National parks

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

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)

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

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

• 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 farmsTreasure ( 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)

• 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

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.

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

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!

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

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.

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

Wolf
Birds
White wagtail
White stork

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

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)

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)

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.

situation
Department: Pyrénées-Atlantiques (64) and the Hautes-Pyrénées (65
Region: Aquitaine and Midi-Pyrenees
Common: 86 (including 16 partially Heart Park)

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

.
FLORA IN MERCANTOUR NATIONAL PARC AND COASTLINE

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

National Parks in
Sicily-Italy

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 agricultural 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

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

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)

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

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.

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

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 wetlands. 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

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.

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.

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,

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 channels, 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.

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

 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

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.

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

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.

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.

PPRRZZEEDDSSZZKKOOLLEE SSAAMMOORRZZAADDOOWWEE
WW ZZPPOO WW WWOOLLII FFIILLIIPPOOWWSSKKIIEEJJ
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

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 pine. 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

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

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 least 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)

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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,

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.

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

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

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, bittern, mute swan, whooper
swan, many species of duck, goose and Ciconiiformes.

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

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 Świętokrzyskie 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 level) 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

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

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

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.

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

National parks

More Related Content

National parks