The Municipality of Acharnes, located east of Athens, has raised urgent concerns regarding a sharp decline in the red deer (Cervus elaphus) population in Parnitha National Park, warning that the species is on the brink of extinction in the region.
According to a recent statement, members of the Parnitha Association, who have been conducting routine patrols on the mountain since May 1, have reported alarming developments in the status of the deer population.
“Data from the competent services confirm that the population of this emblematic species has reached critical levels, and we are now entering a phase of total extinction,” the municipal authority stated.
The red deer, regarded as a symbol of Parnitha’s natural legacy, plays a crucial role in preserving the ecological equilibrium and character of the park, the municipality emphasized.
In response to the crisis, officials are advocating for the reopening of the red deer breeding center within the national park. The proposal calls for the facility to be reestablished under modern standards and guided by scientific expertise to protect the remaining deer and foster a sustainable population recovery in the wild.
