Rare Species Found in the Territory of Paramelis Explored by Participants of the Rally of Species

In May 2024, the Rally of Species, the eleventh annual event, took place on the "island" of Paramelis and its surroundings. During this event, the country's best naturalists aim to record as many species of plants, animals, and fungi as possible within a 24-hour period at a designated location. The event not only enhances scientific knowledge but also contributes to a better understanding of Lithuania's biodiversity.

We are pleased that the organizers of the rally chose the surroundings of Paramelis, where initial monitoring of the area has revealed the presence of numerous rare animal and plant species.

A total of 70 professional and amateur naturalists participated in the rally, divided into 16 teams. Over the course of one day, the teams identified more than 1,000 different species of organisms on the "island" of Paramelis, in the valley of the River Katra, and in the surrounding areas of Dubičiai. Some of these species are extremely rare and are listed in the Red Data Book of Lithuania, while others were recorded for the first time in the Fund's protected areas.

For example, the rare Siberian iris (Iris sibirica) had not previously been known to grow within the Fund's protected area. Two sites were discovered, one of which is on the "island" of Paramelis.

Scientists were also surprised and delighted by the discovery of coralroot bittercress (Cardamine bulbifera), Jacob's ladder (Polemonium caeruleum), wolf's bane (Arnica montana), flat bark beetles (Cucujus cinnaberinus), the honey buzzard (Pernis apivorus), the corn bunting (Emberiza calandra), and many others.