From Opus

Valia Kalda

[edit] Overview

This national park lies in north-western Greece and covers the forested slopes of part of the Pindos Mts.

The habitats include mountains, reaching a maximum of 2177m, dense forest of Black and Bosnian Pine, Beech and Greek Fir, and several fast-flowing rivers winding through narrow gorges. Despite much disturbance in recent decades from dam and road construction, this remains one of the wildest and most remote areas of Greece.

[edit] Birds

[edit] Notable Species

Well-known for raptors with Griffon Vulture and Egyptian Vulture, Imperial Eagle, Levant Sparrowhawk and Lanner Falcon.

There are also Wallcreeper and Horned Lark on the peaks and the forests support woodpeckers including Black Woodpecker, White-backed Woodpecker, Middle Spotted Woodpecker and probably Three-toed Woodpecker.

[edit] Check-list

Birds you can see here include:

Griffon Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, Levant Sparrowhawk, Eastern Imperial Eagle, Golden Eagle, Lanner Falcon, Rock Partridge, Green Woodpecker, Black Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Syrian Woodpecker, Middle Spotted Woodpecker, White-backed Woodpecker, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Three-toed Woodpecker, Horned Lark, Wallcreeper

[edit] Other Wildlife

Mammals of the park include Roe Deer, Chamois and Wild Boar, Weasel, Brown Hare and Red Squirrel and the rare Brown Bear and Wolf , and scarce and local Jackal.

A very wide variety of flowering plants occurs including many mountain species.

[edit] Site Information

[edit] History and Use

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[edit] Areas of Interest

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[edit] Access and Facilities

Situated north of the road between Ioannina and Trikkala, the area is seldom visited but there are marked paths. One of the best areas is the Kataras pass, east of Metsovo.

A four wheel drive is essential to drive down and across the bottom and up and out the the other side to the village of Perivoli,where accomadation can be found from the end of May to October.

Accomodation is available in nearby Metsovo and Grevena.

[edit] Contact Details

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[edit] External Links

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Content and images originally posted by Steve