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(Theme 1) Rhodope (Rodopi) Mountain Range

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(Theme 1) Rhodope (Rodopi) Mountain Range

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The Rhodopes are a mountain range in Southeastern Europe with most of its area in southern Bulgaria and the remainder in Greece. Rhodopes mountains are part of Rilo-Rhodope massif, which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan Peninsula.

Greek Rodopi (Thrace basin)  is formed on the metamorphic rocks of the Rhodope massif in Northern Greece and and the Strandja and Sakarya massifs in

NW Turkey. It is indicated that the deformation began began either in the

Eocene or earlier in the Late Cretaceous–Paleocene.

Greek Rodopi is known for its karst areas , large caves the intense mountainous landscape with high altitudes, stiff slopes, variable exposures and sub-alpine areas. Some of its peaks are of the heighest mountains in Greece: Falakro (2.232m), Orvilos (2.212m), Frakto (1.953m).

The Rhodope Mountain-Range is part of the Mediterranean Basin hotspot.

References: http://www.fdor.gr/index.php,  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tecto.2012.05.008
Photo: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhodope_Mountains

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(Theme 1) Rodopi Mountain-Range National Park

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(Theme 1) Rodopi Mountain-Range National Park

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The Rodopi Mountain-Range National Park includes the central and west area of the Rodopi Mountain-Range and consists the natural border between Greece and Bulgaria.

A significant aspect of the area is Nestos river and its two reservoirs Thisavros and Platanovrysi which are dominating the local complex hydrographic system.

Due to its position and shape, Rodopi Mountain-Range became a shelter for many species from central and northern Europe during the last glacial period and nowadays is in their southernmost limit of distribution. Therefore many of the animals that are under special management can be found here: (Ursus arctos, Rupicapra rupicapra ssp. balcanica, Tetrao urogallus, Tetrastes bonasia).

Climate: The upper parts of Rodopi Mountain-Range are covered with large amounts of snow in the winter and the spring is late. The average annual temperature is low (5 to 9 °C in Western and ~13 °C in Eastern Rodopi) with the maximum precipitation in December while rainfalls continue in the summer.

Vegetation: The park contains all the vegetation zones of Europe, from the eumediterranean zone of the evergreen broadleaves to the zone of cold resistant conifers (Spruce, Scots Pine and Birch). The central Rodopi Mountain-Range in particular are densely forested with deciduous oaks on the lower slopes, and Fagus sylvatica, Pinus sylvestris, Picea abies and occasionally Betula pendula and other deciduous trees at higher altitudes.

References: http://www.fdor.gr/index.php

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(Theme 1) Rodopi Mountain-Range National Park

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(Theme 1) Rodopi Mountain-Range National Park

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Photo: http://www.fdor.gr/index.php

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Καταγραφή.JPG

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Photo: https://www.greekflora.gr/el/flowers/0294/Haberlea-rhodopensis

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The human impact on the area of the Rodopi Mountain-Range National Park had to do mainly with Sarakatsans, a nomad tribe living in the area from 19th century until mid 20th century. The grazing of their livestock and setting fires to meadows every autumn, in order to increase productivity, resulted to a degraded environment (large grasslands) until the first half of the 20th century. When Sarakatsans left the area, the reduction of disturbance in Rodopi Mountain-Range had led to a reforestation and the increase of forest cover to over 85%.

Nowadays there are some areas inside the park where any human activity is prohibited. One of them is the "Central Rodopi Virgin Forest" or "Frakto forest". Frakto forest was declared a virgin forest (i.e. a forest with no or mild human presence and activity) since it and has not been disturbed by humans for at least 500 years and it is the only virgin forest in Greece. This is a mixed forest of beech, fir and spruce and contains both of broadleaf and coniferous trees of different ages: from small saplings to even dead giants. There are also two other areas that are protected by national laws: the Preserved Monument of Nature “Tsichla” and the area “Gyftokastro - Koula”. Some other zones surrounding the previous ones are less strictly protected and some of them are part of the Natura 2000 network.

References: Rodopi Mountain Range - National Park / Εθνικό Πάρκο Οροσειράς Ροδόπης (70 pages / 70 σελίδες)
http://www.fdor.gr/index.php
Photo: http://www.fdor.gr/index.php

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Photo: http://www.naturagraeca.com/ws/215,279,176,1,1,%CE%A0%CE%B1%CF%81%CE%B8%CE%AD%CE%BD%CE%BF-%CE%94%CE%AC%CF%83%CE%BF%CF%82-%CE%A6%CF%81%CE%B1%CE%BA%CF%84%CE%BF%CF%8D

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Photo: https://www.destanea.com/dimos-paranestiou/aksiotheata-dimou-paranestiou/item/120-2018-02-07-17-29-06

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Photo: http://www.alistraticave.gr/index.cfm?id=16&lang=gr

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(Theme 1) Significant and endemic species

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(Theme 1) Significant and endemic species

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Flora
Being snow-free during the last glacial period enabled the salvage of a variety of plants in the region.  Almost 60% of the European flora species can be met here and it is the refuge of 211 rare or endangered with extinction species. Fifteen (15) of them are remnants of the tertiary period, 40 are endemic species of the Balkan Peninsula and 50 species are endemic of the Rodopi Mountain Range. Such a species is Haberlea rhodopensis, a rosette plant of the family Gesneriaceae related to Ramonda serbica and Jankaea heldreichii, is locally gregarious on shady rock walls at relatively low altitude north of Paranesti (central Rodopi).

Fauna

Invertebrates: The Rodopi Mountain Range is one of the most significant biotopes of Greece for the Lepidoptera. Particularly in the RMRNP there are 180 species of Lepidoptera from the 235 which have been recorded in whole Greece. Many of them are endemic of the Rodopi Mountain Range and the mountain Falakro (Polyommatus andronicus, Polyommatus (Agrodiaetus) eleniae).

Amphibians-Reptiles: Presence of water and light intensity of human activities allow the presence of a great number of Caudata and Anura inside the Rodopi Mountain Range National Park. At least 14 species of amphibians were recognised inside the park such as Bombina variegata, Triturus ivanbureschi with Rana temporaria and Salamandra salamandra to be the most common and Ichthyosaura alpestris the most rare, been registered only in a few spots inside the park. One can find also a wide range of reptiles in the park such as Lacerta agilis and Vipera berus which are found at their southernmost range in Europe, turltes and tortoises (Emys orbicularis, Mauremys rivulata, Testudo graeca) and snakes (Elaphe quatuorlineata, Zamenis situla).

Birds: Until now there have been recorded 139 bird species of which 26 are migratory. Inside the park live species that indicate a healthy ecosystem such as Tetrao urogallus and Tetrastes bonasia among  others (Hieraaetus pennatus, Aguila chrysaetos, Bubo bubo, fam. Picidae).

Mammals: The park accommodates  57 mammalian species from which 14 of them are referred to the Annex II of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC. It is the last refuge in Greece for the brown bear (Ursus arctos) red deer (Cervus elaphus) which are endangered and critically endangered species in Greece respectively. In the region accomodate also a great range of mice and voles and carnivora such as wolves (Canis lupus), foxes (Vulpes vulpes), wild boars (Sus scrofa) as well. An also important aspect of the area is the Chamois Rupicapra rupicapra ssp. balcanica.

More info: http://www.fdor.gr/index.php

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Due to its limestone rock formations, the karst areas and the climate Greece in general, and Rodopi especially, features a great number of caves. Two of the biggest caveσ of the area are the Alistrati cave (3 klm long) with the  impressive and big in variety stalactites and stalagmites and the Aggitis cave (21klm long) which is believed to be the longest river cave in the world. In the sediments of both caves were found fossils from several animals.

The caves accomodate a great range of bat species such as Rhinolophus euryale, Myotis myotis, Myotis capaccinii, Miniopterus schreibersii among others.

Info: http://www.alistraticave.gr/index.cfm?lang=en

http://www.caveaggitis.gr/

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNfR2n5jEaY

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(Theme 2) Wolves into the Yellowstone National Park

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(Theme 2) Wolves into the Yellowstone National Park

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The wolves were brought in because the increased elk population was overgrazing the deciduous, woody species such as aspen and cottonwood. So, wolf as a preditor on the top of the food chain, could diminish the elk population and consequently the overgrazing, leading to a balance in the ecosystem.

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(Theme 2) Preditor-prey relationship in RMRNP

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(Theme 2) Preditor-prey relationship in RMRNP

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The Rodopi Mountain-Range National Park (RMRNP) accomodates a wide range of species. These species develop predator-prey relations. Two of them are:

Fox (Vulpes vulpes) preditor – Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) prey: Vulpes vulpes is a species found in the area of the park. Its diet is higly varied consists of fruit, birds, or small rodents such as mice, voles and ground squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) among others.

Wolf (Canis lupus) preditor – Hare (Lepus europaeus) prey: Canis lupus consumes a lot of animals both wild and domestic. Wolves usually feed on medium to large sized preys. Such a prey is Lepus europaeus.

Photos: https://www.wikipedia.org/

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Inside an ecosystem there are, of course, parasite organisms. Two examples of parasites in the RMRNP are:

Tick (Ixodes ricinus) is an animal found all over Europe and in humid and cool areas in northern Africa. Ixodes ricinus parasite usualle on sheep, deers, dogs, cattle and also human. http://influentialpoints.com/Gallery/Ixodid_Ticks_Ixodes.htm

Common mosquito (Culex pipiens) and mostly Culex pipiens pipiens, its most common form, is found in a lot of areas throughout the world. Although it feeds also on fruit and nectar, females bite also animals especially birds. http://www.vdci.net/blog/mosquito-of-the-month-december-2015-culex-pipiens-the-northern-house-mosquito

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(Theme 2) Ecological niche of characteristic animals

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(Theme 2) Ecological niche of characteristic animals

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Booted Eagle, Hieraaetus pennatus. The Booted Eagle is a visitor species and nests mainly in nothern and central Greece. The species can be found in the RMRNP.

Habitat: Booted Eagle nests in low and middle altitude open forests (coniferous, deciduous or mixed) where it hunts.

Diet: It feeds on small to medium mammals, birds and reptiles.

Threat: It is threatened by habitat degradation and illegal hunting.

Butterfly Polyommatus andronicus : Polyommatus andronicus is an endemic species of the northwest Rhodopi mountain-range.

Habitat: Endemic Greek species. Lives in altitudes 1000-1800m (mountainous and subalpine areas) on northwest Rodopi in limestone rocks and flowery grassy places.

References:
http://www.ypeka.gr/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=TPsw%2b3PNVX8%3d&tabid=518&language=el-GR

http://www.ypeka.gr/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=MhjfH8vqipg%3d&tabid=518&language=el-GR

http://www.eurobutterflies.com/sp/andronicus.php

Photo: Hieraaetus pennatus & Polyommatus andronicus

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Amongst organisms of an ecosystem are developed also competitive relationships. This happens mostly to organisms that share the same habits, diet etc. Niche partitioning is the art of avoiding competition. An example of niche partitioning in the RMRNP is that of Hieraaetus pennatus(Booted eagle) and Bubo bubo(Eurasian eagle-owl). Both birds live in wooded regions with open areas where they can locate and catch their prey and feed on small animals, rodents, reptiles or birds. Although they share the same habitat they don't intervene in each others feeding as Hieraaetus pennatus hunts during the day, while Bubo bubo is a nocternal hunter. This way they are able to feed on the same group of animals and avoid feeding competition. Although sometimes, when food is rare, Bubo bubo might hunt during the day, which can cause clash between the two species.

https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Bubo_bubo/

http://www.planetofbirds.com/accipitriformes-accipitridae-booted-eagle-hieraaetus-pennatus

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Comparing Rodopi mountain-range with other BioAreas I noticed some things. In terms of biodiversity, Greece is one of the richest countries of the European Union. Its diverse environments, from the highest mountains to a long coastline, accommodate a wide range of plant and animal species. Advanced biodiversity is common in other countries of the southern Europe too. An explanation for this may be the downwards movement of European species during the last glacial period in order to find a shelter. For Rodopi mountain-range especially, this is the main reason for the increased biodiversity of the area. The Rodopi mountain-range due to its shape and position acted as a barrier to the vertical movement of the species and this had as a result for Rodopi to become a resort for many species from central and northern Europe and nowadays to be in their southernmost limit of distribution.

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(Theme 3) Habitat loss, habitat fragmentation or habitat degradation

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(Theme 3) Habitat loss, habitat fragmentation or habitat degradation

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The human disturbance in the area of the Rodopi Mountain-Range National Park is very low, due to the restrictions existing. Nevertheless, humans have been living in Rodopi mountain-range area for centuries, making nature their second home. No serious habitat loss, fragmentation or degradation is known in the area. Livestock grazing is taking place but not as in the past, affecting the formation of the mountainous ecosystem. Beekeeping is also very popular amongst residents of the area, with bees being a very important part of the environment, pollinating coniferous trees but also flowers. There is no significant illegal building in the area. The most significant habitat degradation in the area of Rodopi mountain-range happens with occasional (and fortunately limited) summer fires. The manufacture of two dams in the river Nestos also caused habitat fragmentation for the local freshwater fish. Fish populations were divided and subpopulations were isolated in different reservoirs. This problem is affecting especially migratory species such as trouts (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Salmo macedonicus). Also the conversion of the river habitat to a lake enabled lake species of the area or invasive species to develop large populations and possibly dominate the habitat.

References: http://www.nagref.gr/journals/ethg/images/36/eth36p10-14.pdf (Greek)

http://old.lifeneophron.eu/en/SPA_NRMNV.html

Photo: Oncorhynchus mykiss, Salmo macedonicus

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One of the major threats to wildlife in the RMRNP is excessive hunting and poaching. Cervus elaphus is an example of threatened species due to poaching, although its hunting is completely illegal in Greece. Lutra lutra is also a species that in previous decades was hunted for its fur and nowadays its populations are diminished. Capreolus capreolus is another species affected by poaching and extensive human presence (turism, roads, fires) in its habitat. Birds are also affected by human activities. Modern forestry practices (excessive logging, large forest rads) and illegal shooting are two reasons Milvus migrans, Tetrao urogallus, Aegolius funereus and Tetrastes bonasia, which are all found in the RMRNP area, are thought vulnerable species. Apart from that, poison baits and pesticides lead many bird species of the area to decreased populations.

No cases of overexploitation of plants in the area are known.

Info: Greece's red book of endangered species http://www.ypeka.gr/?tabid=518

Photo: Capreolus capreolus, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roe_deer

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(Theme 3) Species appearing on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

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(Theme 3) Species appearing on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

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Coenonympha rhodopensis (LC)
https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/173296/6986821

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(Theme 3) Species appearing on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

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(Theme 3) Species appearing on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

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Erebia rhodopensis (LC)
Erebia rhodopensis is found mostly in the Bulgarian part of Rodopi mountain-range with possibility to be found in the Greek part too.
https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/173234/6977748

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(Theme 3) Species appearing on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

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(Theme 3) Species appearing on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

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Lycaena ottomanus (VU)

https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/39486/10228760

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(Theme 3) Species appearing on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

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(Theme 3) Species appearing on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

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Pseudochazara orestes (VU)
https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/173302/6987579

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(Theme 3) Species appearing on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

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(Theme 3) Species appearing on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

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Cyprinus carpio (VU)
https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/6181/12559362

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(Theme 3) Species apearing in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

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(Theme 3) Species apearing in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

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Testudo graeca (VU)

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(Theme 3)  Possible invasions of alien species

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(Theme 3)  Possible invasions of alien species

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A species that is believed to be invasive in the RMRNP is Cyprinus carpio. Cyprinus carpio is included in the 100 World's Worst Invasive Alien Species. It is one of the first fish species with a wide distribution due to human activity. Inside RMRNP Cyprinus carpio is believed to have been transfered in river Nestos from similar ecosystems. Cyprinus carpio can cause reduction of native biodiversity by affecting the abundance and divercity of macrophytes and some macroinvertebrates.

http://www.iucngisd.org/gisd/species.php?sc=60

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(Theme 3) Possible invasions of alien species

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(Theme 3) Possible invasions of alien species

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Another popular invasive species of urban and woodland ecosystems is Mus musculus (common mouse), which is also one of the 100 World's Worst Invasive Alien Species. Mus musculus is found inside the RMRNP, but accomodates mostly areas where human activity is existent (houses, stores, crops etc.). Mice are considerable human pests (consuming crops, products in warehouses etc.), carriers of serious diseases (Bubonic plague, Salmonella) and also a threat to the biodiversity.  Studies show that when Mus musculus is introduced in an environment it can diminish populations of plants (by consuming a large amount if their seeds), invertebrates and small birds. However, studies show that when Mus musculus enters ecosystems as a part of a complex of invasive species, its population is regulated.

http://www.iucngisd.org/gisd/species.php?sc=97

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(Theme 3)  Possible invasions of alien species

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(Theme 3)  Possible invasions of alien species

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In addition to Cyprinus carpio, Alburnus alburnus and Gobio bulgaricus are thought to have been introduced to the RMRNP from similar ecpsystems.

Reference: http://www.fdor.gr/index.php/rodopi-mountain-range-national-park/biodiversity/ichthyofauna

Photo:
1: Alburnus alburnus
2: Gobio bulgaricus

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(Theme 3) Possible signs of climate change

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(Theme 3) Possible signs of climate change

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Climate change is making itself more obvious in many areas of the world. Studies about the period 1961-1990 in Greece showed a statistically significant temperature increase of approximately 0.4–0.6 °C per decade. In the same period precipitation in Greece has been reduced on annual basis. On the contrary recent data don't show an ongoing decline in rainfall. Annual daily maxima records from different stations in Greece during the period 1940-2012 show a dicline in precipitation in the '50s, an increase since 1980 and a stable precipitation during the last 15 years. This variability in precipitation causes unstable weather conditions in most regions in Greece. Increased rainfall in addition to forest fires lead to major flood events causing many problems to the residents of the country.

Rodopi mountain-range and Drama in particular is a very humid area. River Nestos and its tributaries affecting the urban ecosystem too. However, the last few years, due to lasting drought periods followed by durable rainfalls, fluctuations of the water level have been observed. In this way climate change affects my BioArea.

https://www.climatechangepost.com/greece/climate-change/
Photo: Saint Barbara springs in Drama normally (left) and in drought (right).

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Additional info about climate change impacts in Greece

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Additional info about climate change impacts in Greece

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Beautiful and coherent presentation Anastasia!!

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Beautiful and coherent presentation Anastasia!!

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Your BioArea is looking excellent!
https://padlet.com/maske72003/olo8pbhsw9u7

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Compare my BioArea with the BioAreas of other learners

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Compare my BioArea with the BioAreas of other learners

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Now that I finished with my BioArea and had a look over my colleagues' padlets, I can firstly say that I was captivated by the beauty of all these BioAreas from all over the world. Everyone presented as best as possible the chosen BioArea. Some used more words, pictures, information, studies, while others were more laconic or used their own words to describe the features of their BioArea. I came across unfinished padlets too, but they were well written in general. Everyone provided careful and loving glimpses into their BioArea and I think that's what matters. I had a great time reading for, searching and writing my onw padlet and enjoyed exploring others'. I would like to thank everyone that contributed to my padlet with comments or just likes.

Let's hope that many of the things we discussed and wrote about, such as climate change and its impact on living organisms, won't be an issue to the next generations.

Be well!