Karula National Park

Karula National Park (Estonian Karula Rahvuspark ) is a national park in the south of Estonia.

Area

1979 Karula was designated as a conservation area, since 1993 he has National Park. Its area is 11,097 hectares and comprises about one-third of the ridge Karula. The highest elevation is 137 m high Rebasejärve Tornimägi.

The area comprises mainly the historic parish of Karula, where the old rural traditions have survived to this day. Today about 200 people live permanently within the boundaries of national parks. They usually speak the South-Estonian Võro dialect as their mother tongue. 157 historic farms are located in the area of ​​national parks, which have been partly very well restored.

Landscape

The landscape of the national park is varied. In addition to forests (70 % of the territory ), there are numerous smaller Moore, 38 lakes and numerous ponds and streams. The largest lake is the Ähijärv with a water surface area of ​​176.2 ha

Fauna

In the National Park Karula eleven different species of carp have so far been detected. In addition, there are numerous other freshwater fish as a large population of loach. Known is the National Park for its 13 different kinds of bumblebees and nine species of ants. 157 species of birds can be found on its territory, including osprey, spotted eagle, corncrake and black stork.

The National Park recorded 42 species of mammals, including the Northern bat, Daubenton's bat and the Nathusius' Pipistrelle. Enjoy special protection of the otter and the pond bat.

Flora

In Karula National Park, there are 431 different species of vascular plants. Among the specially protected species include some species of orchids and some diamond ferns. In addition, you will find some rare for Estonia fungi such as Amanita different and Milkcaps.