Mali me Gropa

Mali me Gropa (lit. 'Holes Mountain') is a massif situated in central Albania, east of Tirana municipality, wedged between 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 1,818 m (5,965 ft).^[1]

Mali me Gropa
View from Priska Pass eastwartds towards Mali me Gropa
Highest point
Elevation	1,818 m (5,965 ft)
Prominence	518 m (1,699 ft)
Isolation	250 m (820 ft)
Coordinates	41°22′24″N 20°01′59″E
Naming
English translation	Holes Mountain
Geography
Mali me Gropa
Country	Albania
Region	Central Mountain Region
Municipality	Tirana
Parent range	Skanderbeg Mountains
Geology
Rock age	Mesozoic
Mountain type	massif
Rock type(s)	limestone, flysch

Geology

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]

Biodiversity

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]

See also

• List of mountains in Albania