Shebenik-Jablanica

Names in the national language

Shebenik (Albania, North Macedonia)

Jabllanica (Albania)

Jablanica (North Macedonia)

Location and short description

Shebenik-Jablanica Mountain is located in the southwestern part of North Macedonia and eastern part of Albania. In Albania, the Shebenik-Jablanica National Park covers nearly 34,000 ha. Due to its specific geographical location, but also climatic, geological, geomorphologic, hydrographic and pedological features, Shebenik-Jablanica is characterized by great biological diversity. For example, 32 % of the Albanian flora is found in the region. Moreover, the region constitutes an important corridor for large carnivores.

Special features

The mountain has a geological importance, consisting of a complex of limestone and silicate ranges, as well as karstic areas. One great example is the Kosharishti cave. In addition, the mountain includes four major glacial lakes in the central part of the mountain range, particularly Lake Shebenik and Lake Rrajca. The highest peak (Maja e Rreshpës) is at 2,260 m of altitude. Furthermore, a virgin beech forest area still exists within the Shebenik-Jablanica National Park in Albania, which is declared as an UNESCO World Nature Heritage Site. In this area, many natural and cultural monuments may be found, namely: Studna Spring, The ice cave, Meshtekna Qarishtes, Rrapi Taksimit and Gurra Karajt.

Main biotop types

Thermophile oak forests, beech forest, alpine pastures and meadows

Species

• Mammals: Brown bear (Ursus arctos), Grey wolf (Canis lupus), Balkan chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra balkanica), Balkan lynx (Lynx lynx balcanicus), Wild cat (Felis silvestris)
• Birds: Golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), Short-toed eagle (Circaetus gallicus), White backed woodpecker (Dendrocopos leucotos), European green woodpecker (Picus viridis)
• Amphibians: Fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra)
• Plants: Virgin beech (Fagus sylvatica), Balkan endemic pine (Pinus peuce), Winter heath (Erica herbacea), Albanian tulip (Tulipa albanica)

Status of protection

National Park (Albania)

Proposed Emerald Site, IPA, Prime Butterfly Areas (North Macedonia)