Labanoras Regional Park

Labanoras Regional Park
IUCN category V (protected landscape/seascape)
Location	Lithuania
Coordinates	55°14′N 25°42′E / 55.233°N 25.700°E / 55.233; 25.700Coordinates: 55°14′N 25°42′E / 55.233°N 25.700°E / 55.233; 25.700
Area	553.18 km2 (213.58 sq mi)
Established	1992

Labanoras Regional Park, established in 1992, is located 80 kilometers northeast of Lithuania's capital, Vilnius. Covering 553.18 km², it is the largest regional park in the country.^[1]

Nature[]

Labanoras forest east of Labanoras

The park contains about 70 lakes; about 80% of its land is forested. Its floral biodiversity is high, and it is home to the densest population of nesting white stork couples in Europe.^[2] It also contains areas with archeological, architectural, ethnographic, and historic value.^[3] It is the largest Lithuania regional park, distinguished by a variety of landscapes, extremely rich flora and fauna. The largest part of the park is occupied by forests (80%), mostly pine forests.  [lt] with abundant wetlands and lakes is characterized by an abundance of protected species. Lakes occupy 14 percent. park areas. Spectacular  [lt] and White Lakajai,  [lt],  [lt] and other lakes in Molėtai Lake District, 15.8 km long  [lt] lake.  [lt], one of the most beautiful and exotic rivers, was loved not only by water birds but also by water tourists.

There are 285 lakes in Labanoras Regional Park - the largest of all Lithuanian regional parks. Largest:  [lt], White Lakajai,  [lt]. About 30 streams flow through the park. These are  [lt],  [lt],  [lt],  [lt]. In addition to these water bodies, the park protects swamp ecosystems, valuable calcareous marshes.

A whole complex of high marshes and lakeside low marshes is protected - Kanija raistas and many larger and smaller wetlands. In the Girutiškis Nature Reserve here, the Beržalotas upland swamp shines with the mirrors of the lakes.

Pine forests make up 81 percent. of all the forests in the park. Along with abundant lakes, swamps, hilly and undulating terrain, they are very picturesque.

The distant surroundings of Aukštaitija National Park can be seen from the observation tower of the Lithuanian Museum of Ethnocosmology.

The park is a famous breeding ground for elks, wolves and lynxes.

References[]