N ature; Amvrakikos - Epiros
Amvrakikos-Epiros; in the Epiros region near the villages of Preveza and Arta there is a very large nature reserve of 52.000 hectares. Part of this area has the special protected status of Ramsar wetland, another part is wildlife reserve. The area is an extended network of brackish lagoons, sandy area, mud and reed-land brought about by the rivers of Arachtos and Louros. The area is surrounded by hills on the north and east side and is dominated by three rocky hills amongst the lagoons. Large parts of the area are cultivated but there is still natural vegetation among which the largest reed-land of Greece.
It is a very important area for the Dalmatian Pelican (Pelicanus crispus). Of this kind there are only about 1.000 brooding couples at the most. About 32 of these couples brood on the isles in the lagoons. There is an information centre in which live pictures can be seen from a camera that has been put up near these isles. Furthermore there are about 50 brooding couples of Little Bitern (Ixobrychus minutus). 70 couples of Black crowned Night Heron ( Nycticorax nycticorax), 120 couples of Squacco herons ( Ardeola ralloides) and the Greek Icterine warbler ( Hippolais olivetorum). Apart from the various brooding kinds there are many migrating birds. The Amvrakikos region has a very high concentration of water birds during the winter. In January there are over 400.000 water birds. For example the Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra), the Pochard (Aythya ferina), the Slender-billed Gull ( Larus genei), the Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus) and the Greater Spotted Eagle( Aquila clanga).
Threats in the area: agriculture, hunting, fishing, tourism and aquacultural systems near Psathotopi (Photo 1 from Wikipedia, Photo 2 from www.birdphotography.co.uk.)
In the surroundings:
- Information centre brooding Pelicans
- Kopraina Historical museum
- Information centre Rodia wetland with boat tour
- Bird watcher's tower
- Children's for the nature Preveza
For more information, telephone numbers and locations: see contact
