Angelochori Lagoon, Thermaikos Riviera

The Angelochori Lagoon or Megalo Emvolo natural wetlands have an area of 377.2 hectares has vegetation corresponding to Epanomi but the habitats are fewer because of increased salinity due to its proximity to the of salt marshes and the smaller area of the wetlands.

It primarily consists of annual plants while the plant species that predominate mainly belong to the Chenopodiaceae, Gramineae and Compositae families. 178 different species of birds have been recorded out of which 48 are protected species (flamingo –cormorant). However, in relation to the rest of the fauna, there are many species of mammals,amphibians and reptiles living here. The ones that stand out are “Hermann’s tortoise” (Testudo hermanii), Spur-thighed or Greek tortoise (Testudo graeca) and “European ground squirrel” (Citelluscitellus) that are defined at priority species under EEC Directive 92/43, “European green toad” (Bufo viridis), “European tree frog” (Hyla arborea), “Skyros Wall Lizard” (Podarcis taurica) and Aesculapian Snake (Elaphe longissima), which are defined as species that require strict protection under the same Directive, as well as other such as the “grass, ringed or water snake” (Natrix natrix), “red fox” (Vulpes vulpes), “southern whitebreasted hedgehog” (Erinaceus concolor) and “European badger” (Meles meles). 11 types of habitats have also been recorded, in respect of which two are classified as a priority and relate to marine type habitats, where there are rare species of fish (the “South European toothcarp” and “Black-striped pipefish”).

Source: http://visit-thermaikos.com/item/angelochori-lagoon/?lang=en