Life at the Park
? GNO Park occupies 85% of the total area of the GNO Foundation Cultural Center. It is the largest public Mediterranean garden in the world, as well as a starting point in the strategic effort to develop environmental consciousness.
A unique habitat in the heart of Kallithea, it hosts numerous plant species, such as olive trees, lentisks, strawberry trees, carob trees, Judas trees, cypresses, and a very wide variety of native Greek aromatic plants. The choice of plants was made to alternate seasonal flowering and create interesting colors and various textures.
?GNO Park is home to many species of animals including cats, turtles, lizards, songbirds, and insects. The Park’s grasslands provide shelter, as well as materials for their nests, to many little birds, while trees and shrubs provide protection to larger birds and small animals.
GNO Park accommodates a large number of “mini beasts” such as beetles, bees and other bugs looking for food. These insects are a vital component of the Park’s ecosystem, and the creation and protection of their habitats is very important for the overall wellbeing of the Park.
Much of the life in the Park goes unnoticed. But if you watch closely, you will observe a world full of surprises. Discover the fauna of GNO Park, the habits and preferences of each species, and the best way to interact with them.
Discover the fauna of GNO Park
-
Many plant species are pollinated by insects, and this correlation is known as entomophily. Entomophilous plants have developed a series of “seductive” features to lure insects, such as brightly colored petals, fragrant flowers and delicious nectar. Both insects and plants benefit from this pollination relationship. Insects ensure an important food1Περισσότερα
-
Cats
GNO Park is home to several cats of all ages, whom you will probably encounter during your tour. Their main area of residence are the flower beds over the Mediterranean Garden, and the Great Lawn, towards the Planted Roofs. Due to their playful nature, you will often see them playing1Περισσότερα -
Pigeons
Pigeons, the descendants of the Rock Dove or Rock Pigeon, as Darwin used to call it (scientific name: Columbia Livia), are birds of the Columbidae family. They are known for having adapted exceptionally well to life in the city the world over. Most species are gray-blue, and white on the1Περισσότερα -
Sparrows
Sparrows are small perching birds of the family Passeridae, order Passeriformes. They are sociable birds, and some species associate with humans. They breed in loose colonies, building rather haphazard nests. They tend to nest in cavities, trees or shrubs. They are found in cities and in the countryside, feeding mainly1Περισσότερα -
Parrots
The parrots that we usually encounter in Athens are the ringneck parrot and the monk parrot. The ringneck parrot loves tall pine trees and constructs beautiful nests with twigs skillfully knit. We recognize it by its voice, short tail, small beak, and grayish belly. The monk parrot is bright green1Περισσότερα -
Swallows
The most common swallow in urban Greece is the Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica). The life span of a swallow depends on factors such as the quality and quantity of food intake and its ability to carry out migration journeys. It takes swallows about three (3) weeks to build a new1Περισσότερα -
Turtles
Reptiles with a peculiar appearance, alluding to mythical creatures, turtles come to us from the depths of geological history. They have existed on earth for some 200 million years, since the time of the dinosaurs. Although extremely slow-moving, they are an exceptionally successful life form. They survived the enormous environmental1Περισσότερα -
Mediterranean house gecko
The Mediterranean house gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus) is a small lizard of the Gekkonidae family. House geckos can see perfectly in the dark. But they are drawn to light, because they know this is where they will find food. They are amazing insect hunters. They can lie in wait for hours1Περισσότερα -
Dragonfly
The dragonfly is, according to scientists, the fastest insect on earth, able to fly at a speed of up to 97 kilometers per hour. The feet and claws in its mouth area make it an excellent hunter. The largest dragonfly family in the world is the Libellulidae, the Latin word1Περισσότερα