Current view: Text account
Site description (2000 baseline):
Site location and context
An extensive area of forest between the River Nestos and the border with Bulgaria. The site includes the primary
Fagus and
Pinus forest of Paranestion. Human activities include forestry, stock-raising, and hunting.
The site is important for species associated with upland forests.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
The forest is heavily exploited and the main threats come from deforestation and increasingly intensive forest management. Further threats come from dam construction along the Nestos, road building and hunting. Part of the area is a candidate SAC.
National Partial
International Low3,900 ha of IBA covered by Wildlife Refuge (Aetorahis/Paranestiou, 3,900 ha). 2,200 ha of IBA covered by Dasiko Symplegma Kariofytou, 2,200 ha). 903 ha of IBA covered by Wildlife Refuge (Tsanaktere/Kariofytou, 903 ha). Part of IBA covered by Wildlife Refuge (D. Symplegma Kentaurou-Pahnis/Mykis, Ehinou, Kotil, 4,000 ha). Part of IBA covered by Wildlife Refuge, Geraka-Oraiou/Stavroupolis, 3,270 ha). 5,312 ha of IBA covered by Wildlife Refuge (Parthenou Dasous, Paranesti-Sellis, 5,312 ha). 550 ha of IBA covered by Natural Monument (Virgin Forest of Central Rodopi, 550 ha). 550 ha of IBA covered by Biogenetic Reserve (Council of Europe) (Partheno Dasos Kentrikis Rodopis, 550 ha). 569 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Partheno Dasos Kentrikis Rodopis, 569 ha).
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Central Rodopi mountains and Nestos valley (Greece). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/central-rodopi-mountains-and-nestos-valley-iba-greece on 24/11/2024.
