Nemërçka
# Nemërçka

Nemërçka (Albanian: Nemërçkë, Greek: Νεμέρτσικα or Δούσκο or Μερόπη, romanized: Nemértsika or Doύsko or Merópi) is a mountain chain situated along the boundary between Gjirokastër and Përmet municipalities, in southern Albania. Part of the Trebeshinë-Dhëmbel-Nemërçkë mountain range, its highest peak, Maja e Papingut, reaches a height of 2,482 m (8,143 ft), making it the highest peak in the Southern 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 with Greece in the south, stretching at a width of 4–10 km (2.5–6.2 mi).

## Geology

Composed primarily of Mesozoic and Paleogene limestones, Nemërçka features a heavily karstified ridge, formed by an elongated anticlinal structure, embanking the graben valley of Vjosë. 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 as cirques 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.

## Biodiversity

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 the mountain partridge, wild turkey, wild goat, wild boar, and others.

