The forest of Dadia is located in the middle of Evros County. It is very famous as it’s one of the most important biotopes in entire Europe. The forest spreads over the eastern mountains of Rhodope to the Delta of Evros. It includes two strict protected zones of 75.000 acres and one peripheral zone of 357.000 acres.
The area of the forest is a characteristic sample of the Mediterranean ecosystem which is a result of a harmonic and peaceful coexistence of people and nature through the centuries. The forest complex of Dadia appears intense ground relief with rocky hills, mountainous fields, dense verdant mountainsides, green valleys, rivers, and small lakes.
The vegetation includes mainly forests of black pine trees, and forests of oak trees. At the south-western part of the National Park survives a small deciduous tree; the Eriolobus tribolatus (wild apple tree). This tree can be found only in Evros and nowhere else, with a minimum population of 150 trees. It is classified in the category of the rare and endangered species of the European flora.
The rich combination of the landscapes creates an ideal biotope for the predator birds. In the area are hosted 36 of the 38 European predator species, including really rare species like the Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliacal) and the Lesser Spotted Eagle (Aquila pomarina). The forest of Dadia is one of the unique areas in Europe in where so many rare species live together and also is the unique area in where 3 of the 4 different species of vulture exist together; the Cinereous Vulture, the Griffon Vulture and the Egyptian Vulture of Europe. The forest is the home for 20 couples of the Cinereous Vulture and they are the only population in the entire south-eastern Europe. Also, it’s home for more than 48 mammal species (while 8 species of them are internationally recognized as endangered species) like wolves, bears, roes, squirrels, bats, and 41 reptile and amphibian species.
The forest of Dadia is officially protected since 1980.
It is noteworthy that in this ecological paradise, at one with the nature for hundreds of years, the residents of three villages live harmoniously, because the climatic conditions are favorable. The Residents and the Greek government cared for the protection and the constant management of this natural wealth, and the land rewards them generously with its products such as honey, grapes, milk, meat, and cocoon. These products are processed, so flourish in our area beekeeping, wine, processed livestock products and silk. All these priceless natural gifts can enjoy those who choose the National Park for ecotourism, starting from the ecotourism centre of Dadia. The gentle sides of the hilly areas of the park are offered for hiking while the three highest tops for viewing the whole area. The ecotourism centre is located at the village of Dadia and includes a guest house, a refreshment room, a café, and the Information Centre. In a distance of 3km from the Information Centre is the Birds Observation Point from where someone can observe the 219 different bird species who live in the forest. There is also a conference room where the visitor can watch documentaries and to be informed about the flora and fauna of the forest.
The forest of Dadia is a dream-like place, unique and special for the people who love the nature and everything included in it. A place at the crossing point between West and East which everyone has to visit.
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