| Nemërçka / Dousko | |
|---|---|
 View of the Nemërçka chain | |
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 2,482 m (8,143 ft) |
| Prominence | 1,797 m (5,896 ft) |
| Isolation | 33.2 km (20.6 mi) |
| Listing | Ultra-prominent[1] |
| Coordinates | 40°07′24″N20°25′57″E / 40.123457°N 20.432495°E /40.123457; 20.432495 |
| Geography | |
  Nemërçka / Dousko | |
| Countries |  Albania Greece |
| Region | Southern Mountain Region |
| Municipality | Përmet,Gjirokastër |
| Parent range | Trebeshinë-Dhëmbel–Nemërçkë |
| Geology | |
| Rock age(s) | Mesozoic,Paleogene |
| Mountain type | chain |
| Rock type | limestone |
Nemërçka (Albanian:Nemërçkë,Greek:Νεμέρτσικα, Δούσκο, Μερόπη, Αεροπός,romanized: Nemértsika, Doúsko, Merópi, Aeropós) is amountain chain situated along the boundary betweenGjirokastër andPërmet municipalities, in southernAlbania and northernGreece. Part of theTrebeshinë-Dhëmbel-Nemërçkëmountain range, its highest peak,Maja e Papingut, reaches a height of 2,482 m (8,143 ft), making it the highest peak in theSouthern Mountain Region. Other notable peaks include Maja e Gatakut 2,269 m (7,444 ft), Maja e Qesarit 2,253 m (7,392 ft), Maja e Poliçanit 2,138 m (7,014 ft), etc.
The chain extends about 20 km (12 mi) from Qafa e Dhëmbelit in the north to the state border withGreece in the south, stretching at a width of 4–10 km (2.5–6.2 mi).[2]
Composed primarily ofMesozoic andPaleogenelimestones, Nemërçka features a heavily karstifiedridge, formed by an elongated anticlinal structure, embanking thegraben valley ofVjosë. The eastern slope descends steeply, often presenting as cliffs that are impassable, while the western slope is more gradual.Quaternary glaciations have left visible traces in the relief pattern, manifesting ascirques on the eastern slope, above 1,700 m (5,600 ft), where large amounts of snow accumulates. From these heights, numerous rapid streams emerge, such as the Kazan and Draçovë streams. Snow blankets the chain from November to April and avalanches are frequent on the western slope.[3]
Vegetation mainly consists of shrubs and a limited distribution of conifers. Forests are scarce. Summer pastures are plentiful throughout the mountain ridge and the western slope.
A diverse species of wildlife inhabit the area, namely themountain partridge,wild turkey,wild goat,wild boar, and others.[4]