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| Images of Albanian Flora and Fauna (archive) |
Albania is one of the countries in the world with a rich variety of plant life, both in terms of formations and accompanying species. Albania is home to around 3,000 species of plants (excluding subspecies and varieties), which account for about 29% of the European flora and 47% of the flora of the Balkan Peninsula. Of these, 1% of Albanian plants are endemic, and 5% are sub-endemics. Many of these species have Albania as their primary habitat.
Some plants with endemic characteristics include Gymnospermium shqiptarum Paparisto, Aster albanicus Degen, Ranunculus hayekii Dorfles, Crepis bertiscea, among others. Albanian flora is also rich in relic plants from both pre-glacial and post-glacial periods. Examples from the first period include Aesculus hippocastanum L., while from the second period, species such as Salix reticulata are notable.
Approximately 15% of all plant species in Albania are characteristic of the Balkan Peninsula. The remaining 85% are associated with Mediterranean flora, Central European flora, and, to a lesser extent, the flora of Western and Eastern Europe. The Koplik-Leskovik line divides plants of predominantly Mediterranean origin in the west (Mediterranean woodlands and shrubs) from those of Central European origin, including Euro-Asiatic species, North Balkan, and Alpine-Carpathian types in the east. These plants represent about 65% of Albania's total flora, and are typically found in deciduous forests (oak, beechwood) and coniferous forests. The distribution of these plants is closely linked to mountainous belts and the diminishing influence of the sea from west to east.
Mountainous terrain has influenced the diversity of plant species in Albania, resulting in four distinct vegetation zones: Mediterranean shrubs, oak forests, beechwood and coniferous forests, and alpine meadows.
Mediterranean shrubs cover about 42% of the country, extending up to 600 meters in the north, 700-800 meters in central Albania, and 800-1000 meters in the south. In the lower areas of this zone, evergreen shrubs such as Arbutus unedo L., Erica arborea L., and Myrtus communis thrive. Within the Mediterranean shrub zone, there are also areas of Mediterranean forest, including forests of Pinus halepensis Miller and Pinus pinea, Quercus ilex, Quercus macrolepis Kotschy, and Quercus pubescens Willd. In warmer regions, some tropical plants such as palm trees (Phoenix, Trachycarpus, Chamaerops), Indian fig trees (Opuntia ficus-indica L. Mill), laurel (Laurus nobilis L.), cacti (Agave americana L.), and eucalyptus (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) also grow. In the upper areas of this zone, deciduous shrubs like Carpinus orientalis Mill shed their leaves during the cold season.
Oak forests cover about 36% of the country’s area. They grow at altitudes of 400-800 meters in northern Albania, 550-1000 meters in central Albania, and 800-1250 meters in the south. These forests are composed of Quercus petraea (Mattuschka) Liebl., mixed with Quercus frainetto Ten., and other species, as well as forests with Quercus frainetto Ten., Castanea sativa Miller, Quercus cerris L., and Carpinus betulus L., among others. Currently, oak forests make up about 20% of Albania's forested areas.
Beech forests cover about 17% of Albania's land area. Along with conifers, they extend up to 1600 meters in northern Albania, 1800 meters in central Albania, and 1900 meters in the south. These forests form the highest border of the tree line and consist mainly of beech and coniferous species. The beech forests are primarily made up of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), mixed with species such as Abies alba Miller, Acer pseudoplatanus L., Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl, and Pinus nigra Arnold (black pine), which grow alongside the beech forests. Other conifers in the region include Pinus leucodermis Antoine, Pinus peuce Griseb, Picea abies (L.) Karst., and Pinus sylvestris L., although the latter has a more limited distribution.
Fir trees cover about 2% of Albania's territory and include the Macedonian fir (Abies borisii-regis Mattf.), found in southern Albania at altitudes between 1000 and 1700 meters. These fir trees grow in mixed forests with various beech species such as Quercus pubescens Willd., Quercus trojana Webb, and Quercus macrolepis Kotschy, as well as with conifers like Pinus peuce Griseb and Pinus leucodermis Antoine. The forests dominated by Pinus peuce Griseb are composed of Pinus leucodermis Antoine, Pinus peuce Griseb, and Pinus heldreichii Christ, growing at altitudes between 1600 and 2100 meters. These forests form a distinct belt along the upper tree line.
Alpine meadows are found at elevations higher than the forests and are characterized by alpine plant species. In northern Albania, these meadows resemble those of central Europe, while in the south, they are more Mediterranean in nature. These areas are primarily used as pastures.
Forests in Albania cover about 35% of the country's territory. However, forests have not received the necessary attention, and the main issue is illegal logging, which continues to this day. The ratio between tree cutting and replanting is approximately 3:1, which has led to deforestation and forest degradation. Some forests with unique plants and of scientific and practical importance have been declared national parks.
Albania is renowned in Europe for its rich diversity of fauna, which is closely linked to its varied landscapes. Due to its geographic location, Albania is a major route for migratory birds. To protect and increase the population of wildlife, many rare animals have been declared natural monuments, and wildlife reserves have been established. Despite these efforts, human activities, including pesticide use in agriculture and unregulated hunting, have reduced the number and variety of wild animals.
Among the most widespread carnivores in Albania's wildlife are the brown bear, wolf, fox, jackal, wildcat, polecat, weasel, and species like Lynx lynx and Martes martes. Insectivores include species such as the mole, various hedgehogs, and bats. Herbivores include animals like deer, wild goat, wild boar, and hare. Some very rare animals include Lynx lynx, wild goats, deer, and brown bears.
Albania also boasts a rich and fascinating bird population, with about 350 species found across the country. These birds include both migratory and permanent species. The most common birds of prey include the screech owl, hawk, eagle, Falco, Neophron percnopterus L., and Gyps fulvus. The country's waterfowl population consists of migratory birds such as wild ducks and wild geese, as well as species like the Dalmatian pelican (Pelecanus crispus) that form colonies in Divjaka, and seagulls. Albania's coastal and inland waters are also rich in fish, with 260 species representing almost all Mediterranean fish families. In addition to fish, the coastal waters are home to several species of turtles and marine mammals, including dolphins, rare whales, and the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus). Otters, which feed on fish, also live along the rivers and lakes.