Rrajca

With its mountain streams and glacial lakes, it is one of the most beautiful mountain regions in eastern Albania. The component part comprises the best-preserved beech forests that have the character of a primeval forest. They are located in the upper Bustrica valley, which is very remote and difficult to access. In the forests on the steep slopes, beech grows together with fir and Balkan pine as well as other endemic species. Remnants of thermophilic mixed oak forests with Macedonian oak, Turkey oak, and European box show the Mediterranean influence.

• UNESCO recognition: 2017
• Protected area: Shebenik-Jabllanicë National Park
• Beech forest region: Moesian-Balcanic
• Area: 2,129.45 ha
• Number of component parts: 1
• Altitudinal range: submontane to high montane (700 – 2,000 m above sea level)
• Fauna: Brown bear, Wolf, Lynx, European wildcat, Eurasian otter, Chamois, Golden eagle, White-backed woodpecker, Wood grouse, Common kestrel