N ature; Evrotas Delta

A non-protected nature reserve of 3.000 hectares in the province of Laconia. It is an area abounding in water, and in view of ecology extremely varied. The river Evrotas flows along Sparta and ends in the Gulf of Laconia. Owing to river barriers at the entrance of the bay hursts are created. This makes that the lagoon with brackish water and containing mire is not open any more. The river, which is very meandering, pushes its way through the lagoon.

On the dunes and the beaches many plants loving sand and salt are to be found. We see among others: Posidonia, Juncus, Gladiolus, Elymus, and Scutch grass.

The area is an important resort and halting-place for rest and nourishment for the migratory bird. Birds that are observed here are among others: Teal, Long-tailed tit, European flamingo, Cormoraut or Shag, Sea swallow, Ibis, Falcon, Little silver heron.

Nests of turtles have been found on the beaches of Evrotas, Mavrovouni, Selinitsa, Valataki and Vathi. Apart from the Caretta caretta turtle, the Chelonia mydas is regularly swimming here, but this one does not lay eggs in Greece.

In this area a few jackals are living. This omnivore likes to eat rodents such as the wood mouse and squirrel, but also reptiles, fruit and dead animals. The jackal is a protected animal and is threatened with extinction, even more than the wolf.