Prespa Basin

Nature

Prespa is well known for its natural beauty and its high biodiversity. The region is considered an ecological entity of global significance, as it hosts a variety of biotopes -lakes, mountains and forests- with unique characteristics. What is more, at present times of increasing exploitation of natural resources and rapid erosion of wetlands, Prespa still continues to be a healthy ecosystem preserving a significant amount of its natural values.     

Lakes Micro and Macro Prespa are among the oldest ones of Europe and therefore host a large number of endemic species (i.e. that cannot be encountered anywhere else in the world). More than 1,500 species of plants (including several endemics) and more than 40 species of mammals -among them the endangered wolf (Canis lupus), the brown bear (Ursus arctos) and the otter (Lutra lutra)- are recorded in the area.

The avifauna of Prespa is of international importance due to both its richness -the area hosts 261 species of birds- and the presence of significant populations of globally endangered and/or rare species. The globally rare Dalmatian pelican (Pelecanus crispus), has in Prespa its largest breeding concentration. In Prespa the only breeding colony of the Great White pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus) in the European Union is also encountered, while the globally endangered Ferruginous duck (Aythya nyroca) also breeds in the basin. The area also hosts significant populations of the endangered Pygmy cormorant (Phalacrocorax pygmeus) and of seven rare heron species - such as the Great White egret (Egretta alba). In addition, in the wider Prespa area 11 species of amphibians, 22 species of reptiles and 23 fish species (7 out of the 12 indigenous fish species are endemic) are recorded.

In addition, forming an important wetland site, the area not only constitutes a significant reservoir of biodiversity and natural productivity, but also plays important roles in vital natural functions, such as water storage and cleansing, groundwater recharge and stabilization of shorelines.