| Cukal | |
| Map: | Albania |
| Elevation: | 1721m (5,646feet) |
| Prominence: | 235m (771feet) |
| Isolation: | 2.3km (01.4miles) |
| Coordinates: | 42.1377°N 19.7384°W |
| Region: | Northern Mountain Region |
| Settlement Type: | Municipality |
| Settlement: | Shkodër |
| Range: | Cukal–Biga e Gimajve |
| Age: | Mesozoic, Paleogene |
| Type: | massif |
| Geology: | limestone, flysch, shale |
Cukal ('Cukali') is a massif situated at the southernmost edge of the Albanian Alps. It is bordered by the river valleys of Kir in the northwest, Lesniqe in the northeast and Drin in the south.[1]
Extending in the shape of a dome with a northeast–southwest orientation, the massif has a length of 24km (15miles) and a width of 8km (05miles) and is part of the Krastë-Cukal tectonic zone. Composed primarily of Mesozoic limestone, flysch, Paleogene and less of shale and effusive rocks, it has a wrinkled, blocky and scaly structure, highly fragmented by the powerful tectonic movements of the Pliocene-Quaternary.[2]
The central section of the massif is marked by several prominent peaks, including Mbilqeth 1734m (5,689feet), Cukal 1721m (5,646feet), Vila 1514m (4,967feet), and Maja e Bardhë 1548m (5,079feet). Fusha e Lqethit, a pit-like formation rising at an elevation of 1323m (4,341feet), lies between these peaks. The massif is deeply divided by numerous streams originating from its center and flowing into Kir and Drin, creating a harsh alpine environment.[3]
Cukal is predominantly covered by oak and beech forests, with the presence of maquis shrubland in the southwestern end. On its edges are located the inhabited settlements of Rranxë, Cukal, Shllak, Temaliarë and Duzhman.
Despite being part of the Albanian Alps, it differs from other peaks of this range due to a lower elevation, a relatively milder climate, and a lack of alpine pastures in the area.[4]