GEO Days of Biodiversity

Upstream of Këlcyra.
Upstream of Këlcyra., © Adrian Guri
Extensive braided river section near Qesarat village.
Extensive braided river section near Qesarat village., © Adrian Guri
Participants to the GEO Days of Biodiversity at the Vjosa River. Approximately 70 participants were engaged in three days of field camp: biodiversity experts, student volunteers, journalists, celebrities and mayors of municipalities within the Vjosa basin (Tepelena, Qesarati, Memaliaj).
Participants to the GEO Days of Biodiversity at the Vjosa River. Approximately 70 participants were engaged in three days of field camp: biodiversity experts, student volunteers, journalists, celebrities and mayors of municipalities within the Vjosa basin (Tepelena, Qesarati, Memaliaj)., © Adrian Guri
Scientists in the floodplains on their way to work.
Scientists in the floodplains on their way to work., © Romy Durst
Common scops owl (Otus scops) - typical to riverbanks. 51 bird species were identified during the Vjosa field study.
Common scops owl (Otus scops) - typical to riverbanks. 51 bird species were identified during the Vjosa field study., © Edison Nuredini
Birdwatching under the guidance of Mirjam Topi/PPNEA.
Birdwatching under the guidance of Mirjam Topi/PPNEA., © Adrian Guri
Extremely rare Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus) – breeds and nests in Vjosa’s canyons.
Extremely rare Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus) – breeds and nests in Vjosa’s canyons., © Adrian Guri
Cory's shearwater (Calonectris diomedea) - typical species of natural river deltas.
Cory's shearwater (Calonectris diomedea) - typical species of natural river deltas., © Ilir Kaso
Birdwatching.
Birdwatching., © Adrian Guri
The hoopoe (Upupa epops). Suprisingly rare in the region.
The hoopoe (Upupa epops). Suprisingly rare in the region., © Olsi Nika
Many European green toads (Bufo viridis) were sighted.
Many European green toads (Bufo viridis) were sighted., © Adrian Guri
Balkan Water Frog (Rana balcanica). Participants identified 9 species of amphibians and reptiles that occur in five different habitats around Poçemi village in the middle section of the Vjosa River.
Balkan Water Frog (Rana balcanica). Participants identified 9 species of amphibians and reptiles that occur in five different habitats around Poçemi village in the middle section of the Vjosa River., © Enerit Saçdanaku
Amphibians/Reptiles working group: several animals were captured, measured and released.
Amphibians/Reptiles working group: several animals were captured, measured and released., © E.Xhemalaj
Marsh frog (Pelophylax ridibundus).
Marsh frog (Pelophylax ridibundus)., © Adrian Guri
Ulrich Eichelmann (Riverwatch) wishing for a princess.
Ulrich Eichelmann (Riverwatch) wishing for a princess., © Adrian Guri
Greek Stream Frog (Rana graeca) – typical to clean waters rich in oxygen.
Greek Stream Frog (Rana graeca) – typical to clean waters rich in oxygen., © Enerit Saçdanaku
European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) - near-threatened according to IUCN.
European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) - near-threatened according to IUCN., © Enerit Saçdanaku
Hermann's Tortoise (Testudo hermanni).
Hermann's Tortoise (Testudo hermanni)., © Enerit Saçdanaku
Fish working group under the guidance of Prof. Spase Shumka/PPNEA.
Fish working group under the guidance of Prof. Spase Shumka/PPNEA., © Romy Durst
10 species of fish were identified during the Vjosa field study, including diadromous ones. Many of them have different conservation statuses according to IUCN, the Albanian Red Book 2007 and the Bern Convention at European level.
10 species of fish were identified during the Vjosa field study, including diadromous ones. Many of them have different conservation statuses according to IUCN, the Albanian Red Book 2007 and the Bern Convention at European level., © Romy Durst
Prof. Spase Shumka while electrofishing.
Prof. Spase Shumka while electrofishing., © Adrian Guri
European Eel (Anguilla anguilla) – protected by IUCN and Albanian Red Book.
European Eel (Anguilla anguilla) – protected by IUCN and Albanian Red Book., © Spase Shumka
Terrestrial insects working group under the guidance of Slavcho Hristovski/MES.
Terrestrial insects working group under the guidance of Slavcho Hristovski/MES., © Adrian Guri
During the Vjosa field study, 30 species of ground beetles were identified, mostly in the sand and gravel banks of the river and its tributaries. Four species found have conservation status under the Albanian Red List: Cincindela germanica - VU, Carabus coriaceus - VU, Dorcus parallelipipedus - VU and Oryctes nasiconis - LR/nt.
During the Vjosa field study, 30 species of ground beetles were identified, mostly in the sand and gravel banks of the river and its tributaries. Four species found have conservation status under the Albanian Red List: Cincindela germanica - VU, Carabus coriaceus - VU, Dorcus parallelipipedus - VU and Oryctes nasiconis - LR/nt., © Adrian Guri
The tiger beetle Cylindera trisignata is common on sand islands or other sandy areas in the floodplains. The threat status of this species has not yet been classified by the IUCN.
The tiger beetle Cylindera trisignata is common on sand islands or other sandy areas in the floodplains. The threat status of this species has not yet been classified by the IUCN., © S. Hristovski
Adrian Guri
Black Pennant (Selysiothemis nigra) – identified as a new species in Albania in 2013.
Black Pennant (Selysiothemis nigra) – identified as a new species in Albania in 2013., © Ilir Kaso
Scientists at work: Slacho Hristovski from the Macedonian Ecological Society (MES).
Scientists at work: Slacho Hristovski from the Macedonian Ecological Society (MES)., © Adrian Guri
Eoperla ochracea – rare species and indicator of natural and free-flowing rivers.
Eoperla ochracea – rare species and indicator of natural and free-flowing rivers., © Adrian Guri
Macrozoobenthos group looking for small insects.
Macrozoobenthos group looking for small insects., © Romy Durst
Macrozoobenthos expert Ulrich Heckes from Germany in search of flying insects in the floodplain.
Macrozoobenthos expert Ulrich Heckes from Germany in search of flying insects in the floodplain., © Adrian Guri
Macrozoobenthos expert Prof. Wolfram Graf from the University of Natural Resources and Life Science (Boku) in Vienna.
Macrozoobenthos expert Prof. Wolfram Graf from the University of Natural Resources and Life Science (Boku) in Vienna., © Adrian Guri
Delicate work by macrozoobenthos experts. Approximately 150 species of macrozoobenthos were identified during the Vjosa field study. Literature on aquatic organisms in Albania is rare, so it will take time to determine if these are new findings for Albania. Biodiversity is high due to the habitat-heterogeneity within the river bed.
Delicate work by macrozoobenthos experts. Approximately 150 species of macrozoobenthos were identified during the Vjosa field study. Literature on aquatic organisms in Albania is rare, so it will take time to determine if these are new findings for Albania. Biodiversity is high due to the habitat-heterogeneity within the river bed., © Adrian Guri
Monika Hess (on the right) - macrozoobenthos expert.
Monika Hess (on the right) - macrozoobenthos expert., © Romy Durst
Macrozoobenthos group under media observation.
Macrozoobenthos group under media observation., © Romy Durst
Preperation for the night: light-traps for macrozoobenthos.
Preperation for the night: light-traps for macrozoobenthos., © W. Graff
Macrozoobenthos working group in action.
Macrozoobenthos working group in action., © Adrian Guri
Ilir Kaso
Adrian Guri
Waiting as a strategy.
Waiting as a strategy., © Romy Durst
Cigarette break.
Cigarette break., © Romy Durst
Butterfly working group under the guidance of Dime Melovski/MES (green shirt).
Butterfly working group under the guidance of Dime Melovski/MES (green shirt)., © Romy Durst
Southern Gatekeeper (Pyronia Cecilia) – a rare species endemic to Southern Europe, North Africa and Western Turkey. It was found at the Vjosa’s mouth into the Adriatic Sea. During the GEO Days, a total of 30 species of butterflies from 5 different families were identified.
Southern Gatekeeper (Pyronia Cecilia) – a rare species endemic to Southern Europe, North Africa and Western Turkey. It was found at the Vjosa’s mouth into the Adriatic Sea. During the GEO Days, a total of 30 species of butterflies from 5 different families were identified., © INFOJARDIN
Vjosa River Delta.
Vjosa River Delta., © L.Lazaj
Despina Kitanova (MES) and Dime Melovski (MES) in a side canyon of the Vjosa on the hunt for butterflies and dragonflies..
Despina Kitanova (MES) and Dime Melovski (MES) in a side canyon of the Vjosa on the hunt for butterflies and dragonflies.., © Ilir Kaso
Searching for dragonflies.
Searching for dragonflies., © Adrian Guri
Dragonflies laying eggs. Participants to the Vjosa field camp identified 18 species of dragonflies. Their key habitats were small tributaries of the Vjosa River, especially those with well-preserved riparian vegetation.
Dragonflies laying eggs. Participants to the Vjosa field camp identified 18 species of dragonflies. Their key habitats were small tributaries of the Vjosa River, especially those with well-preserved riparian vegetation., © D.Kitanova
Eastern Spectre (Caliaeschna microstigma) – IUCN protected. The population of Caliaeschna microstigma is declining due to degradation or loss of habitat.
Eastern Spectre (Caliaeschna microstigma) – IUCN protected. The population of Caliaeschna microstigma is declining due to degradation or loss of habitat., © Karen Nichols
Black Pennant (Selysiothemis nigra) – identified as a new species in Albania in 2013. The Vjosa delta is a new spot for Selysiothemis nigra in Albania.
Black Pennant (Selysiothemis nigra) – identified as a new species in Albania in 2013. The Vjosa delta is a new spot for Selysiothemis nigra in Albania., © Ilir Kaso
Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens).
Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens)., © Adrian Guri
Mediterranean black widow (Latrodectus tredecimguttatus) – one of eleven spider species recorded for the first time in Albania. However, the most important discovery was the species Devade tenella - the first record of this species in the Balkan Peninsula.
Mediterranean black widow (Latrodectus tredecimguttatus) – one of eleven spider species recorded for the first time in Albania. However, the most important discovery was the species Devade tenella - the first record of this species in the Balkan Peninsula., © M. Komnenov
Bats working group: exploring caves.
Bats working group: exploring caves., © E.Loçe
Myotis bechsteinii bat colony – the second only sighting in Albania. It is a very specialized species that lives only close to clean water, in an old-growth forest near a river.
Myotis bechsteinii bat colony – the second only sighting in Albania. It is a very specialized species that lives only close to clean water, in an old-growth forest near a river., © P. Théou
Excrement of a European Otter (Lutra Lutra) – protected by IUCN.
Excrement of a European Otter (Lutra Lutra) – protected by IUCN., © B. Hoxha
Camera trapping for mammals.
Camera trapping for mammals., © B. Hoxha
Fox captured by camera trap.
Fox captured by camera trap.
Wolf captured by camera trap.
Wolf captured by camera trap.
Hare captured by camera trap
Hare captured by camera trap
Vascular plants working group under the guidance of Prof. Ljupcho Melovski/MES. The key feature of the Vjosa valley habitats is their Mediterranean character and uniqueness which is specific to the southern Balkan Peninsula.
Vascular plants working group under the guidance of Prof. Ljupcho Melovski/MES. The key feature of the Vjosa valley habitats is their Mediterranean character and uniqueness which is specific to the southern Balkan Peninsula., © Adrian Guri
Greek Strawberry Tree (Arbutus andrachne) – unique to this area of Albania.
Greek Strawberry Tree (Arbutus andrachne) – unique to this area of Albania., © L. Melovski
Canyon of the Langarica River - a tributary to the Vjosa that is also threatened by dams.
Canyon of the Langarica River - a tributary to the Vjosa that is also threatened by dams., © Adrian Guri
Basecamp in Pocemi.
Basecamp in Pocemi., © Romy Durst
Participants during the reflections session.
Participants during the reflections session., © Ilir Kaso
Romy Durst (EuroNatur) - campaign coordinator.
Romy Durst (EuroNatur) - campaign coordinator., © Slavcho Hristovski
Slavcho Hristovski/MES - recreation at the campsite.
Slavcho Hristovski/MES - recreation at the campsite., © Romy Durst
Our local partners from PPNEA and organizers of the event: Spase Shumka, Besjana Guri and Olsi Nika.
Our local partners from PPNEA and organizers of the event: Spase Shumka, Besjana Guri and Olsi Nika., © Adrian Guri
Presentation of the "Blue Heart of Europe" campaign by Ulrich Eichelmann, Riverwatch.
Presentation of the "Blue Heart of Europe" campaign by Ulrich Eichelmann, Riverwatch., © Adrian Guri
Evening entertainment: “Mallkastra” Iso-polyphony group.
Evening entertainment: “Mallkastra” Iso-polyphony group., © Adrian Guri
Guri Rrokaj, traditional singer.
Guri Rrokaj, traditional singer., © Adrian Guri
"Diversity" and fun not only during the day.
"Diversity" and fun not only during the day., © Adrian Guri
Between June 13th-15th, the GEO Days of Biodiversity took place at the Vjosa River in Albania. This unique event was organized by the NGOs Riverwatch, Euronatur and PPNEA (Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania) in cooperation with the German GEO Magazine. Approximately 70 participants were engaged in three days of field camp: biodiversity experts, student volunteers, journalists, celebrities and mayors of municipalities within the Vjosa basin (Tepelena, Qesarat, Memaliaj). The activities was captured by a professional photographic team in order to record the scientific activities and findings. Of the more than 400 species identified, ten percent are either rare or endemic and are listed in the IUCN or Albanian Red Lists. Key findings included first records of species for both Albania and the Balkan Peninsula: the spider Devade tenella was first sighted on the Balkan Peninsula and eleven spider species were first recorded as part of the Albanian spider fauna. The second only sighting of a Myotis bechsteinii bat colony as well as rare bird species, which nest and breed in the Vjosa valley, were documented and are amongst the most impressive results. Also find our video, scientific report and press release!
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