Mali me Gropa | |
Map: | Albania |
Elevation: | 1818m (5,965feet) |
Prominence: | 518m (1,699feet) |
Isolation: | 250m (820feet) |
Coordinates: | 41.3734°N 20.033°W |
Translation: | Holes Mountain |
Region: | Central Mountain Region |
Settlement Type: | Municipality |
Settlement: | Tirana |
Range: | Skanderbeg Mountains |
Age: | Mesozoic |
Type: | massif |
Geology: | limestone, flysch |
Mali me Gropa is a massif situated in central Albania, east of Tirana municipality, wedged between the Dajti Mountain National Park in the west and the Martanesh highlands in the east. It forms part of the Mali me Gropa-Bizë-Martanesh Nature Park, within the Western Ranges. Its highest peak, Maja e Micekut, reaches a height of 1818m (5,965feet).[1]
The massif primarily consists of heavily decomposed Mesozoic limestone and is distinguished for its extensive presence of karst processes and formations, most notably, the prevalence of funnels in the shape of small and large pits, which have given it its name. Along the sides of the massif, where the limestone meets the flysch, numerous karst springs emerge, contributing to the water supply of the Erzen river, as well as the upper branches of the Mat and Ishëm rivers.[2]
Although the vegetation is relatively scarce, summer pastures and sporadic patches of beech trees are found, mainly around the eastern and northern confines.In recent decades, efforts have been made to introduce artificial afforestation, particularly with the usage of pine trees.
Wildlife in the area includes wild pigeons and mountain cranes, further enhancing the natural diversity of the region.[3]