can be seen in the Ceahlau National Park. The capercaillie (Tetrao urogalus), the biggest

among the birds in the park, can be seen in Piciorul Schiop and Poiana Maicilor, during the mating

period in April. With a little luck you can also spot in the same area: the three clawed wod-pecker

(Picoides tridactylus) a glacial relict, and the wall creeper (Tichodorma muraria). The raven

(Corvus corax) usually builds its nest in the high areas of the mountain.

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Among the rare birds nesting in the park are the cliff butterfly (a bird that could be found

also in Cheile Sugaului and in Cheile Bicazului), the aquila (Aquila chrysaeltus) and the mountain

cock (cocosul de munte).

The park is also home to the black goat (Rupicapra rupicapra), which has been colonized

here, the lynx (Lynx lynx), the wolf (Canis lupus), the fox (Canis vulpes), the brown bear (Ursus

arctos) and the pine marten (Martes martes). The elk (Cervus elaphus var. carpathicus) - monument

of nature and the most valuable species of Ceahlau - can be admired in: Izvorul Alb, Poiana

Maicilor, and Izvoarele Bistrei Mari.

CĂLIMANI NATIONAL PARK

Massive eruptive rocks and craters of old volcanoes in the Calimani National Park (Parcul

National Calimani) are spawned over breathtaking landscapes, matched by the presence of large

areas of natural ecosystems and the abundance of Swiss stone pine and juniper trees.

The Calimani Mountains features the highest massif in the

Romanian volcanic chain, the Pietrosu Peak (standing at 6896 ft.).

The natural erosion process in the volcanic plateau has led to the formation of the unusual

shaped12 Apostles (Cei 12 Apostoli), Red Stones (Pietrele Rosii) andNefertiti geological reserves.

For those interested in botany, Calimani National Park makes it possible to observe 774 species of

plants, many of them marked as rare: alpine leek (Allium victorialis), narcissus anemone (Anemone

narcissifolia), and mountains soldanella (Soldanella Montana). In juniper tree forests or on soils of

volcanic nature, the rose bay (Rhododendron myrtifolium) is frequently encountered.

Calimani National Park is home to several endangered species,such as: the bear (Ursus

arctos), the elk (cervus elaphus), the wild boar (sus scrofa), the roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), the

wolf (Canis lupus), the tree marten (Martes martes) and the lynx (Lynx lynx). The cedar forest and

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juniper trees area on the western slope of the Calimani Mountain is home to the black grouse

(Tetrao tetrix), a very rare species in Romania.

Threats

Carbon footprint, global warming, deforestation are threats to the Earth's environment.

When a region loses its biodiversity, it becomes more vulnerable to other environmental

elements.Deforestation disrupts the natural balance of ecological systems in the area where the trees

have been harvested and far beyond. Food production can be impacted due to drought and erosion

directly linked to the loss of forests.

Chemicals and chlorofluorocarbons pollutants are created by industry and agriculture. They

have a negative impact the ozone layer. The lack of strict enforcement of laws to prevent the use of

such pollutants compounds the situation. World governments that continue to allow various

pollutants into the environment impede the recovery of the ozone layer.

Acid rain is created by excessive sulfuric and nitric acid being pumped into the atmosphere,

rivers, oceans, and land. While some acid rain is the byproduct of the natural processes of decaying

vegetation and volcanic activity, the current crisis comes directly from the burning of fossil fuels.

Water becomes toxic when acid rain imbues the oceans or lakes with an absorption quality that

cause the water to absorb soil-based aluminum and poisons the aquatic plant and marine life.

The oceans' eco-systems are dependent upon the natural process of organic ocean matter

known as phytoplankton, which is found on ocean surfaces. This eventually breaks down and filters

to the bottom of the ocean floor where it's broken down further by ocean floor bacteria. This

process is called bacterial respiration.When too much nitrogen feeds the phytoplankton, like any

fertilized crop, it begins to overproduce. The bacteria are unable to break down the plankton fast

enough and the chemical processes that convert carbon dioxide into oxygen can't keep up. The

oxygen is used up quicker than it can be produced. The plankton chokes out the flow of water and

oxygen so that marine and plant life die from the lack of oxygen.

An alarming rate of species extinction is happening worldwide. As of 2010, the rate of loss

is estimated to be more than 1,000 times the normal rate. Greater preservation tactics and strategies

are needed with laws put into place to protect species. Once more, manmade pollution is the culprit

along with land encroachment by developers. Both causes are created by consumer demands as

people branch out into areas that were once remote habitats for various species.More and more

animals and other forms of wildlife are being added to the endangered species list each year. It

makes sense to become better land stewards, instead of encroaching on forests and wetlands.

A growing world population might seem like an obvious threat to the environment that goes

far beyond the debatable theory of global warming. The bigger threat is far more complex and

directly linked not to the controversial idea of a carbon footprint, but to the unique system of supply

and demand.

Consumers place more and more demands on the earth's natural resources as the population

increases year after year. These demands leave pollution and waste in the wake of human daily

activity. Compound this with each world government doing its own brand of commerce, many

without environmental consciences, and you get the formula for environmental chaos and disaster.

A prime example of higher consumption demands can be found in the fishery industry,

where the world's marine life is being harvested with few to no renewable methods in place.

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Consumers are also responsible via industry for hundreds of hazardous chemicals used in the

production of various products. Heavy metals continue to contaminate land, water and air.

The power of a consumer can be mighty when each person in the world realizes that action

can be taken and changes made by carefully choosing how consumer money is spent.

Conclusions on environmental protection

Environmental protection is influenced by three interwoven factors: environmental legislation, ethics and education. Each of these factors plays its part in influencing national- level

environmental decisions and personal- level environmental values and behaviors. For environmental protection to become a reality, it is important for societies to develop each of these areas that,

together, will inform and drive environmental decisions.

Clearly the responsibility for protecting the environment rests with the individual. For example, you may choose recycled products and recycle the products you no longer want or use

organic cleaning products and buy other organic items as much as possible. Be careful with the amount of electricity that you use in your home and work place! Shop locally and try not to have

items shipped from long distances. There are many more things that each person can do to limit the amount of air pollution they create. Making a few small changes every month can result in a cleaner

environment over a long period of time. At the very least, you will know that you are doing your

part.

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PPRRZZEEDDSSZZKKOOLLEE SSAAMMOORRZZAADDOOWWEE

WW ZZPPOO WW WWOOLLII FF IILLIIPPOOWWSSKKIIEEJJ

PPOOLLIISSHH NNAATTIIOONNAALL PPAARRKKSS

Poland is among the most diverse European countries in respect of its nature. From the Baltic

coastline in the north through the lake district, lowlands and highlands to mountain ranges in the

south one can find areas of dominant wild life. Many such places, like the Białowieża National Park

or Biebrza National Park, are natural gems of Europe and of the world. The most valuable areas

are subject to national park protection. Poland lists twenty three national parks. All of them are

accessible for tourists and their tourist infrastructure is of very good quality.

TTHHEE BBAABBIIAA GGÓÓRRAA NNAATTIIOONNAALL PPAARRKK

The Babia Góra National Park is located in Beskid Żywiecki, about 90

kilometres to the south-west of Cracow. Babia Góra National Park is a

mountain park with the highest summit being Babia Góra (1725 meters

above sea level).

One of the reasons of creation of the National Park in 1954 was a

model layout of plant layers. In this respect, Babia Góra is a model mountain, perfect for mountain

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studies. When climbing to the top of Babia Góra, in short time we can see all plant layers well-

known from geography classes: from arable land, through beech forests, beech and spruce forests,

and with increased height only spruce forest, which is later replaced by dwarf mountain pine. The

top belt is the alpine layer with scree formations, slightly decorated with grasslands and lichen. The

landscape is great especially in the transitional zone between the forest and dwarf mountain p ine. In

winter, hundreds of dwarf spruce trees covered with a thick layer of hoar frost and snow create an

unforgettable landscape of snow sculpture galleries.

The animal world of Babia Góra is very rich. As far as large mammals are concerned, you can

encounter bears, which, together with lynx, like especially the southern slopes. Wolves, deer, foxes

and badgers also live in the forests. Among birds, a special attention should be paid to the

capercaillie, almost extinct species. The capercaillie is a bird from Galliformes order also known as

the “wood grouse”. There are more than 120 bird species in the Babia Góra National Park as: black

grouse, owls and rare black stork.

The climate of the Babia Góra National Park is rough. There are often unexpected weather changes.

It is necessary to always remember about it when going hiking in the mountains. Snow appears in

October and stays until May. There is often an avalanche risk on northern slopes; that is why

northern tourist route (the “academic” route) is closed in the winter.

An interesting hydrological fact about the mountain is the watershed of Baltic Sea and Black Sea

basins crossing the ridge of Babia Góra. That means that a rain drop falling on the northern slopes

of the mountain goes to the Baltic Sea, while falling on southern slopes, starts its descent to the

Black Sea.

Thanks to the special natural values of the Babia Góra mountain range, this National Park acquired

the status of UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1977.

TTHHEE BBIIAAŁŁOOWWIIEEŻŻAA NNAATTIIOONNAALL PPAARRKK

If somebody wants to see a forest the way it was hundreds years

ago, they have to visit Białowieża Forest. A visit to Białowieża is

a journey to the past when Europe was covered with

impenetrable forests.

Białowieża Forest is the last primary compact forest complex. It

is one of the most important natural treasures not only in Poland, but also in Europe. Therefore, in

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1979 Białowieża Forest was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The Forest is located approx. 260 km to the east of Warsaw and approx. 70 km to the south-west of

Białystok. Its most precious parts are protected within Białowieża National Park. The forest is

inhabited by a wide variety of species, some of which grow to unusual sizes. The predominant

forest types are: a broadleaved and coniferous forests, and in humid locations, alder swamp forests

and riparian forests. A typical element of the forest landscape is a large number of old fallen tree

trunks. The forest landscape is formed best in a separated part of the National Park, to which the

access is possible only when accompanied by a licensed guide. Visiting Orłówka is a must during

each trip to Białowieża.

European bison is the symbol of Białowieża Forest. This biggest wild animal in Europe is a close

cousin of the American bison. The area of Białowieża Forest is inhabited by a live few hundred of

bison, gathering in smaller or larger herds. It is called “the King of the Forest”, is a huge and

dignified animal and meeting it is always an important experience for a nature admirer.

A part of the National Park is a separate show reserve presenting European bison. The show reserve

is located near Białowieża by the road towards Hajnówka. It is worth to visit the show reserve to

closely observe the animals which are very difficult to meet in the forest. Apart from the bison, you

can see wolves, elks, deer, and wild boars there. Another interesting animal which you can find

there is called żubroń, a hybrid of domestic cattle and European bison. A visit in the show reserve

may be advised to guests who do not have much time for individual walks and would like to see the

King of the Forest with their own eyes.

TTHHEE BBIIEEBBRRZZAA NNAATTIIOONNAALL PPAARRKK

The Biebrza National Park is located in northeast Poland, between

Łomża and Augustów. A protective area covers almost the entire

Biebrza River, together with the valley from the source down to the

mouth of the Narew River.

Biebrza Valley is a very important stopping place for birds during their

annual travel, and a location of nesting for many marsh bird species. Flora admirers can find

protected rare plant species there, including 20 species of orchid. Those who like to get up before

sunrise should see an incredible spectacle of the nature waking up – delicate fog wisps, clanging of

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cranes, squawking of snipe and elk sighting. For those who prefer to sleep in the morning, the

nature begins its next spectacle several hours later when predatory birds start hunting.

Ornithologists from all over the world visit the Biebrza National Park. Here, they meet, exchange

experience, together observe and discuss birds chirping in the bushes. Bent over telescopes, they

point out strange Latin names such as: Acrocephalus paludicola, Picus canus, Numenius arquata or

Cirrus aeruginosus. Yet, before an ordinary tourist reaches such a level of expertise, they are

enchanted by huge, endless space of the Biebrza National Park. The civilization accustomed us to a

landscape which seems safe – you can see almost always a house, a fence, a chimney or at leas t a

pole nearby. Meanwhile, you cannot find things like that here! As far as you can see – only flat

plain stretching to the horizon. At beginning it seems strange and unnatural. Then, you can compare

it to a prairie, a savannah, but these are actually marshes and peat bogs spreading for dozens of vast

kilometres. The Biebrza National Park is the biggest national park in Poland, and one of the biggest

in Europe. It has almost 100 kilometres in a straight line, that is more than Luxembourg from its

north to south.

Additional attractions: An unconquered Russian fort in Osowiec.

TTHHEE BBIIEESSZZCCZZAADDYY NNAATTIIOONNAALL PPAARRKK

The Bieszczady Mountains are one of the most interesting regions in

Poland when it comes to the natural environment. Located far from

civilization, at the southeast end of Poland, they still maintained their

natural charm.

They are a cult location, a must see for every tourist who admires wild nature, quiet and open

stretches of land. Bieszczady forests are inhabited by wolves, bears, European bisons and deer. You

can meet a rare golden eagle there. The Bieszczady National Park covers a significant part of the

mountains.

It has a unique landscape. The scenery is mountain and gentle at the same time. The most

characteristic element of this region are mountain pastures – extensive meadows located in the top

parts of the mountains. Thanks to the mountain pastures, hiking in Bieszczady is easy and provides

a tourist with an incredibly attractive view. Panoramas are visible for dozens of kilometers. In

autumn, the pastures become golden. They look like prairies on a mountain peaks. A long-hour

hiking will be rewarded with a sip of żentyca (a local drink made of fermented sheep milk whey)

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and a piece of sheep’s milk cheese you can try in a shepherd’s hut. Bieszczady Mountains embody

the atmosphere of the past. In the second half of the 19th century there was “the oil rush” in

Bieszczady. Here is the first-ever oil extraction site in Bóbrka, here worked Ignacy Łukasiewicz,

the inventor of the kerosene lamp. The atmosphere of the past is created by the shepherd

communities. Sheep and shepherds are an inherent element of this landscape. This is supplemented

with smoking retorts where charcoal is being produced. Wooden architecture of Bieszczady’s

Orthodox churches is also really impressive, and remnants of Lemkos villages stand as a proof of

the difficult war times that Bieszczady encountered. The ride in a famous Bieszczady’s narrow-

gauge steam train is a big tourist attraction.

TTHHEE AARREEAA OOFF DDRRAAWWAA NNAATTIIOONNAALL PPAARRKK

The area of Drawa National Park and its neighbourhood lies in the a plain

called Równina Drawska, which is a fragment of the lake district Pojezierze

Południowopomorskie, in the north-western part of Poland. It encompasses

for the central part of a forest complex called Drawa Wilderness (Puszcza

Drawska).

The DNP represents a landscape of early-glacial outwash plains. It lies

entirely within the reception basin of Drawa River, which – along with its tributary Płociczna –

constitute for its main hydrographic axis. Both these rivers run through a wide lane of outwashes

that originated from the sands left by a melting glacier’s waters running down to the Toruń-

Eberswald postglacial stream valley. All activities performed within the DNP borders have to

conform to the rules of nature preservation.

The main function of the DNP is to observe the natural biotope and evaluate the current state of

natural processes, surface and subterranean waters, climate, and other aspects of the inanimate

nature. Based on those observations, we can forecast the direction and pace of ecosystem changes,

and the reaction of live organisms to those changes.

The Park area is directly related to the Drawa reception basin of 567km². The rapid currents of these

rivers have sculpted many attractive canyons and ravines wedged into the outwash plain, some

close to 30 metres deep and overgrown with diverse standing timber. In those valleys take place the

most crucial land-shaping processes: the river current is causing, on one side, spot erosion of the

valley slopes, and on the other – accumulation of river residues on the dry ground forests on the

drainage terraces.

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The Drawa Wilderness, presently a dense forest complex, only 100 years ago used to be a mosaic of

woods, pastures, and fields. Its present-day landscape has been shaped mainly by the traditional

local economy, especially the forestry, of which some elements are now the relics of past human

activities.

Presently, the DNP stands out for its diversity of ecosystems. There are 224 documented plant

communities. The surface is dominated by forests (80% of the total park area), mainly beech woods,

alder- lined meadows and swamps, and patches of pine forests. Another characteristic element is

peatbogs, along with water and meadow ecosystems.

The lakes within the DNP are largely diversified by their trophicity, area, and depth. Some of them

stand out with their characteristic fauna and flora.

The Park’s fauna is represented by over 200 species of vertebrates, among which the most

numerous are birds. There also is an abundance of invertebrates, among which one finds some

uniquely valuable endangered species. The crest animal of the DNP is the otter.

TTHHEE GGOORRCCEE NNAATTIIOONNAALL PPAARRKK

The Gorce National Park was established in 1981. It includes the central and

north-east parts of the Gorce Range. The total cover of the GNP is 7,030

hectares and roughly a half of this area is under a strict nature conservation

regime. GNP protects not only the Gorce Range’s nature but also a rich

cultural heritage.

The Carpathian forest is the most important treasure in the GNP. Lower

elevations are covered with mixed forest called the Carpathian Beech Forest. It is only slightly

affected by human activities in the past. The highest elevations are

occupied by sub-alpine spruce forests. The forest dynamics is mostly of

natural character – trees get old then die giving place for new generations

of woody vegetation.

The glades spread out among comprehensive forest cover enrich the

Gorce’s biodiversity and elevate its landscape values. The glades along

with regional Zagórze or Podhale type woody huts are remnants of the traditional pastoral activities

in this area.

A wandering lengthwise Gorce tourist trails is very attractive since one may watch even other

ranges, especially the Tatra Mountains.

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TTHHEE KKAAMMPPIINNOOSS NNAATTIIOONNAALL PPAARRKK

Only a few kilometres from the administration border of Warsaw,

Kampinos National Park is probably the only such big natural

complex in the world located in the “suburbs” of a two-million

city.

Kampinos National Park protects remains of the former Mazowsze Forest. Its landscape is

dominated by two elements: marshes and neighbouring dunes. Dunes in Kampinos are one of the

best maintained inland dune complexes in Europe. The dunes are covered with pine forest, and

partially exposed. Biggest exposure of the dunes, so called Grochalskie Piachy in the northern part

of the Park reminds more a desert than a landscape in Central Poland.

In the Park area, 22 reserves have been created, of which the

most famous and precious from the nature point of view is

Sieraków marsh reserve, surrounded by tourist routes

starting from Sieraków, Dziekanów Leśny and Dąbrowa.

The centre of the reserve is an extensive marsh of

Cichowąż, surrounded by sand dune hills. Isolation of the

reserve causes that it is a habitat of rare plant species and numerous animal species. A plant

curiosity is a small shrub – Leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata) – a relic of ice age. In the

reserve you can meet elks, black storks and listen to clanging of very timid cranes.

In 1992, a programme of lynx reintroduction was started. Today, there are approximately 10 lynx

living in the wild. Elk is very numerous. There’s an interesting curiosity – the thickest tree in

Poland – a poplar with circumference above 11 meters, growing in Leszno.

Mazowsze Forest reach in wood has been well known and valued for a long time. Here mast pines

were cut down and floated by Vistula river to Gdańsk.

In 2000, Kampinos National Park was entered into UNESCO list as a biosphere reserve.

TTHHEE KKAARRKKOONNOOSSZZEE NNAATTIIOONNAALL PPAARRKK

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Karkonosze, located 130 km southwest from Wrocław, are the

biggest mountain range in the Sudetes. In the past it was known as

Gigant Mountains or Snowy Mountains. First “tourists” here were

Walloons, legendary prospectors searching for precious stones

and minerals who came to Karkonosze in the 11th century. They

left after themselves mysterious castles on rocks and legends

fascinating modern enthusiasts of these mountains.

The Karkonosze National Park covers the main Karkonosze range from

Mumlawski Wierch on the west to Okraj mountain pass on the east. The

Park also includes two separate enclaves: Szklarka Waterfall and

Chojnik Mountain with a castle: The highest mountain in Karkonosze is

Śnieżka (1602 m above sea level) which can be reached by trail leading

from the chairlift to Kopa. On Śnieżka top there is Saint Lawrence

chapel (17th century), a meteorological observatory and a restaurant.

The Park landscape is very special, and this because of its direct

proximity of typical mountain forms and marshes. Extensive, plane top parts with peat bogs and

marshes are accompanied by steep rock walls of postglacial cirques. The landscape is completed

with mountain lakes and rocks in unusual shapes, and names stimulating imagination, such as:

Pilgrims, Horse Heads, Three Little Pigs, Raven Rocks... Near the Park border, there is the highest

waterfall in the Polish part of Karkonosze – Kamieńczyk waterfall (27 m high), and in a separate

Park enclave, Szklarka waterfall – one of the most recognizable and picturesque waterfalls in

Poland.

The biggest mammal living in Karkonosze is the Red Deer. You can also

find there roe deer, wild boars and mouflons. The last animal is the wild

mountain sheep, brought on the European mainland from Sardinia and

Corsica. In Poland, a small number of those can be found in the Sudetes. The

climate of Karkonosze is cold. Average annual temperature at the main ridge is from 2 to 4°C, and

at Śnieżka mountain, 0°C.

In 1993, at the Polish and Czech side of Karkonosze UNESCO Bilateral Biosphere Reserve was

established.

TTHHEE MMAAGGUURRAA NNAATTIIOONNAALL PPAARRKK

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Magura National Park is located in the south of Poland,

approx. 80 km east of Nowy Sącz and 90 km south of Tarnów.

The Park covers a part of Low Beskids, seemingly ordinary

mountains. From the name you can guess these are not very

high mountains. Gentle summits, wide valleys, Orthodox

churches, remains of Lemkos villages – they are the landscape of

Beskids, where time stood still.

The almost entire area of Magura National Park consists of beech, fir

and rarely sycamore forests, all in naturally preserved condition.

Large stretches of forest are a sanctuary for animals, including many

endangered species. There are 117 breeding bird species within the Park

area. Particularly numerous are birds of prey – especially buzzard and

lesser spotted eagle. The population density of Ural Owl is probably the

highest in Europe. The forests are inhabited by large mammals: bears and wolves, on Magura

Wątkowska: lynx and disappearing wildcats. Roe deer, deer and wild boars are common animals

there.

TTHHEE NNAARREEWW NNAATTIIOONNAALL PPAARRKK

Natural, almost virgin river system is one of the biggest natural

attractions in Poland. The most interesting example of a wild

lowland river is Narew. From Suraż to Rzędziany, the river creates

a very complicated, branched network of canals, channels and old

river beds. Hydrologists classify Narew as an anastomosing river.

There are only several rivers of this type worldwide, e.g. the Amazon River and the Congo River. In

Europe, this river type can be seen only here.

Narew National Park is located only 15 km from Białystok borders. The National Park covers

dozens of kilometres in the Narew valley between Suraż and Rzędziany. The main reason to create

a national park was a unique character of the river which flows simultaneously in many channels.

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Narew river is the most beautiful in early spring when strong

turquoise colour of water contrasts with warm sandy colour of

reeds. At this time, Narew valley is one of the most important

stops for migrating birds. The water labyrinth shelters

thousands of breeding and migratory birds. A symbol of

Narew National Park is

Western Marsh harrier (predatory bird from Accipitridae family)

whose number of breeding couples is estimated at over 30. In spring, it's

easy to watch numerous ducks, seagulls, terns, ruffs, black-tailed

godwits, peewits, snipes, cranes and harriers. Of 203 bird species present in the Park, 28 is

threatened with extinction.

The biggest mammal in Narew Park is elk. By Narew you can also meet beavers, muskrats, otters,

badgers and foxes. In Narew National Park there are over 20 protected plant species, e.g. early

marsh orchid, heath spotted orchid, Siberian iris, Dianthus superbus, round-leaved sundew.

TTHHEE OOJJCCOOWW NNAATTIIOONNAALL PPAARRKK

The smallest national park in Poland located in a short distance

from Cracow city borders. It used to be called “Polish

Switzerland”. Although small in size – it's over twenty times

smaller than Biebrza National Park – it charms with its

landscape – especially the iconic Maczuga Herkulesa (Cudgel

of Hercules) by the castle in Pieskowa Skała.

Ojców National Park is located around Prądnik Valley which traverses limestone rocks of Cracow-

Częstochowa Upland. Geological structure and later karst processes led to development of

numerous caves which had been inhabited by people from time immemorial. The oldest traces

discovered in Jaskinia Ciemna (dark cave) are dated to 120 thousand years BC. Many objects were

found in Ojców caves such as: stone bifaces, knives, blades made of mammoth tusks, decorated

animal bones, stone tips and flint spears. Many legends are connected with the caves in this area,

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and the most famous is a legend on Władysław the Elbow-high. Apparently, when escaping from

Cracow from the Czech king army he sheltered in one of the caves. A huge spider spun a web in the

entry to the cave, thus stopping the pursuit. The "spider trace" of the legend is even more interesting

considering the fact that Jaskinia Łokietka (Elbow-high Cave) is populated by meta menardi – the

most venomous spider living in Poland. Jaskinia Łokietka, similarly to several other caves in this

area is open to the visitors. When travelling a winding road from Cracow, it's impossible to miss

Maczuga Herkulesa (Cudgel of Hercules) and the castle in Pieskowa Skała located behind it. In

nearby Ojców, there are ruins of another castle which gradually fell into ruin since the “Swedish

Deluge” (Swedish Invasion). An interesting attraction is a chapel on water. Its construction is

related to the order of the Russian Tsar Nicholas II. The Tsar prohibited construction of religious

buildings on Ojców land. The constructors of the chapel circumvented the Tsar's prohibition and

built the chapel on water.

TTHHEE BBOORRYY TTUUCCHHOOLLSSKKIIEE NNAATTIIOONNAALL PPAARRKK

Bory Tucholskie National Park is situated about 120 km south-west

of Gdańsk and approximately 100 km north of Bydgoszcz. It

occupies only a part of the vast forest complex called Bory

Tucholskie (Tuchola Forest).

The local landscape is dominated by woods and lakes, including

unique mid-forest lobelia lakes characterised by very high water

transparency. The largest lake adjoining the Park’s western

border is the channel Charzykowskie Lake: almost 18 km

long and up to 2 km wide.

One of the Park’s major attractions is Struga Siedmiu

Jezior (the Seven Lakes’ Stream): a rivulet connecting

seven glacial channel lakes. The total length of this unusual

stream is 13 km, but the river sections between the lakes only total 2 km. River banks are inhabited

by many rare bird species including white-tailed eagle, western marsh.

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TTHHEE TTAABBLLEE MMOOUUNNTTAAIINNSS PPAARRKK

Considering the landscape, the Table Mountains are one of the most

original places in Poland. Extensive, flat summits, cut with deep

ravines, and unusual shapes of eroded sandstone create an

atmosphere of fantasy movies. The Park is located in Kłodzko

Valley, a dozen kilometres west from Kłodzko. On the north-east it

neighbours Kudowa Zdrój.

Initial exploration of the Park can be started by driving the “road of hundred bends”. You can also

use a hiking trail or bicycle route from Kudowa. A great base for hiking is Karłów located between

the biggest attractions of the Park: Szczeliniec Wielki and Błędne Skały.

The Park has a very well developed tourist infrastructure. In a small distance, there are three

mountain hostels: in Pasterka, Karłów and at Szczeliniec Wielki. The last one, located over a rock

edge, is the most beautiful viewpoint in the Table Mountains. The hiking and bicycle route network

is very dense. Cross-country skiing trails are prepared in winter. Within the Park, six locations for

rock climbing are indicated.

TTHHEE WWAARRTTAA MMOOUUTTHH NNAATTIIOONNAALL PPAARRKK

Formed in 2001 Warta Mouth National Park covers a

surface of 8074 hectares. It lies near the Polish-German

border, in a fragment of Toruń-Eberswald proglacial

stream valley, the so called Gorzów Valley. Flat, wide

terrains of the Park are situated within the lower bench of

Warta River.

The Warta River flowing through the middle of the Park is a natural border between two areas,

Northern Polder and the floodland. The floodland is a semi-natural area in which annual water level

fluctuations may reach up to 4 meters with its

maximum in the spring months (March and

April). The Northern Polder is separated from a

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direct influence of Warta by a levee build along the river bed. The water level is here definitely

lower than at the left bank and relatively stable. Nowadays Park’s landscape is a mosaic of

meadows, pastures and areas overgrown by sedge and reed. The existing plant communities are

typical for agriculturally developed valleys of big lowland rivers. The remnants of its original

character are willow shrubs that formed secondarily at the Warta River bed, communities of carr

forest as well as single, grand willows and elms. The record of bird species of Warta Mouth

National Park includes over 270 species along with 170 breeding ones. Some of them are listed in

the Polish Red Data Book of Animals: Little Bittern, Shelduck, Common Teal, Little Gull, Eurasian

Curlew.

Many bird species living in the Park are regarded as species requiring special care according to the

so called Birds Directive, one of the documents on which Natura 2000 protected area network is

based. Among the 190 bird species listed in the Directive, 64 have been affirmed in the Park. These

are breeding birds like: Bittern, Black-crowned Night Heron,

Corncrake, Spotted Crake, Black Tern, Little Tern, Aquatic

Warbler and also species present during migration season like:

Eurasian Golden Plover, Hen Harrier, and these wintering ones:

Whooper Swan and Tundra Swan.

Regarding the breeding as well the molting and migration

seasons, the floodlands and meadows of Warta Mouth National Park are of vital meaning for birds

across whole Europe. Numerous plovers like: Wood Sandpipers, Spotted Redshanks and Ruffs stop

here. In autumn the meadows at Warta River are being taken over by geese, numbering usually

about 60-80 thousand, and maximally even 200 thousand. The flocks of arctic geese are dominated

by Bean Geese, a bird that is a symbol of our Park. The Park is also a crucial wintering place for

many species like: Whooper Swans, Mute Swans, and White-tailed Eagles.

Not many places in Poland can boast such a incredibly high and diverse amount of birds.

Sometimes during only one day 250 thousand of birds may be observed, so it is not odd that the

meadows at Warta River are under protection within The Ramsar Convention.

TTHHEE PPIIEENNIINNYY NNAATTIIOONNAALL PPAARRKK

Pieniny National Park is a mountain park located 120 km south of

Cracow. The easiest way to reach the Park is via a road from

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Cracow towards Zakopane, in Nowy Targ turning in the direction of Krościenko.

The Pieniny Park was created in the area of Pieniny, a 35 km long and 6 km wide mountain range.

The interest in nature protection in the Pieniny area reaches 1920s, when a flora reserve was created

in Czorsztyn. Vegetation in Pieniny Park is extraordinarily abounding. You can find 167 mountain

plant species here, including two endemic species: Pieniny wallflower and Pieniny dandelion. There

are many orchids, on the meadows you can find Veratrum Lobelianum, a plant with beautiful, large

leaves. The best month to see flowers and plants is June. Large mammals in Pieniny are not

numerous, but the Pieniny meadows are famous for abundance of butterflies; the best known one is

the Mountain Apollo, which can be found only here.

TTHHEE PPOOLLEESSIIEE NNAATTIIOONNAALL PPAARRKK

Located 50 km northeast of Lublin, Polesie National Park is a

unique complex of marshes, swamps, lakes, ponds and forests.

It is a last fragment of Polesie landscape which withheld

intensive land reclamation activities in the 1960s. Here you

can find something that used to be called “the Charm of

Polesie”.

The famous Polish swamps can be crossed dry-shod walking on specially prepared footbridges, e.g.

the nature trail Dąb Dominik (Dominic Oak). The trails start near Łomnica village, and at the

beginning lead through different types of forests, through broadleaved and swamp forests. Near

Moszne Lake we reach a peat bog, on which there is a footbridge leading up to the lake, which is in

the last phase of overgrowing. A tour is fascinating especially for persons interested in flora. On the

way through the peat bog, you can meet many rare plant species: downy willow, round-leaved

sundew or Rhododendron tomentosum.

Perehod path in the northern part of the Park is prepared for bird

admirers. There are two observation towers. A path is led

around complex of ponds, partially on a causeway in the

middle of the reservoirs. Depending on the season, on the 5-

kilometre route, you can see dozens of bird species, e.g.:

white-tailed eagle, western marsh harrier, spotted eagle, white heron, b ittern, mute swan, whooper

swan, many species of duck, goose and Ciconiiformes.

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The biggest resident of the Polish swamps is the elk. In the forests we can encounter roe deer, deer

and wild boars, sometimes wolves. In Polesie National Park occurs European pond turtle, the only

Polish species of turtle, in the past very common, now the most endangered reptile in Poland.

TTHHEE RROOZZTTOOCCZZEE NNAATTIIOONNAALL PPAARRKK

Roztocze National Park is situated in the south-east of Poland,

approximately 30 km southwest of Zamość and includes the most

precious natural areas of Roztocze. Environmental protection in

Roztocze has a tradition reaching the end of the 16th,century when

fragments of Central Roztocze were included in Zamoyski Estate.

A type of zoo – menagerie was then established and surrounded by a 30-kilometre fence, within

which wild animals were kept.

Roztocze National Park is a typical forest location. 95% of the area is covered by beech, pine and fir

forests. In the Park, there are more than 400 monumental trees; local fir trees grow up to 50

metres. Large mammals are represented by deer, wild boars,

wolves, lynx and badgers. The biggest attraction of the Park is a

wild Polish Pony herd living in an allocated enclave. Polish Pony is a

species coming from Przewalski's Horse. Until the end of the

18th century they lived in forest areas of Eastern Poland. All

year, Ponies live in the wild, human interference is limited only to feeding in the winter season.

Every year, a couple of foals are born in the herd. The Ponies may be observed from a special

observation tower by Echo pond, few hundred metres behind Zwierzyniec in the direction of

Górecko Stare. Wild herds of Polish Ponies may be seen also in Biebrza National Park, Popielno

and Stobnica.

A natural attraction of Roztocze are Szum and Nad Tanwią reserves located south of the Park. The

reserves include valleys of small forest rivers with picturesque waterfalls and river steps called here

szumy, szypoty or porohy.

TTHHEE SSLLOOVVIINNSSKKII NNAATTIIOONNAALL PPAARRKK

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Apart from Wolin Park, Slovinski National Park is one of two seaside national parks in Poland. The

Park is located between Łeba and Rowy, 115 km northwest of Gdańsk.

One of attractions of Slovinski National Park are moving dunes, which in the Park reach the height

of dozens of meters, and are one of the largest in Europe. Huge sand mountains are deceptively

similar to Sahara deserts. With a bit of luck, it is even possible to experience a sandstorm. Just like

on a real desert, when going for a couple-hour hike, you cannot forget to take solid water supplies.

Slovinski National Park is unusual because in direct neighbourhood there are moving dunes,

marshes, peat bogs, lakes and forests buried by dunes. In other locations, wind discovers dead

stumps of trees buried in the past under the sand. It is worth to visit the Park early in the morning,

before the crowds of tourist.

Slovinski National Park is located on the route of seasonal bird passage, and you can meet here

eagle owls, cranes, black storks, ruffs. In winter, the Park is visited by birds from the north. In the

forest you can encounter elks, foxes, racoon dogs and badgers.

The Park was named by Slovincians, a group of people who used to live by Gardno and Łebsko

lakes. Slovincians called themselves Kashubians and used Kashubian dialect. Those who are

interested in the history of this land should visit the open-air ethnographic museum in Kluki,

located east of Smołdzino.

Considering unusual natural diversity, in 1977 Slovinski National Park was included in UNESCO

World Network of Biosphere Reserves.

TTHHEE SSWWIIĘĘTTOOKKRRZZYYSSKKII NNAATTIIOONNAALL PPAARRKK

The Świętokrzyskie Mountains are the oldest and the lowest

mountains in Poland, characterised by unique geological features

to be found nowhere else in Europe. Świętokrzyski National Park

occupies the highest ridge of the Świętokrzysk ie Mountains, called

the Łysogóry. The Park is situated about 20 km east of the city of

Kielce. It covers the entire Łysogóry Ridge and parts of Klonowskie

and Pokrzywiańskie Ridges.

The highest peaks in the Park are Mount Łysica (612 metres above sea leve l) situated in the western

part of the Łysogóry, and Mount Łysa Góra (595 metres above sea level) with a former Benedictine

monastery, which towers over the eastern part of the ridge. The slopes of the Łysogóry ridge are

covered by the so-called gołoborza (screes): vast areas of rock rubble formed by the weathering of

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Cambrian quartzite. Tourists trekking in the Łysogóry tread the oldest and the hardest rocks in

Poland. As they pick a splinter of quartzite from under their feet, they are touching a petrified piece

of the sea bed from 500 million years ago.

The Świętokrzyskie Mountains are famous for their natural fir woods. Dominant tree species

include fir, but also oak and beech. This type of mixed forest can only be found in Poland in the

Świętokrzyskie Mountains and certain parts of the Roztocze hill range. Its endemic character is

emphasised by its Latin name Abietetum polonicum.

The Łysogóry ridge is a land of legends. Every Polish kid has heard of mysterious Witches’

Sabbaths held on Mount Łysa Góra. The myth of Łysa Góra has its factual roots: the mountain top

is surrounded with nearly 1.5 km-long wall built of Cambrian quartzite. In the ancient times, the

peak was probably a place of worship. The inner area enclosed by the wall could once witness

magical pagan rituals. According to the legend, witches headed to their Sabbaths on Mount Łysa

Góra riding broomsticks or carts pulled by goats. Today it is hard to believe that the belief in the

existence of witches in Europe continued for more than three hundred years. The last witch trial in

Poland was held in 1775: 14 women were convicted of witchcraft and burnt at the stake.

TTHHEE TTAATTRRAA NNAATTIIOONNAALL PPAARRKK

The Tatra Mountains, located at both sides of Polish and

Slovak border are part of the Carpathian Mountains – huge

mountain range running from Romania, through Ukraine,

Slovakia and Poland. In Poland, which is mainly a lowland

country, the Tatras are loved. Every season, tourists from all

over Poland and abroad hike the Tatra Mountains trails. Located 100 km south from Cracow, Tatra

National Park is the most visited national park in Poland with unique mountain landscape. It is

created of jagged mountain peaks and ridges, steep precipices, deep valleys, glacial cirques,

gullies, lakes and swift streams. The highest summit in Poland is Rysy located at the Polish and

Slovak border at 2499 metres above sea level.

In Tatra National Park there are more than 270 km of hiking trails of different difficulties: from

very easy, suitable for walks, to requiring significant skills and equipped with safety devices such as

chains, step irons, ladders. There are also climbing routes. For a few years it's been possible to cross

the Polish and Slovak border in the locations where trails from these countries meet. Flora and

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fauna in the Tatras is very rich and diverse. Typically mountain plants present in the Tatra

Mountains are: Swiss pine, Leontopodium alpinum, Crocus scepusiensis, stemless carline thistle.

The remaining of the ice age are relict plants: net- leaved willow and mountain avens. The animal

world is also unique. You can meet here chamois and marmots. The Tatras are one of rare places

where you can meet brown bear, lynx and very rare golden eagle. Another reason for which the

Tatras are a special place is the harmonious connection between the beauty of nature and the Goral

(highland) culture present in the dialect, clothes, music and architecture. Polish settlers form

Cracow region settling at the foot of the Tatras mixed with a Vlach pastoral people travelling from

the south, creating the Podhale region's Goral culture. For every tourist a visit in the Tatras leaves

the taste of local traditional cheeses: bunc, oscypek, bryndza as well as żentyca – delicious and

refreshing drink made from sheep milk. Typical Goral music can be heard in the streets and

restaurants. The Goral culture popular at the turn of the 19th and 20th century propagated the Goral

wood architecture whose great examples can be found in Zakopane and the entire Podhale region.

TTHHEE WWIIEELLKKOOPPOOLLSSKKAA NNAATTIIOONNAALL PPAARRKK

The National Park of Wielkopolska was created on April 16,

1957 pursuant to a regulation by the Council of Ministers, the

area within its borders was 9600ha, and 5100 was to be

administered by the Park. In 1996 a new regulation by the

Council of Ministers concerning the National Park limited its

area to 7584ha and created a protected buffer zone around

the Park. This zone's area, together with the area of the Park, totaled 14840ha. Some areas were

excluded form the Park, such as the urban areas of Puszczykowo, Mosina and Stęszew. The

National Park of Wielkopolska is located around 15 km south of Poznań and has a very convenient

bus and train connection with this city (Poznań- Wrocław rail line), and through Poznań, thanks to

many fast trains, also with Warsaw. The National Park of Wielkopolska is one of the most attractive

areas around the city of Poznań.

TTHHEE WWIIGGRRYY NNAATTIIOONNAALL PPAARRKK

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Wigry National Park is an essence of all postglacial

forms. A “specialist” armed with geology textbook can

find here bottom and terminal morains, eskers, kames,

outwash sand plains and other forms left by the glacier.

A tourist can see hills pleasing to the eye with

depressions filled with ponds and lakes – a landscape

reminding partly Scandinavia, and partly green

Hobbiton from Tolkien's novel.

The Park is situated in the northern part of Augustów Primeval Forest, south-east from Suwałki.

The area is a cultural borderland between Poland, Belarus and Lithuania an interesting place, not

only for its natural values. Here is an old Camaldolese monastery which in the past was one of the

most powerful monasteries in Poland and one of the richest in Europe.

Geological history of the area includes mainly the last glaciation which ended approximately 12

thousand years ago. A result of the glacier activities is the most beautiful and the biggest lake in the

Park – Wigry. The lake is S-shaped and 20-kilometre in

length. Its shores are irregular, as though jagged, with many

islands and smaller ponds surrounding the lake. The bottom of

Wigry lake is a postglacial channel, uneven and locally very

deep (73 metres).

The Park flora proves the recent presence of the glacier. 18 species being relicts of the ice age were

identified. These are bushes and shrubs typical for tundra, such as Arctic dwarf birch (Betula

humilis) and black crowberry (Empetrum nigrum). Today, the landscape is dominated by forests

taking more than a half of the Park area.

In the Middle Ages the forest occupied a much larger area.

Gradual forest disappearance is related to the arrival of

Camaldolese order in the Wigry region in 1667. By Wigry

lake, the Camaldolese order built a church, monastery, and

hermitages – isolated cottages for monks. They also started

intensive civilization of the forest. They founded villages,

towns, tar kilns, lumber mills and traded wood. The largest

city in the region – Suwałki – was founded by the Camaldolese order. Today, the monastery hosts

Creative Work Centre. Hermitages are made available as accommodation places. This is a rare

opportunity for visitors to try a monastic life.

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TTHHEE WWOOLLIINN NNAATTIIOONNAALL PPAARRKK

The most beautiful fragment of the Polish Baltic Sea cost is located at Wolin

Island in the northwest corner of Poland. Several kilometres long cliffs reach a

height exceeding 90 metres. A short walk on the sea shore from Międzyzdroje

towards east is enough to see that Wolin is a place where forces of nature clash.

It is proven by fallen tree trunks, active landslides or rocks extracted from cliffs

by storm waves. Every year, the sea takes almost a

metre of the land.

The most valuable fragments of the cliffy coast are within the Wolin

National Park. Another Park attraction are unique beech forest

communities and Świna River delta together with several smaller

islands. Approximately 1500 m from the centre of Międzyzdroje, there

is a show bison corral, an ideal target for an evening walk.White-tailed sea eagle is a symbol of the

Park. In spring and autumn every year, the Park is a place of rest for migrating birds. In the forest

you can encounter roe deer, deer, wild boars and even badgers. On the dunes, you can find a “Polish

cactus” Sea holly, and in the forest, even few species of orchids.

Fauna and flora

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NATIONAL PARKS OF NORWAY

The national parks safeguard the rich diversity of Norway's natural heritage, for nature's

sake, for our own and for future generations. Norway has 44 national parks, 37 on the mainland and seven on Svalbard. From

underwater wonders to high mountainous areas, these parks offer a variety of landscapes and a wide range of exciting outdoors experiences.

Nearly 85 percent of Norway's national parks are mountains. The mountain landscape

varies from endless gently rolling high plateaus to sharp peaks, ravines and glaciers. National parks are particularly important for species that need relatively large and

undisturbed areas to survive, such as wild reindeer, predators and birds of prey. Many of these are at great risk from human intervention and some are even threatened with extinction. Norway has an

international responsibility to look after endangered species and their habitats.

We will now present a few of our national parks with some examples of animals and plants:

Dovrefjell

The Dovrefjell area is almost entirely protected as two national parks : • Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park

• Dovre National Park

Flora and fauna

Dovrefjell has abundant vegetation, in which many animals and birds thrive.

Particularly the marshes of Fokstumyrene attract many species of birds. Grouse, golden eagle and gerfalcon are the most special of all the birds that live here.

The musk ox is the most distinctive animal in the Dovrefjell fauna. Although this

ancient animal was imported to the area, it thrives here. But be careful – do not get too close to a musk ox! It may seem big and clumsy, weighing between 225 and 400 kilos, but it moves fast with

a top speed of 60 kilometres per hour.

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Hardangervidda The vast mountain plateau of Hardangervidda is one of Europe's largest. It is also home to Northern

Europe’s largest stock of reindeer.

The whole of the Hardangervidda is above the tree line. Its alpine climate enables the presence of

many species of arctic animals and plants further south than anywhere else in Europe. Its wild reindeer herds are among the largest in the world, with around 8,000 animals in 2008.

The varying climate of the plateau has a marked effect on the flora, which is richer on the wetter west side than in the drier east; much of the plateau is covered by coarse grasses, mosses (especially

sphagnum) and lichens.

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Jotunheimen

Jotunheimen has the largest concentration of mountains higher than 2,000 metres in Northern

Europe.

Jotunheimen has majestic mountain nature with high peaks, glaciers, peculiar rivers and lakes,

traces of the hunting culture, intact farm landscape and rich flora where multiple plants reach their height record. In Jotunheimen you can find the most powerful and highest summits of Norway, of

which Galdhøpiggen with its 2469 m above sea level rises highest.

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Jostedalsbreen National Park

Jostedalsbreen National Park covers an area of 1,310 square kilometres. Jostedalsbreen is the biggest glacier in mainland Europe, and covers 487 square km2 of the park. The national park also

contains many other large and small glaciers. Seven municipalities have areas within the natio nal park, and the Jostedalsbreen glacier divides two of the world's longest fjords, the Sognefjord and the

Nordfjord.

Børgefjell National Park

Børgefjell is best known as the home to the rare Arctic fox, although in terms of numbers the

wolverine is the most common of the large predators. Both lynx and bear are also found here. The

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most common small predators are the red fox, the snow weasel, the marten, and the stoat. It is also possible to catch the occasional glimpse of an otter.

All of Børgefjell is used for domestic reindeer grazing.

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NATURAL PARKS AND BEAUTIES

OF SLOVENIA

TRIGLAV NATIONAL PARK

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This is the only national park in

Slovenia. It is staggeringly beautiful and so demands special treatment. This national park in

the area of the Julian Alps in north-western Slovenia gained its name from Slovenia’s highest

mountain, Triglav, which stands 2,864 metres high. Countless natural and cultural features

are dotted around the diverse karstic mountain terrain with its picturesque mountain peaks

and valleys, and there is ample opportunity for activities in the natural environment and for

active leisure time.

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Bohinj Lake

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Postojna cave

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FAUNA AND FLORA OF SLOVENIA • Slovenia’s biodiversity is evident: although it comprises just 0.004% of the Earth’s

surface, it is home to more than 1% of all living creatures, and more than 2% of land

and freshwater creatures. Slovenia is the third-most forested country in Europe. The

forests are home to edible wild mushrooms, and a large population of bears, who

generally avoid humans.

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• \Slovenia is a green country and promotes green, i.e. environmentally

friendly or ecological tourism. Around 60 percent of Slovenia is covered in deciduous and evergreen forests, making it the third most forested country in Europe. There is virgin forest just 60 kilometers from the

capital city. Many forests feature interpretive trails. More than a third of Slovenia’s entire territory is ranked in the European network of nature protection areas, Natura 2000. The plant diversity is exceptional, with

numerous cultured plants thriving in addition to forests, shrubbery and meadows. All the country’s regions are well suited for the grapevine.

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To make contact with wild animals in Slovenia you need only go to the edge of the forest, just

outside the towns. There are plenty of roe deer in the forests, and they wander close to the

towns and villages. There is a good chance of seeing a smaller animal of some type, such as a

squirrel.

The brown bear also lives in Slovenia’s forests. As they range throughout the forests as far as

Bosnia and Herzegovina, their actual number is not known, but it is estimated that about 700

bears live in Slovenia. As of the last decade they are no longer endangered, but it is

nevertheless rare that individuals are shot. Bears generally prefer to avoid humans, and your

chance of encountering a bear in the wild is extremely slim.

Many other very rare and endangered animal species inhabit the forests, such as the wolf, the

lynx, the wildcat, the capercaillie and the pheasant. These are all protected. The ibex is also

protected, and can be seen in the mountains.

Slovenia’s rivers, lakes and coastal waters are home to a diversity of species. Alongside

numerous fish species, some clean rivers are still inhabited by freshwater crayfish, which are

highly endangered.

Many bird species nest in Slovenia, while it is also a vital habitat for migratory species. The

landscape parks are the best place to see large numbers of birds.

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We explore...

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...and we learn abour fauna and flora

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NATIONAL PARKS OF TURKEY NEVSEHIR

Göreme National Park is just outside the village of Göreme, 12km east of

Nevşehir and in the heart of Cappadocia, in Central Anatolia. Göreme village

is easily accessible by road from all directions, especially through Nevsehir.

The Ankara - Adana highway approaches from the northwest, the Aksaray -

Nevsehir from the southwest, and the Kayseri - Ürgüp highway from the

northeast. The national park can be reached on foot from the village.

The national park consists of valleys with the world-famous rock formations

of Cappadocia, the conical shaped rocks shaped over centuries out of eroded

volcanic stone, and known as Fairy Chimneys.

In addition to the fascinating landscape formed by the volcanic tuff and cave

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dwellings, there are also important Byzantine churches, which reflect the

history of religious art in that period. Because of the geological

characteristics of the area, and the fact that it was secluded, people living here

could hide themselves away from the various battles taking place, as well as

from the authority of the central administration.

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National Parks of Lithuania

Aukštaitija National Park is the first national park founded in Lithuania. Aukštaitija National Park

covers about 40 000 ha, there are more than 100 objects of architectural and archaeological

heritage, more than 100 villages.

Curonian Spit National Park is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. Situated between the

Curonian lagoon and the Baltic sea, Curonian Spit National Park is one the most beautiful places in

Lithuania.

Dzūkija National Park is the largest protected area in Lithuania. Dzūkija National Park covers

about 56 000 ha (85% of it covered by forests), there are about 80 villages, 10 forestry districts.

Trakai Historical National Park is the smallest national park in Lithuania. Trakai Historical

National Park is located very near the capital of Lithuania, it covers about 8 000 ha. It's the only

Historical National Park in the Europe.

Žemaitija National park is located in the north west of Lithuania. Žemaitija National Park covers

about 22 000 ha, which are divided into four zones: recreation, protection, farming and

conservation.

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Aukštaitijos Nacionalinis Parkas

Aukštaitija is a region of hills, lakes and forests. For everyone looking for new impressions, it is

recommended to visit this land as it would only take a few hours to get there by car or by train from

the biggest Lithuanian cities. Quite a small investment of your time would buy off an unforgettable

experience.

The Aukštaitija National Park was approved as one in 1974. The park then was called National

Park of Lithuanian SSR, but as soon as Lithuania got back its independence, the current name for it

was given. The main purpose of establishing of this park was to preserve cultural and natural

heritage of Aukštaitija region which distinguishes in unique ethnography and also to spread an idea

of eco-awareness.

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Nature

The Aukštaitija National Park is located in Eastern Lithuania, only a hundred kilometers far from

Vilnius. It covers an area of 3 districts which in total is larger than 4000 hectares. The relief here

was formed by glaciers thus it is pretty broken. Waters cover 15% of the whole area – 126 smaller

and bigger lakes here stretch. The biggest are Kretuonas and Drignis, Tauragnas lake is the deepest

one not only in Aukštaitija National Park, but in all Lithuania.

The climate here is pretty unpredictable, even the local microclimate may surprise with sudden

changes thus it is recommended for coming visitors to be prepared for both- heat and slob.

Approximately 70% of territory of the park is covered with forests. The variety of flora here is

really amazing though. 663 kinds of mushrooms, 779 different kinds of higher plants, exceptional

nature monuments like 800 year old Tranaiškis oak,

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a group of 14 junipers, the highest one is 12 meters tall, and other sights can be found here. But

even more impressive is the “collection” of local fauna.Aukštaitija National Park is proud to have

51 species of birds included into the Red book.

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Variety of insects here is so affluent that it`s hard to investigate all of them. A probability here to

see a worm of inconceivable colors or a bug that you have never even imaged could exist as a

creature of such shapes is pretty big. And of course, waters here are rich in fish,

reaches of forests hide many species of reptiles and mammals.

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No doubt that in these forests there is an amazing world where there are also many rules and many

inhabitants that communicate in their wild animal language.

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This project has been funded with support from the European Commission.

This publication reflects the views only of the autor and the Commission is not

responsible for any use which maybe made of information contained inside.