Alonnisos Marine Park

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Alonnisos Marine Park, located in the Northern Sporades of Greece, is the largest marine protected area in Europe. It is home to a variety of marine and terrestrial wildlife, including the endangered Mediterranean monk seal. The park’s rich biodiversity and crystal-clear waters make it a sanctuary for many species that thrive in its protected environment.

Mediterranean Monk Seal (Monachus monachus)
The star of Alonnisos Marine Park, the Mediterranean monk seal, is one of the most endangered marine mammals in the world. With fewer than 700 individuals remaining, this species finds refuge in the park’s secluded caves and pristine waters. They are known for their smooth, dark coats and distinctive whiskered faces.

Common Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)
These intelligent and playful marine mammals are frequently spotted in the waters of the park. Recognizable by their curved dorsal fins and expressive faces, bottlenose dolphins are social creatures that often travel in pods, delighting visitors with their acrobatics.

Short-Beaked Common Dolphin (Delphinus delphis)
Once abundant in the Mediterranean, this dolphin species is now considered vulnerable due to habitat degradation and overfishing. They are distinguished by their striking hourglass pattern and swift, agile swimming.

Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta)
The warm waters of Alonnisos provide an essential habitat for the loggerhead sea turtle. These ancient reptiles, which can live for over 50 years, come to the park to feed and rest, though they face threats from plastic pollution and accidental fishing bycatch.

Striped Dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba)
Another frequent visitor to the marine park, the striped dolphin is known for its beautiful blue and white streaked body. They are highly energetic swimmers and often leap out of the water in spectacular displays.

Mediterranean Moray Eel (Muraena helena)
A mysterious and fierce predator of the park’s rocky seabeds, the Mediterranean moray eel has a long, snake-like body and razor-sharp teeth. Despite their intimidating appearance, they are an important part of the marine ecosystem.

Grouper (Epinephelus marginatus)
A key species in the marine park, groupers are large, territorial fish that inhabit rocky reefs. They are slow-growing and vulnerable to overfishing, making their protection crucial for maintaining marine biodiversity.

Dusky Grouper (Epinephelus guaza)
Another prominent member of the grouper family, this species is known for its ability to change sex as it matures. These fish are top predators in their ecosystem, helping to regulate fish populations.

Octopus (Octopus vulgaris)
The common octopus is a master of disguise, capable of changing color and texture to blend into its surroundings. It is highly intelligent, using problem-solving skills to escape predators and hunt for prey.

Greater Amberjack (Seriola dumerili)
A fast and powerful fish, the greater amberjack is often found in the open waters of the marine park. They are top predators, preying on smaller fish and cephalopods, contributing to the ecological balance of the marine environment.

Birds

Alonnisos Marine Park is also a paradise for bird enthusiasts, with many seabirds and migratory species making their home in its rocky islets and coastal cliffs. These birds play a vital role in the marine ecosystem and add to the park’s natural beauty.

Audouin’s Gull (Ichthyaetus audouinii)
A rare and elegant seabird, Audouin’s gull has a distinctive red beak and is primarily found along the Mediterranean coast. It prefers undisturbed areas for nesting, making Alonnisos an ideal habitat.

Yellow-Legged Gull (Larus michahellis)
Commonly seen soaring above the park’s waters, the yellow-legged gull is a large and opportunistic seabird that feeds on fish, marine invertebrates, and even human scraps.

European Shag (Gulosus aristotelis)
This dark-feathered seabird is often spotted perched on coastal rocks, drying its wings after diving for fish. Unlike cormorants, the European shag has a slender neck and a more delicate profile.

Cory’s Shearwater (Calonectris diomedea)
A long-winged seabird that glides effortlessly over the waves, Cory’s shearwater nests in the park’s cliffs and rocky islets. It travels vast distances across the sea outside the breeding season.

Scopoli’s Shearwater (Calonectris diomedea diomedea)
Closely related to Cory’s shearwater, this species follows a similar lifestyle, nesting in burrows and feeding far out at sea. They return to Alonnisos Marine Park during the breeding season.

Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)
A graceful wading bird, the little egret is often seen along the park’s coastal wetlands. Its slender black legs and bright white plumage make it a striking sight.

Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
One of the fastest birds in the world, the peregrine falcon nests in the cliffs of the marine park, using its incredible speed to hunt other birds in mid-air.

Eleonora’s Falcon (Falco eleonorae)
This migratory falcon is unique for breeding late in the summer to take advantage of the autumn migration of small songbirds, which make up most of its diet.

Yelkouan Shearwater (Puffinus yelkouan)
A smaller and more elusive seabird, the Yelkouan shearwater is known for its swift and low flight over the sea. It breeds in caves and rocky crevices around the park’s islands.

Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)
This small and brilliantly colored bird can be found near the park’s freshwater sources, where it hunts for small fish by diving headfirst into the water.

Alonnisos Marine Park is a crucial sanctuary for marine and bird species, helping to preserve the rich biodiversity of the Mediterranean. Its protected status ensures that these incredible creatures continue to thrive in their natural habitat.