Park Information
Essential facts and information about Shebenik National Park.
Park Location
Elbasan County
Eastern Albania
Park Size
345 km²
Protected wilderness area
Management
IUCN Category II
National Park Status
About the Park
Key Facts
Located in Elbasan County, Eastern Albania
Established in 2008
345 km² protected area
Park Features:
- • 14 glacial lakes
- • Mount Shebenik peak (2,253m)
- • UNESCO World Heritage beech forests (Rrajca forests)
- • 32% of Albania's flora species
Conservation Status
IUCN Category II National Park
Part of the Balkan Green Belt
Protected habitat for endangered species
Protected Species:
- • Balkan lynx (less than 10 in Albania)
- • Brown bears
- • Gray wolves
- • Golden eagles
Geography & Access
Near Albanian-North Macedonian border
Part of the Korab-Koritnik Nature Park complex
Rugged mountain terrain, elevation 300-2,253m
Climate:
- • Mediterranean mountain climate
- • Snow cover November-April at higher elevations
- • Best visiting months: June-September
Natural Features
Flora
The park hosts approximately 32% of Albania's plant species, including:
- • Ancient beech forests (UNESCO protected)
- • Black pine forests
- • Alpine meadows
- • Over 1,300 plant species documented
- • Several endemic Balkan species
Fauna
Home to diverse wildlife including:
- • Large mammals: Brown bear, gray wolf, wild boar
- • Critically endangered Balkan lynx
- • Over 200 bird species
- • Reptiles and amphibians unique to the Balkans
- • Rich butterfly diversity
Water Features
Notable aquatic features:
- • 14 pristine glacial lakes
- • Numerous mountain springs
- • Seasonal waterfalls
- • Clear mountain streams
- • Important watershed for the region
Scientific Importance
The park serves as:
- • Living laboratory for ecological research
- • Important site for biodiversity conservation
- • Climate change monitoring location
- • Example of pristine Balkan ecosystems
- • Educational resource for environmental studies