Landscape and Biodiversity

Aukštadvaris Regional Park lies within the Dzūkija Uplands, a region known for its forested lake systems, glacio-fluvial and moraine landforms, and the upper reaches of the Verknė and Strėva Rivers. The park’s unique terrain, shaped by the last glaciation, offers exceptional ecological diversity, educational value, and recreational opportunities.

A Mosaic of Landscapes

The park features a rich variety of natural landforms, including:

• Lake complexes in tunnel valleys and moraine depressions

• Steep-sloped forested hills and ridges

• Undulating glacio-fluvial terraces

• Deep erosional valleys and thermokarst depressions

• Gently urbanized lake shores and riverbanks

These landforms shape a landscape of rare natural beauty and ecological significance, providing habitats for diverse species and a refuge for sensitive ecosystems.

European Union Natura 2000 Sites

Aukštadvaris Regional Park includes multiple habitat types of European Community importance, such as:

• Sub-Atlantic oak-hornbeam forests

• Juniper formations on heathlands

• Hard oligo-mesotrophic lakes

• Watercourses with characteristic aquatic vegetation

• Semi-natural dry grasslands, Molinia meadows, alkaline and calcareous fens, bog woodlands, and Western Taiga

Flora and Fauna

• Plants: 954 species, with 7 protected by the EU and 76 listed in the Lithuanian Red Data Book

• Mammals: 54 species (18 EU-protected, 14 in the Red Data Book)

• Birds: 167 species (39 EU-protected, 44 in the Red Data Book)

• Fish: 33 species

• Amphibians & Reptiles: 18 species (9 EU-protected, 5 in the Red Data Book)

• Invertebrates: 1,064 species (8 EU-protected, 19 in the Red Data Book)