At the southern edge of central Evia sits Lake Dystos, an invaluable habitat for countless plant and animal species. Though it has dried up several times during its known history, the Lake and surrounding marsh areas have managed to keep afloat during the last few years. Its size is impressive, covering an area of over 7,500 stremmata, though large sections of this are frequently dry. Farming, livestock, hunting and industrial activities have all had negative effects on the lake over the past century. Despite this, the area continues to be a haven to migratory birds during the spring and remains an important biotope for a number of plants and animals, and for this reason it is part of Europe’s Natura 2000 initiative.
