Biodiversity of Axios-Loudias-Aliakmonas delta

(Georama 1999)

Greek wetlands

(Mousio GoulandriFisikis Istorias E.K.B.Y. 1996)

The delta consists of:•lagoon of Kalochori at •estuaries of Gallikos river•Axios delta•estuaries of Loudias•Aliakmonas delta•Kitros salt-pan

Characteristics of the delta:•small islands•halophytic marshes•brackish lagoons•riparian forests

(Georama 1999)

Axios river

(www.elliniko-panorama.gr)

Aliakmonas river-the largest Greek river

(www.elliniko-panorama.gr)

Piles of sand in the lagoon of Kitros salt-pan (15000 acres)are created when there is

an obstacle as the wind blows, vegetation for instance (Mousio Goulandri

Fisikis Istorias E.K.B.Y. 1996)

Zones of the delta

Zone A: the central part of the wetland, no human activities are allowed

Zone B: middle zone, human activities strictly controlled

Zone C: the extensive area of the plain, use of land is allowed

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More than 500 flora species

•Salina Artemia

•halophytic marshes covered with Arthrocnemum fruticosum

•banks covered with Tamarix

•lagoons and irrigated channels bordered with Phragmites communis

(www.geocities.com)

MAMMAL FISHES AMPHIBI REPTILESINVERTACitellus c. Rutilus Triturus Testudo CrangonCanis Cyprinus Bufo bufo Vipera sp. Morimus Lutra lutra Perca sp. Rana Natrix n. Cerambyx

There have been observed :•26 fish species in Axios and 30 in Aliakmonas•7 amphibians species•15 reptiles species•approximately 30 mammals species•a great number crustacean and other invertebrates

Some species of great importance are:

Herons

Pelicans

Avocets

Eagles

Flamingoes

Buffaloes (Georama 1999)

(www.minenv.gr)

(Georama 1999)

• water abstraction-dredging

•flood controls

•hunting

•disturbance

•pollution

•livestock

•agriculture

•fisheries

(Georama 1999)

(Mousio GoulandriFisikis Istorias E.K.B.Y. 1996)

This way of fishing is not allowed when it occupies the whole flow of the water

(Mousio GoulandriFisikis Istorias E.K.B.Y. 1996)

All these activities have resulted in the wetland’s extension being 70% of its former extension and the natural function

of the rivers has deteriorated. The future of the wetland depends on human will from now on.