Athanasia Chrysafis Biska

The virgin forest of Fraktos, situated in the northeastern part of the Prefecture of Drama in northern Greece under the highest summit of central Rhodope Mountains, is the only old-growth forest in the country and among the most unique in Europe.

The Fraktos forest had been declared a military zone for years and was thus unaffected by human activity.

The woodland ecosystem - unaffected for at least 500 years - was registered as a virgin forest in 1979, and a year later was declared a protected monument of nature.

Fraktos is home to 100 species of birds and 32 species of mammals including several rare animal species in Greece and Europe.

Athens News Agency: Fraktos Forest, the only virgin forest in Greece

Source: Greek news Agenda