Quercus ilex L. forests, along with Q. pubescens Willd. forests, were once seen as the terminal point of succession in the Mediterranean basin. However this is no longer the case, with many areas in the eastern Mediterranean being dominated by Pinus brutia Tenore stands. This is the case within Ikaria where logging has increased the recruitment of this fast growing pine species. However, in the centre of Ikaria there still remains one large stand of Q. ilex woodland. This forest, known locally as Ranti, is the largest area of Q. ilex forest in the Aegean and potentially the entire eastern Mediterranean basin.

This forest, like so many others, is under pressure from anthropogenic factors. The most devastating to the ecosystem include the extraction of trees for firewood and the intensive grazing of goats. Both of these factors lead to the destruction of the forest and eventual desertification and eradication of its unique habitats.
 

Archipelagos Actions within the Ranti Forest

The Ancient Forest of Ranti in Ikaria, despite its importance and uniqueness, is not governed by any protection status, management plan or protective measures. It is therefore at the mercy of uncontrolled grazing and logging, resulting in the loss of a large number of old growth trees every year.
 

One of the research teams

Before each research, there is always a plan

In order to put an end to the ongoing degradation and destruction of this unique Mediterranean ecosystem, Archipelagos, a non-profit organization, has conducted investigations into this rare ecosystem in the past few years. Data collection focuses on the following areas:

• Dendrology research
• GIS mapping
• Recording flora biodiversity
• Recording fauna biodiversity (focusing ornithology)
• Documenting the age and size of the trees
• Tree density – both of the dominant Holm Oak and general tree density
• Species composition
• Anthropogenic Threats
• Phytopathogens
• Creation of a Holm Oak seedling nursery at the Archipelagos research base in Rahes
 

For the needs of the research dendrological methods and techniques are being used

Freshwater sampling for analysis in Archipelagos' lab

The aim of Archipelagos work in Ranti Forest is to protect, restore and maintain the largest area of Holm Oak (Quercus ilex L.) woodland in the North East Mediterranean.

The research for the protection of the ancient Ranti Forest is non-profit and is fueled by the efforts of Archipelagos staff, in cooperation with scientists from the University of Cukurova in Adana, Turkey, the Department of Agronomy at the University of Rennes, France, and the Forest Research Institute of Greece.

Read here for other actions from the Archipelagos terrestrial research team for the protection of Ranti forest. These actions include:

• Study of fire prevention and early warning systems in Ranti Forest
• Proposal for establishing a "Permanent Wildlife Refuge" in Ranti Forest.
• Assessment of grazing impacts on the natural environment of the island of Ikaria, Greece
o In cooperation with the University, Ecole Nationale Superieure d’Agronomie de Rennes, France
• Proposal for the implementation of protection status for the Ranti Forest
• Some of the results conducted by Archipelagos research team in Ranti Forest