Assessment of Ecological Units of Important Nature Conservation Area of Thrace Region

Abstract

The Gala Lake and the Igneada Longos (Flooded Forests), which are two of the most important wetlands of the Thrace Region and which are protected as national parks, are important reserves of biodiversity. In this study, to highlight the importance of both areas in natural conservation, the rarity, diversity, naturalness, and sensitivity of the ecological units were evaluated. The Gala Lake and Igneada Flooded Forests are internationally classified as rare and diverse in ornithology, and nationally, as rare and sensitive areas for the lake and the marsh fields. The findings indicated that the Gala Lake and the marsh fields be classified as seminatural and sensitive areas. Because of their endemic and rare species, the Igneada Flooded Forests show a rarity and diversity on an international scale.