Thessalonica Wildlife
Travelers can visit wildlife habitats in Thessalonica and leave the place having enjoyed a unique, satisfying experience.
There are many places of ecological interest in the area, such as the forest of Seih Su, which is home to an impressive and unusual array of wildlife that developed as a result of the close proximity of the forest to Mount Chortiatis and the recent ban on hunting.
The forest is home to turtles, two tortoise species, snakes, and lizards. The birds that visit the forest are many and varied. Hoopoes and ortolan are rare to see – cross your fingers. In the spring, osprey and peregrine falcons, nightingales and warblers nest in the forest. In the winter tits and bullfinches arrive from colder climates, followed by birds of prey such as marsh harriers, buzzards, kestrels and sparrow hawks. Nocturnal sights include badgers, foxes, and owls.
Unfortunately, a fire that occurred in the summer of 1997 destroyed a significant area of the forest and recovery is taking many years.
Another place of interest is the lake district where the visitor can see the popular wetlands of the north. The Ramsar Convention has recognized the Koronia and Volvi Lakes and the delta area to the west of Thessaloniki formed by the three rivers Aliakmona, Loudia and Axios, as a wetland of international importance. To the east the Anthemounda valley and on the Thermaic Gulf opposite the Axios delta are the two small, but significant coastal wetlands of Agelochori and Epanomi.
