Dadia-Lefkimi-Soufli Forest National Park

About

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 ).

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 ).

Invertebrates are well represented, with at least 283 species identified, including over 100 butterfly species.

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 ).