Prespa National Park

Prespa Overview

Prespa National Park, locally known as Parku Kombëtar i Prespës, is a captivating protected area located in southeastern Albania. Encompassing an area of approximately 126 square miles (326 square kilometers), the park forms part of the transboundary Prespa region, which is shared between Albania, North Macedonia, and Greece.

This park is centered around the stunning Great Prespa Lake and Small Prespa Lake, which are two of the oldest and most ecologically significant lakes in Europe. These lakes sit amidst a dramatic karst landscape, surrounded by towering peaks, rugged cliffs, and lush valleys.

The terrain of Prespa National Park is a remarkable blend of contrasting elements. The lakes themselves are fed by underground springs and provide a serene backdrop against the surrounding limestone and dolomite mountains, such as Mount Mali i Thate, which rises to an impressive 7,000 feet (2,135 meters).

The landscape transitions from steep slopes and rocky outcrops to fertile plains and wetland areas, which support a wide array of vegetation. The park is home to mixed deciduous forests, with oak, beech, and juniper trees dominating the higher altitudes, while willow and reed beds flourish near the water’s edge.

Prespa National Park is celebrated for its remarkable biodiversity and the wide variety of species it supports. The lakes are a haven for waterbirds, including the globally endangered Dalmatian pelican, which uses the park as one of its primary nesting sites. Other bird species, such as pygmy cormorants, great egrets, and herons, can often be seen gracing the skies or foraging along the shores.

The park is also a refuge for mammals like the elusive Balkan lynx, brown bears, wolves, and wild boars, all of which roam the dense forests and remote mountain areas. Amphibians, reptiles, and an array of freshwater fish, including endemic species, thrive in the pristine waters of the lakes and wetlands.

Visitors to Prespa National Park are drawn to its tranquil beauty and diverse attractions. Popular features include the island of Maligrad, located on Great Prespa Lake, which is home to a centuries-old rock church dedicated to St. Mary. The park also offers hiking trails with panoramic views of the lakes and surrounding peaks, making it a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Birdwatching is another highlight, as the lakes and wetlands provide excellent opportunities to observe rare species in their natural habitats. For those seeking cultural experiences, the park is rich in history, with ancient settlements, Byzantine churches, and traditional villages dotting the area.

Prespa National Park has made significant strides in conservation, particularly in protecting its unique biodiversity and promoting sustainable tourism. However, challenges remain, including water level fluctuations due to climate change, habitat degradation, and the need for continued collaboration among the countries sharing the Prespa Basin.

Efforts to engage local communities in conservation initiatives and cross-border partnerships have been crucial to the park’s successes, ensuring that this natural treasure remains preserved for future generations.

Park Map

Prespa National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Prespa National Park, located in the region shared by Albania, Greece, and North Macedonia, is a haven of biodiversity. This park is known for its pristine lakes, wetlands, and mountainous terrain, which provide habitats for a wide range of wildlife. Below are some of the more popular animal species found in Prespa National Park:

Balkan Lynx
A critically endangered subspecies of the Eurasian lynx, the Balkan lynx is a secretive and rare predator found in the park’s forested areas. It is known for its beautiful spotted coat and tufted ears, making it a symbol of conservation efforts in the region.

Brown Bear
The brown bear roams the park’s forests and mountains. As one of Europe’s largest land mammals, it plays a crucial role in the ecosystem by helping to control herbivore populations.

European Otter
These playful and agile creatures inhabit the lakes and waterways of the park. European otters are important indicators of water quality and contribute to maintaining aquatic ecosystem balance.

Wolf
Wolves thrive in the park’s diverse habitats, where they hunt deer and smaller mammals. They are vital for controlling prey populations and maintaining ecological balance.

Wild Boar
An adaptable species, wild boar can be found in various habitats within the park. They forage for roots, fruits, and small animals, contributing to soil aeration through their digging behavior.

Chamois
This agile mountain goat-like animal is found in the park’s rocky, high-altitude areas. Chamois are well-adapted to steep terrain and are admired for their climbing skills.

Red Fox
Known for its intelligence and adaptability, the red fox is a common sight in Prespa National Park. It thrives in diverse environments, from forests to open meadows.

European Roe Deer
These elegant herbivores are frequently spotted in the park’s woodlands and meadows. They play a crucial role in the ecosystem as prey for predators and as browsers of vegetation.

Golden Jackal
The golden jackal is a resourceful scavenger and predator found in the park. It is highly adaptable and can survive in various habitats, from wetlands to dry terrain.

Badger
The badger is a nocturnal mammal that digs extensive burrow systems in the park. It is known for its distinctive black-and-white-striped face and its role in controlling insect populations.

Birds

Prespa National Park is also renowned for its remarkable birdlife, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise. The park’s lakes, wetlands, and forests host many popular bird species, including several rare and endangered ones.

Dalmatian Pelican
This iconic bird, with its large size and distinctive pouch, is a key species of the park’s wetlands. The Dalmatian pelican is among the heaviest flying birds and relies on the park’s rich fish populations.

Great White Pelican
Closely related to the Dalmatian pelican, this species is slightly smaller and known for its graceful flights and cooperative fishing behavior.

Pygmy Cormorant
A small and agile waterbird, the pygmy cormorant is often seen diving for fish in the park’s lakes and rivers. It is a conservation priority due to its declining populations in other areas.

Great Crested Grebe
These elegant waterbirds are known for their elaborate courtship displays and excellent swimming abilities. They nest on floating vegetation in the park’s wetlands.

White Stork
Often associated with good fortune, the white stork builds large nests in trees and on man-made structures. It migrates to and from Africa, making it a seasonal visitor.

Eurasian Spoonbill
With its distinctive spoon-shaped bill, the Eurasian spoonbill wades through shallow waters in search of fish and small aquatic organisms.

Little Egret
This graceful white heron is often seen in the park’s wetlands, where it hunts for fish and insects. Its slender frame and black legs make it easily recognizable.

Ferruginous Duck
This diving duck is a conservation concern due to habitat loss elsewhere. It frequents the park’s lakes and is known for its reddish-brown plumage.

Common Kingfisher
A small, brightly colored bird with a striking blue and orange appearance, the kingfisher is often spotted near the park’s waterways, where it dives for fish.

Black Stork
Less common than its white counterpart, the black stork is a shy and solitary bird that prefers secluded wetlands and forests for nesting and feeding.