Chréa National Park

Chréa National Park

The Chrea National Park is one of the smallest protected areas and national parks in Algeria, boasting a wealth of unique flora and fauna. In addition to cedar forests, there are cork oaks, holm oaks, pines and more than 1,100 different species of plants that grow in the forest undergrowth and rugged mountain slopes. This park and the entire Bildean region are the watershed for the surrounding towns of Algiers, Medea and Blida. The park and biosphere reserve cover an estimated 36 985 hectares. The Atlas Cedar Forest is home to some primates, such as the Barbary Macaque. Bats in Chréa National Park include the Common Pipistrelle, Greater Horseshoe Bat and Lesser Horseshoe Bat. The Common Pipistrelle is widespread. Its average wingspan is 180-240 mm, length 35-45 mm, and weight 3-8 grams. Their flight pattern is fast and erratic, with a single bat consuming up to 3,000 insects each night. The Greater Horseshoe Bat is commonly named for the horseshoe shape of its foreleg, which is part of its echolocation system. Contrary to popular belief, bats have good eyesight but nevertheless use an echolocation system to orient themselves and detect insect prey. Their ears are leaf-shaped and pointed and their bodies are covered with soft brown fur. Greater Horseshoe Bats are said to be the longest-lived of all bat species, some living up to 30 years. They have a wingspan of 350 to 400 mm, a body length of 57 to 71 mm and weigh up to 30 grams. Their preferred food is large moths, large beetles and caddis flies.