Dadia-Lefkimi-Soufli Forest National Park

Dadia-Lefkimi-Soufli Forest National Park (Greek: Εθνικό Πάρκο Δάσους Δαδιάς-Λευκίμης-Σουφλίου) is a national park in the region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Greece. The park covers an area of 428 km2 (165 sq mi), of which 72.9 km2 (28.1 sq mi) are under strict protection, and is considered one of the most important protected areas in Europe for biodiversity conservation, particularly for birds of prey. Local surveys have recorded at least 60 species of mammals, 12–13 of amphibians, 29 of reptiles, 17 of fish, and more than 100 species of butterflies, alongside 360–400 plant species. The area is also part of the European Natura 2000 network and is recognised as an Important Bird Area (IBA). Geography The park is located in northeastern Greece, near the border with Turkey, within the Evros regional unit. It lies at the south-eastern end of the Rhodope Mountains and is characterised by a mosaic landscape of low mountains, valleys, mature forests, meadows, cultivated patches, and streams. Its geographical position is especially important because it lies close to the easternmost migratory flyway used by many bird species and at a biogeographical crossroads between Europe and Asia, with influences extending from the Balkans and Anatolia. The varied relief creates diverse ecological niches that support high biodiversity. The highest point is Mount Kapsalo at 620 m above sea level. Climate The climate is Mediterranean with continental influences. Winters are relatively cold, while summers are warm and dry. Annual precipitation averages around 730 mm (29 in), with rainfall peaking in winter months and snow occurring occasionally during the colder season. Flora The vegetation is influenced by climate, geology, soil conditions, and water availability. Coniferous forests dominate the central and eastern parts of the park, mainly consisting of Pinus brutia and Pinus nigra. Oak forests occur mainly in the northern and southwestern areas and include species such as Quercus frainetto, Quercus cerris, and Quercus pubescens. Mixed forests occur in transitional zones between the coniferous and broadleaved formations, increasing habitat diversity across the park. Riparian vegetation includes Alnus glutinosa, Salix spp., and Populus nigra. Sclerophyllous shrubs such as Arbutus andrachne, Phillyrea latifolia, Erica arborea, and Cistus creticus occur mainly in the southwest. A total of 360–400 plant species have been recorded, including around 25 orchid species and several endemic or rare taxa. Fauna The park is internationally recognised for its exceptional faunal diversity, especially its birdlife, and hosts one of the richest assemblages of birds of prey in Europe. Mammals The park hosts approximately 60–65 species of mammals, including the roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), gray wolf (Canis lupus), European wildcat (Felis silvestris), wild boar (Sus scrofa), and Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra). The area is also important for bats, with 24 species recorded, which use caves and abandoned mines as shelters. Birds The park is particularly important for birds of prey, with 36 of the 38 European diurnal raptor species recorded. It is the only breeding site of the Cinereous vulture (Aegypius monachus) in the Balkans. Other notable species include the Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus) and the griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus). In addition to raptors, around 166 other bird species have been observed, including the black stork (Ciconia nigra) and the grey partridge (Perdix perdix). Reptiles and amphibians There are 29 reptile species recorded in the park, including turtles, lizards and snakes, of which only a few are potentially dangerous to humans. The amphibian fauna includes 12–13 species, such as the fire-bellied toad (Bombina bombina) and the fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra). Fish and invertebrates Seventeen species of fish have been recorded in the park's streams. Invertebrates are well represented, with at least 283 species identified, including over 100 butterfly species. History After initial protection in 1980, the national park was formally established in 2006. In 2014, the park was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List under criterion x. 2023 wildfire The major wildfire of August 2023 burned large parts of the area and was described by European officials as the largest wildfire recorded in the European Union. Conservation The park plays a key role in the conservation of endangered species, especially vultures. Conservation measures include habitat protection, species monitoring, environmental education, and the management of visitor pressure in sensitive areas. Major threats include wildfires, climate change, and human activities. Ecotourism The Dadia-Lefkimi-Soufli Forest National Park has successfully integrated ecotourism as a strategy for conservation and local community development. The initiative began in 1992 under the guidance of WWF Greece, focusing initially on conservation of the park's significant raptor populations, including vultures whose numbers had declined due to changes in local farming practices. Recognising that conservation needed local community support to succeed, WWF Greece developed ecotourism infrastructure and opportunities that combined environmental protection with economic benefits. Central to the ecotourism approach is the Dadia Ecotourism Centre, completed in 1995 with EU funding secured by WWF. Located near Dadia village, it includes accommodation facilities, an information centre, and a cafe and shop staffed by local residents. A women's cooperative established in 1993 further supports community engagement, selling local food products and operating a small restaurant. WWF Greece constructed marked trails and observation facilities, including an observation post built in 1998 overlooking a raptor feeding site, to attract visitors and provide educational opportunities. Volunteer programmes involving youth from various parts of Greece help maintain these trails and enhance cultural exchanges with the local community. Visitor numbers rose from about 10,000 in 1995 to more than 50,000 in 2003. The majority of visitors are Greek nationals, with educational groups, private tours, and independent travellers forming the main visitor segments. Local guides trained by WWF Greece provide interpretive services and help educate visitors on appropriate conduct within the sensitive natural environment. Management of ecotourism has progressively transitioned to the community-run Dadia Municipal Enterprise, established in 1994, ensuring long-term sustainability and local ownership. WWF has continued its involvement through environmental education, conservation monitoring, and advisory support aimed at protecting the park's biodiversity. See also List of World Heritage Sites in Greece National parks of Greece Dadia Forest References External links Media related to Dadia – Lefkimi – Soufli Forest National Park at Wikimedia Commons Dadia-Lefkimi-Soufli Forest National Park