In and outside of the River, the Aherontas region is teeming with wildlife. Within the river, fresh water fish such as Trout, eels, and frogs…… on which otters feed. There is also a large variety of turtles and snakes, as well as wild cats and wolves which are supported by the river’s diverse ecosystem. These animals pose no threat to hikers, though walkers should stick to the paths to avoid accidental encounters with snakes.
The beach of Aliki in Egio, despite being a formal beach, is also an important aquatic ecosystem and partly a lagoon, lying to the northeast of the beach. There are about 120 bird species that visit plus significant aquatic life. The rich flora of the area is also noteworthy.
Aegina is the proud home of the Hellenic Wildlife Hospital (EKPAZ) located just outside the mountain village of Paxia Rachi. It’s the oldest and largest wildlife rehabilitation center in Southern Europe and treats upwards to 4500 animals every year.
Learn more about the lesser kestrel! An information centre about this wondrous bird funded by the EU LIFE programme (LIFE+ 11 ΝΑΤ/GR/001011) was established beside the local high school in the village of Kanalia, not far from Lake Karla.
This incredible marsh lies in the northernmost section of the prefecture and spills into part of neighbouring Ioannina region as well. Despite the fact that it occupies a space between 100 -150 meters (depending on which season it is) the Kalodiki Marsh is an invaluable ecosystem with over 300 types of plants, 120 species of birds, 20 different mammals, 11 reptiles, 5 kinds of amphibians and several fish species. Kalodiki Marsh is part of the Natura 2000 initiative designed to protect such important ecological environments. The marsh is a haven to several species that enjoy the protection of its waters and the bounty of the food it provides. Several types of frogs, salamanders as well as beavers and otters make their homes within the waters of the marsh while skunks, weasels, foxes, hedgehogs and wild cats take advantage of the rich supply of food along the banks of the marsh.
This natural lake and surrounding area remind visitors more of Switzerland than Greece. Nevertheless, it is one of the country’s most beautiful landscapes and an invaluable ecosystem that supports a wide array of wildlife including Swamp, River and Meadow Turtles, the Common Toad and the Green Toad, the Dalmatian Frog, Tree Frog, Green Frog, and Western Greece Frog as well as a few snake species. It is also home to a number of mammals including 70 different species of bats, otters, wild cats, wild boars and jackals as well as several fish species.
Excavations at both Kokkinopilos and the Cave of Asprohalkou have both shed light on the important role the Louros River Valley area played in prehistoric times. Experts believe that the river supported an abundant range of wildlife that enabled groups of hunter-gatherers to survive in the area over centuries. Today the river continues to support a diverse variety of birds, fish mammals, reptiles and amphibians in the area. Otters, moles, wild cats, Mediterranean, Rock and Swamp Turtles, toads and frogs are just some of the animals that depend on the Louros River for their sustenance. Within the river, eels, Trout, and other species of fish flourish, though during the last few decades, their numbers have been reduced due to the severe pollution problem the river faces.
Arki Islets are a network of tiny islands that not only boast pristine exotic beaches but also a vital ecosystem. They’re only accessible by boat – which you can find around Patmos’ main harbor – and trekking is the only way of touring these vital islets. Take your camera with you and admire all the wild birds, lizards and flora that create a unique ecosystem and the pristine habitat that offers them shelter. Birdwatchers will enjoy observing hundreds of birds that huddle in craggy rocks and along cliffs. Don’t miss out on the island’s environmental research center on Arki Islet. Then hike along the coast to find secret coves perfect for swimming.
Nature enthusiasts will be intrigued by the stunning wetlands and unique ecosystem around Grikos and Petra. The lake and wetlands are a protected site where a vibrant ecosystem of wild ducks, swans and heron seek refuge. Take your time and walk or hike through the region. You’ll not only find a variety of birds, but a number of lizards as well. The area is one of Patmos’ most important natural habitats, and the lake and wetlands are an important stop for migratory birds.
The beach of Aliki in Egio, despite being a formal beach, is also an important aquatic ecosystem and partly a lagoon, lying to the northeast of the beach. There are about 120 bird species that visit plus significant aquatic life. The rich flora of the area is also noteworthy.
Aegina is the proud home of the Hellenic Wildlife Hospital (EKPAZ) located just outside the mountain village of Paxia Rachi. It’s the oldest and largest wildlife rehabilitation center in Southern Europe and treats upwards to 4500 animals every year.
Learn more about the lesser kestrel! An information centre about this wondrous bird funded by the EU LIFE programme (LIFE+ 11 ΝΑΤ/GR/001011) was established beside the local high school in the village of Kanalia, not far from Lake Karla.
Arki Islets are a network of tiny islands that not only boast pristine exotic beaches but also a vital ecosystem. They’re only accessible by boat – which you can find around Patmos’ main harbor – and trekking is the only way of touring these vital islets. Take your camera with you and admire all the wild birds, lizards and flora that create a unique ecosystem and the pristine habitat that offers them shelter. Birdwatchers will enjoy observing hundreds of birds that huddle in craggy rocks and along cliffs. Don’t miss out on the island’s environmental research center on Arki Islet. Then hike along the coast to find secret coves perfect for swimming.
Nature enthusiasts will be intrigued by the stunning wetlands and unique ecosystem around Grikos and Petra. The lake and wetlands are a protected site where a vibrant ecosystem of wild ducks, swans and heron seek refuge. Take your time and walk or hike through the region. You’ll not only find a variety of birds, but a number of lizards as well. The area is one of Patmos’ most important natural habitats, and the lake and wetlands are an important stop for migratory birds.
In and outside of the River, the Aherontas region is teeming with wildlife. Within the river, fresh water fish such as Trout, eels, and frogs…… on which otters feed. There is also a large variety of turtles and snakes, as well as wild cats and wolves which are supported by the river’s diverse ecosystem. These animals pose no threat to hikers, though walkers should stick to the paths to avoid accidental encounters with snakes.
This incredible marsh lies in the northernmost section of the prefecture and spills into part of neighbouring Ioannina region as well. Despite the fact that it occupies a space between 100 -150 meters (depending on which season it is) the Kalodiki Marsh is an invaluable ecosystem with over 300 types of plants, 120 species of birds, 20 different mammals, 11 reptiles, 5 kinds of amphibians and several fish species. Kalodiki Marsh is part of the Natura 2000 initiative designed to protect such important ecological environments. The marsh is a haven to several species that enjoy the protection of its waters and the bounty of the food it provides. Several types of frogs, salamanders as well as beavers and otters make their homes within the waters of the marsh while skunks, weasels, foxes, hedgehogs and wild cats take advantage of the rich supply of food along the banks of the marsh.
This natural lake and surrounding area remind visitors more of Switzerland than Greece. Nevertheless, it is one of the country’s most beautiful landscapes and an invaluable ecosystem that supports a wide array of wildlife including Swamp, River and Meadow Turtles, the Common Toad and the Green Toad, the Dalmatian Frog, Tree Frog, Green Frog, and Western Greece Frog as well as a few snake species. It is also home to a number of mammals including 70 different species of bats, otters, wild cats, wild boars and jackals as well as several fish species.
Excavations at both Kokkinopilos and the Cave of Asprohalkou have both shed light on the important role the Louros River Valley area played in prehistoric times. Experts believe that the river supported an abundant range of wildlife that enabled groups of hunter-gatherers to survive in the area over centuries. Today the river continues to support a diverse variety of birds, fish mammals, reptiles and amphibians in the area. Otters, moles, wild cats, Mediterranean, Rock and Swamp Turtles, toads and frogs are just some of the animals that depend on the Louros River for their sustenance. Within the river, eels, Trout, and other species of fish flourish, though during the last few decades, their numbers have been reduced due to the severe pollution problem the river faces.