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Pindus Mountains, principal range and backbone of mainland Greece

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Pindus Mountains, principal range and backbone of mainland Greece

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The Pindus Mountain range, extending across the countries of Greece, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), and Albania, contains high, steep peaks, dissected by many deep canyons and other karstic landscapes. At higher elevations the forest is composed of conifer species, while at lower altitudes, mixed broadleaf species predominate. The region has an outstanding rate of floral endemism. Surprisingly, the Mediterranean’s forests are second only to the tropical Andes worldwide in richness of endemic plants, and this ecoregion’s rate of endemism can exceed 35%. A large number of endemic and restricted range plant species are threatened with extinction.

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The national park of Pindus is one of three areas in Greece that hosts a population of Eurasian brown bears (Ursus arctos arctos)

Other large mammals that live in the park are lynxes, deers and wild cats, with the last two being found in the area of Flegga forest. Additionally wolves, beech martens, wild boars and red squirrels are present in the area all year round. On the other hand, the Balkan chamois, a Balkan endemic species, is found on the steep and rocky parts of the park, as well as in areas with beech forests. Its population density fluctuates between 3-5 and even 20 individuals per 100 ha (250 acres) depending on the habitat productivity. The three small rivers crossing the area of the park have very clear water and are the well conserved habitat of the otter.

In the area of the national park up to five types of bat have been reported, with most common being niktovatis (Nyctalys noctula). Moreover, it provides shelter for than 80 species of birds, such as 10 types of rare bird species including the eastern imperial eagle, golden eagle, Levant sparrowhawk and the lanner falcon, which indicates the ornithological importance of the area. One of the rare birds found in the park is the shore lark (Eremophilla alpestris), found in the alpine meadows, and the great grey shrike (Lanius excubitor), which migrates in the summer from Africa. The dense and mature forests of the area host eight types of woodpecker, including the white-backed, the middle spotted, the lesser spotted and the black woodpecker.

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Forests of European black pine (Pinus nigra) and common beech (Fagus sylvatica) cover the park's lower and middle altitudes 1,000 to 1,600 m, with several of these trees being more than 700 years old. At higher altitudes 1,600 to 1,900 m, Bosnian pine (Pinus heldreichii) woodland is dominant, while at the greatest heights 1,900 to 2,177 m, only certain types of bushes are found in the treeless alpine meadows. Additionally, the dry places and the lower parts of the valley are characterized by the domination of Buxus sempervirens, while some individuals of Abies borisii-regis are scattered among the Pinus nigra and Fagus sylvatica forests.

In total, 415 types of plants and 86 species of mushroom are recorded in the area. A number of local flower types are considered endemic to the Balkans, such as Dianthus deltoides and Allium breviradum. On the other hand, many endemic plants of central and northern Greece grow also in the park, like the Centaurea vlachorum. Moreover, rare species of the forests of Pindus mountains, typical of the lower geological layers, are Minuartia baldaci, Bornmuellera tymphaea, Campanula hawkinsiana, Viola dukadjinica and Silene pindicola.[6] The most important places for the gathering of rare plants are the northern slopes of the peaks of Aftia, Flegga and Kapetan Kleidi. All the above places are very steep and difficult for grazing animals and therefore natural regeneration of the forest in this area is progressing normally and many rare plants are conserved. The serpentine soil, which is dominant in the area of the Pindus National Park also favors the growing of rare endemic plant species.

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Biodiversity hotspots. Original proposal in green, and added regions in blue.
Number 14: The Mediterranean Basin

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Greece is included in the Mediterranean Basin biodiversity hotspot (CEPF). Important terrestrial ecoregions for endemic species include the Crete Mediterranean Forests (EoE) and the Pindus Mountains Mixed Forests (EoE). Important freshwater ecoregions include the Ionian Drainages (FEOW) and the Southeast Adriatic Drainages (FEOW).

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The endemism rate of this region’s mountain ranges can exceed 35%, especially in southern and central Greece. This is within a total mountain flora of about 4,000 species. The majority of the conifer tree species (Abies cephalonica, A. borisii-regis, Pinus heldreichii, and P. peuce) are endemic to the ecoregion. Among the notable endemic and relict species are Aesculus hippocastanum, Jankaea heldreichii, Ramonda nataliae, Macrotomia densiflora, and Primula kitaibeliana. Many plant taxa related to these forest ecosystems have a very restricted distribution range, and are included as threatened species in the 1997 IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants. The total number of threatened plant species in Greece is 571 species and in Albania is 79 species.

The ecoregion hosts a very high faunal diversity, mainly with regard to birds. The ecoregion includes many IBAs (Important Bird Areas) as well as threatened SPECs (Species of European Concern). Mountain lakes (i.e. the Prespa Lakes) host an amazing bird fauna. These include large breeding colonies of herons, spoonbills, and egrets, as well as two pelican species. The Dalmatian pelican population of Prespa represents one of the few colonies in Europe.

The brown bear (Ursus arctos) population is still significant and under threat. Wolf (Canis lupus) and jackal (Canis aureus) are also two important endangered large mammals from the ecoregion.

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The pindovinos (Orthrias pindus), an endemic species, only found in Aoos River
https://filotis.itia.ntua.gr/species/d/6691/
http://www.ittiofauna.org/webmuseum/pesciossei/cypriniformes/nemacheilidae/oxynoemacheilus/oxynoemacheilus_pindus/index.htm

Endemic species of Greece:
http://lntreasures.com/greece.html

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The short-toed snake eagle (Circaetus gallicus), also known as short-toed eagle, is a medium-sized bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. Its prey is mostly reptiles, mainly snakes, but also some lizards. Sometimes they become entangled with larger snakes and battle on the ground. Occasionally, they prey on small mammals up to the size of a rabbit, and rarely birds and large insects.
Coluber najadum is one of the smallest European snakes. They prefer a dry inviroment like southern slopes with many hiding places like rockfences or similar, where it can find its prey. In nature their prey is primarely lizards or small snakes.
Those two animals are an example of animals with predator-prey relation.

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Ticks are small arachnids, typically 3 to 5 mm long, part of the order Parasitiformes.Ticks are ectoparasites (external parasites), living by feeding on the blood of mammals, birds, and sometimes reptiles and amphibians.For an ecosystem to support ticks, it must satisfy two requirements: the population density of host species in the area must be high enough, and humidity must be high enough for ticks to remain hydrated.
Phellinus pini is a fungal plant pathogen that causes tree disease commonly known as "red ring rot" or "white speck".

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About the geological formation of the area

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About the geological formation of the area

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The core of the Pindus appears to comprise metamorphic and volcanic rocks: schists, serpentines, granite, and jasper. The northern parts, less elevated, have folded Balkan characteristics. Lacking uniformity, the Pindus consists largely of a series of small ranges separated by transverse valleys eroded from limestones that on the eastern slopes often are overlain by geologically younger sandy and marl deposits.
http://pindosnationalpark.gr/en/geology/

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Human activities that damage the ecoregion of Pindus

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Human activities that damage the ecoregion of Pindus

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Human impact is high in this ecoregion. The socio-economic and political instability of the northern part of the ecoregion (Albania and FYROM) contributes to illegal logging that has already destroyed extensive forest areas, including certain National Parks in Albania. Mountain tourism, ski facilities, and road construction are strongly degrading huge mountain forest ecosystems. Due to the soil instability of the steep mountain slopes, road construction and clear cutting operations have provoked significant landslides, and the collapse of large mountain slopes. Mining is a threat both directly and indirectly. Related activities threaten certain protected areas and their endangered habitats and species. An example of this is bauxite mining occurring in Iti National Park. Overgrazing and over-collection of plants continue to threaten the region’s ecosystems.

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Habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation and results

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Habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation and results

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Illegal logging causing habitat loss, mountain turism, ski facilities, road constraction and clear cutting operations causing habitat fragmentation and mining overgazing and over collection of plants are causing habitat degradation to this bioarea. The potential consequences of all these is loss of species due to the creation of areas that cant support the needs or put in danger the already existing species

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Dead animals in the region of Pindus duo to poisoning by human activities

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Dead animals in the region of Pindus duo to poisoning by human activities

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http://www.zagori.gov.gr/?p=18413

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People raise objections to the constraction of natural gas pipelines that will cause habitat degradation in an environment with high ecological value.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjV56CKkbPgAhWRwqYKHV8xC50QFjAAegQIBRAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.zagori.gov.gr%2F%3Fp%3D18413&usg=AOvVaw38rzMtpbEy2ernCrewDJZs

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https://www.iucnredlist.org/

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100 of the World's Worst Invasive Alien Species

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100 of the World's Worst Invasive Alien Species

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http://www.iucngisd.org/gisd/100_worst.php

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Come up with possible reasons for the decision to reintroduce grey wolves into the National Park.

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Come up with possible reasons for the decision to reintroduce grey wolves into the National Park.

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3.     The wolves were brought in because the increased elk population was overgrazing the deciduous, woody species such as aspen and cottonwood.
As the grey wolves started to disappear from the national park, their preys, such as elks, started to grow in population. The growth of the elks' population resulted in the overgrazing of various plants so in order to restore the balance in the national park it was decided that the grey wolves should be re-introduced.