​

Thessaly

The biodiversity of Thessaly

What is biodiversity?

• Biodiversity, or biological diversity, is primarily called the set of genes, biological species, and ecosystems of an area (flora and fauna).
• Today there is a decline in biodiversity on the planet, which is due to a number of causes such as environmental pollution, deforestation and increased predation.

​

Pilio

From ancient times Pilio was considered as a mountain full of flowers and medicinal herbs. The flora of Pilio is consisted of at least 1500 plant species, two of which are rare ones: soldanella (which grows in river banks) and centauria.

Ιn the fauna of Pilio, many species of invertebrates have been recorded endemic and rare. In addition, the area is home to rare and protected species of amphibians and beetles. The golden eagle lives in Pilio. It builds its nest on vertical rocks and hunts medium-sized animals.

Centauria

Golden Eagle

The flora of Olympus

• The Olympus National Park is characterized by the richest in flora areas of Greece, with about 1700 species that correspond to 25% of the Greek flora.
• The species Jankaea Heldreichii is a plant relic from the ice age and is of particular interest to scientists.
• Gentianella is a plant genus in the gentian family. Plants of this genus are known commonly as dwarf gentians

Jankaea Heldreichii

Gentianella Crispata

The fauna of Olympus

Ossa, Tempi, Kato Olympus and the Delta of Pinios are among the 113 important areas for the birds of Greece as there are at least 120 species of birds. On Mount Olympus reside:

1. the rare Gypaetus Barbatus ( who eats only bones !!! )
2. the Woodpecker
3. the Salamander

The flora of Skopelos

• In Skopelos you can find the solitary yellow coral and the precious red coral (Corallium rubrum), as well as flower animals on sponges (Axinella verrucosa and Agelas oroides).
• There is a rich fish fauna in the entire sea area around the islands of the Northern Sporades, both in number of species and in economic value.
• The maritime area of ​​the Northern Sporades has been designated a "Marine Park" and is protected by presidential decree under the Ramsar Convention.

Axinella verrucosa

Corallium rubrum

The fauna of Skopelos

• The Mediterranean seal Monachus Monachus is one of the two remaining species of monk seal.
• It once spread to all the shores of the Mediterranean, the Black Sea and the Eastern Atlantic.
• Today, with less than 600 animals, it is one of the rarest and most endangered species on the planet.
• About half of the population, around 250-300 live in Greece.

Alexandros