Delta of Evros River |
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A different travel in my blog this week... a trip to the most important national park of Greece, at the Delta of the Evros river. I was there a few weeks ago and I transfer here what I have learned and what I have lived in this gem of the Greek nature. Evros river is the natural borderline between Greece and Turkey and just before the waters of it are going to meet the Aegean Sea the river is forming its worldwide famous delta. It is probably the most important wetland site for migratory waders in the Eastern Mediterranean. |
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| The Evros Delta is located at the Northh-Eastern corner of Greece. The broader area is endowed with Nature and History. Delta is an ecosystem of international importance, according to the Ramsar convection (1971). It covers 18,000 ha of which are under protection. Delta's geographical position and climate contributed to create a vital place of animals: 46 species of fish, 7 species of amphibians and 21 species of reptiles have been recorded. There are 312 species of birds out of 423 that exist in Greece. |
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| Our tour started with a stop to the Municipal Tourist Center of Ferres which offered us the information we needed for this trip to the Delta of Evros. This Center also organizes the toursto the Evros Delta by car or by boat. So... don't forget to visit it before you approach the Delta (tel/fax: +30 25550 24310, www.evrosferes.gr) |
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| The place looks wild... like an entrance to a strange world. So close to the civilized area but also very isolated from it. Lakes, marshes, peninsulas and many branches of the Evros river all form a unique ecosystem, suitable for the survival of rare species of fauna and flora. |
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As the bus moved on the long dry land road entering deeper and deeper to the Delta, the beauty started to fill our view. The birds were all around us flying so close to us. Those proud creatures made their flights showing their superiority in this land. We... the leaders of the world, the conquests of the whole planet we haven't the privilege to fly. We haven't the wings which will drive us up. We work day and night, all our life to acquire more and more goods but... we will never obtain the wings which will drive us to the totally freedom. |
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| The number of breeding bird species in Evros Delta is fewer than in the past since the drainage system has decreased the existing breeding habitats as well as the available fresh water. Bird species that are regularly reproduced in Evros Delta are the following: Shelduck, Spur-winged Plover, Oystercatcher, Black-winged Stilt, Marsh Harrier, Little Tern, Common Tern, etc. Other important species that are frequently reproduced are the White-tailed Eagle, Mediterranean Gull, Pratincole and Purple Heron. During wintertime, a considerably high number of waders (more than 145 species) winter in the Delta. The total number of birds that winter in the Delta varies from year to year and depends upon several factors, among which are the breeding success of the previous year and the harshness of the weather in Northern Europe and the Balkans. In spite of the decrease of bird species populations that has recently been observed, Evros Delta continues to host a significant number of individuals and species during the winter. |
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Furthermore, the number of birds that use the wetland during their migration routes between Europe and Africa as a stopover for feeding and rest is still important. Included among the species that have been observed visiting the Evros Delta during migration are: White Pelican, Glossy Ibis, Spoonbill, Dalmatian Pelican, Little Gull, Black Tern etc. One of the rarest bird species in Europe and the world, the Slender-billed Curlew, is observed here while it visits the delta during its migration. Moreover, Evros Delta is one of the most important wetlands in Greece and Europe for the following observed species of raptors: Spotted Eagle, Imperial Eagle, White-tailed Eagle, and Black Kite. Many of the raptors also breed in the delta area as well as the neighbouring hills and use the wetland for feeding. |
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| Visitors of the Delta have the chance to taste the delicious local food at the small tavern which is located at the end of the route inside the park. |
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Agriculture, stock-raising, fishery, beekeeping and tourism are the main human activities that are observed in Evros Delta. The cultivations mainly lie outside the boundaries of the protected area in Evros Delta. The cultivated plants are cereals, sunflower, maize, beet, medic as well as cotton, the cultivation of which is currently increasing. However, it should also be noted that the shift of land uses from forests to agriculture in the river basin, the use of pesticides and the overuse of fertilizers have resulted in the accumulation of significant quantities of nutrients in the wetland. Tourist activities are developed in the Evros Delta. During spring and summer, a few local ecotourism associations organize ecotours in the river by boat. A travel with a boat to the river is a must when you will visit this area. One of my online friends, Pantelis, was there the same day I was there and he had the time to make this river cruise of the Delta of Evros. Next time... I will plan to have the time for this cruise too. |
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Another seasonal human activity that exists in Evros Delta is hunting. The hunters who visit Evros Delta are mainly interested in aquatic birds but they also hunt quails and turtledoves in agricultural fields at the beginning of the hunting season. Hunting is considered to be a disturbance to many bird species in wintertime. I hope you have enjoyed this travel to one of the most valuable wild areas of my country. It is one of our national treasures and a place you have to visit some day. Thanks God... we could still find untouched areas in this tried from the human species plane and we should protect those areas. It is highly importance international issue for the future of this planet. The Delta of Evros is not the only national park of the area. At my next blog you will meet another one, the forest of Dadia. |