The Đerdap National Park (Serbian: Национални парк Ђердап or Nacionalni park Đerdap) stretches along the right bank of the Danube River from the Golubac fortress (Serbian: Голубачки град, Golubački grad) to the dam near Sip, Serbia. It spreads over 640 square kilometres and the park management office is in the town of Donji Milanovac on the Danube.

The main feature and attraction of the Đerdap National Park’s natural beauty is the Đerdap gorge – the famous Iron Gate – the grandiose gateway through the southern slopes of the Carpathian mountains where the longest and biggest river accumulation in former Yugoslavia is located.

The Đerdap gorge, which is some 100 kilometers long (from Golubac to Tekija), is actually a compound river valley made up of four gorges (Gornja klisura, Gospođin vir, Veliki and Mali kazan and Sipska klisura), separated from each other by ravines. In Gospođin vir, one of the greatest river depths in the world has been measured (82 m). The cliffs of the canyon in Kazan are about 300 meters high while the riverbed in this part is narrowed down to 150 meters.

The territory of the national park is filled with a series of other important features: abundant and diversified animal and especially plant life, attractive surroundings and landscapes, cultural and historical monuments and other anthropogenic tourist attractions, including a lake formed by the erection of a hydroelectric power plant “Đerdap”. The plant was finished in 1972, being fourth-largest in the world at the time (according to the staff at the power plant). It was a big collaboration project between Yugoslavia and Romania. The power plant employs a large number of the residents of the nearby town of Kladovo. The “Đerdap” power plant record power production was in 1980 of over 7 terawatt-hours (TW·h) electric power. With the building of the second power plant “Đerdap II”, the original power plant became better known as “Đerdap I”. The plans to build “Đerdap III” have not been fulfilled at this time.

The national park is dotted with many natural and cultural values which are included in a special protection programme: Lepenski Vir (the 8,000 year old archaeological site with exceptionally important traces of settlements and the life of the Neolithic man), the Golubac fortress, the Roman fortress Diana in Kladovo, remnants of the road, tables and bridge built during the time of the Roman Emperor Trajan, forest reserves and natural monuments.

The Đerdap National Park has become one of the most visited tourist regions in Serbia especially after the construction of the dam and the formation of the large lake. The gorge and the hydroelectric power plant can be visited from Belgrade and other cities downstream from it. There are a number of tourist points in the park with hotel and other facilities, offering tourists rest and swimming and tours of the cultural and historical monuments and natural values. Though the Danube river is quite polluted by international standards, fishing is still very popular. Some large specimens of catfish have weighed in at over 100 kilograms (220 lb).

Fruska Gora is proclaimed a National Park in 1960 in order to provide its permanent protection and to improve its natural resources and beauty. The area of active protection is 25.525 square kilometers.

Fruska Gora is an isolated, narrow, island mountain in Pannonia plain. It is intended by river courses extending to the south and north, with some side ranges with steep slopes, spreading from the main narrow range. Its location, specific geological history and different microclimatic conditions make it very interesting and important to science. Thanks to unique and very rich deposits of fossil fauna and flora, Fruska Gora is called the ‘mirror of geological past’.

The main characteristic of this region is the existence of numerous protected, rare and endangered species.

Fruska Gora’s valleys are covered with pastures and fertile fields, numerous vineyards and orchards which decorate its lower slopes while higher ground, above 300 meters, is covered with dense deciduous forests.

Fruska Gora hides 16 orthodox monasteries famous for their specific architecture, treasuries, libraries and frescoes and numerous archeological sites from prehistoric and historic times as well.

Due to its outstanding natural resources, wonderful landscapes, exceptional charm and beauty, that will bring you closer to nature, Fruska Gora is ideal place for rest and recreation.

Park visitors will find many of historical and cultural monuments hidden in the forests and elsewhere. Whole this area was exposed to numerous conquerors so that there are only a few of the earliest monuments within the Park dating back to Old Ages, such as Acumincum fortress near Stari Slankamen or Malata Bononia at Cerevic.

However, quite a number of medieval monuments are well preserved. These include remains of ancient fortress near Slankamen, remains of Vrdnik tower, famous Petrovaradin Fortress, The Peace Chapel in Sremski Karlovci and others.

Several monasteries scattered all over Fruska Gora are of special interest. They were destroyed on numerous occasions, rebuilt, destroyed again and finally restored in the late sixties. In the Second World War they suffered heavy damages and plunders, their art treasuries were burnt up, frescoes and paintings destroyed. Thus only ruins remain of once lovely monasteries
of Besanovac, Kuvezdin and Sisatovac.

Monasteries of Rakovac, Djipsa, Grgeteg, Jazak, Hopovo and Velika Remeta suffered heavy damages also. Some of them have been completely or partially restored, although their frescoes and treasuries were not saved from destruction. Such in case with Krusedol, Vrdnik, Mala Remeta,
Petkovica and Pribina Glava monasteries.
Recent history also left numerous traces here. During the Second World War when almost all of Europe was under German occupation, Fruska Gora boasted of being never completely under the German command. Some parts
of it always remained as a liberated territory. Each village keeps memories of those days, while at Iriski venac big monument was erected to the Partizans
of Srem, the work of sculptor Sreten Stojanovic.

nformation center is located at the Iriski venac, one of the most beautiful and top-interest areas in the National Park, near the WWII monument. The center is the base of all cultural, scientific & tourism events in the Park.

Experienced and highly trained guides will lecture, outdoor and in the building, about natural values of the National Park. Its protected natural values will be presented to visitors through video and slide shows.

A Museum with permanent Fruska Gora’s natural values exhibition is a part of Information Center as well. It’s the best representations of Fruska Gora’s natural and cultural values.

The congress room of the Center is an ideal place for meetings, courses or educational theme exhibitions on development and protection of nature.

As a part of activities of the schools in nature, Information Center will organize special courses, presentations, shows and other performances for children.

In the gift shop tourists can buy postcards, posters, maps, prospects, books, movies and other items related to National Park and its preservation.

Who’s afraid of the wolf?

The grey wolf (Canis lupus) is the most widely distributed large mammal on the planet. This predator used to populate almost the entire Northern Hemisphere. Due to the negative human influence on nature, the historical image of the wolf went through drastic changes in a short period of time. Wolves, which were once common and widely spread in the entire continental zone of the Northern Hemisphere, completely vanished or have been drastically reduced in numbers across wide areas of the USA and Europe. This occurrence is exactly proportional with the development of human population and the degradation of wolves’ natural habitats. In Europe wolves remain only in highland areas where there is extensive cattle breeding (the Iberian peninsula, the Apennines in Italy and the Balkan Peninsula) or in the ex-Soviet countries of Eastern Europe and Asia. In west and central Europe wolves became extinct during the 17th and 18th centuries.

The grey wolf belongs to the family of dogs (Canidae). It is a well-proportioned, well-built carnivore of medium size. It has a large head and strong jaws, muscular neck, firm body, strong chest and long legs. With such “equipment” the wolf is indeed a specialist for hunting prey in swift and persistent pursuit as a member of a pack. Co-operation during the hunt allowed the development of a high level of the psychological characteristics of the wolf, and the characteristic hierarchical structure within the pack.

Vivat Lupus (lat.) – Long live the wolf

The Organisation Vivat Lupus was founded in Novi Sad on December 2005. It was started by students who care for the preservation of natural habitat, biological diversity, sustainable development and the welfare of men and wild animals in a mutual environment. The main goals of Vivat Lupus are:

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Conservation and study of wild carnivores (bear, wolf, fox, jackal, lynx, wild cat, otter etc.) in Serbia
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Education about the importance and role of these species in nature
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Ecological activism with the goal of attracting public attention to the problems of the survival of carnivores in Serbia
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Re-introduction of extinct species of carnivores in Serbia

The Organization Vivat Lupus has gained an enormous amount of support from true animal lovers right across Serbia. Also, important contacts have been established with the relevant scientists both in Serbia and abroad.

Each year massive wolf hunts are organized in Serbia. As their organizers proudly say, these hunts aim to help cattle farmers to whom wolves cause damage. The truth is somewhat different. In these hunts, fewer wolves are killed than in individual hunts. But, massive hunts are, generally speaking, very bad. Wolves are hunted unselectively and randomly; often the strongest members of the pack are killed which destroys the structure of their complex hierarchy. The media make sensational reports of these hunts and make the image of the wolf in the eyes of the population even worse. Large numbers of hunters, sometimes over 2,000, surround an entire mountain and trap the animals, giving them no chance of escape. Killed wolves are often placed on the hoods of cars where they are photographed together with the “proud hunters”. Frequently hunters drive their cars, displaying dead wolves on the hood, across the town as a display of power. Such hunting methods show no gallantry or sport, especially not today in an era of high technology. Mass hunts of wolves by men with rifles and other high tech equipment are anything but sporting and justifiable.

The Organization Vivat Lupus arranged a protest gathering on Mount Zlatibor, on 4th March 2006. On that day, more than a thousand hunters hunted wolves on this mountain. The aim of the gathering was, above all, to show that in Serbia there are people who think that hunts are not a good solution and that there are other, more humanitarian, solutions to resolve the conflict between cattle farmers and wolves. Participants of the protest arrived on Mount Zlatibor in two buses, with 105 activists and also around 30 young people from the local Uzice area who joined in the protest. Most of the activists were students from Novi Sad and Belgrade, but there were also elementary and high school pupils from Belgrade and Cacak. Great support came from NGO Planet – Art from Uzice. The protest had been designed as a peaceful, ecological gathering of citizens. The participants did a small performance, disguised as Little Red Riding Hood, a sheep and a wolf. The group of travelling entertainers, known as “Putujuci cututuk”, put on a show with music, juggling and rides on the monocycle, while the youngest children were amused by a clown who made figures of animals out of balloons. The action was excellently covered by the media and very soon positive criticism from the community followed. Since it was the first time that such a protest was held in Serbia, it is no wonder that everyone on Mount Zlatibor was surprised by what they saw, and the hunters were much amazed by the determination and courage of these young people, who stood up and told them publicly that they are wrong.

Wolves have been described as ”extreme pests, bloodsuckers, unscrupulous killers of cattle and wildlife” to the public of Serbia for decades. The reality is that wolves do cause damage to cattle farmers. But that is caused by various other factors. The populations of Red Deer, Roe Deer and Wild Boar in Serbia, which are the primary prey of wolves, are in catastrophic condition due to excessive hunting and poaching. Most cattle farmers do not have adequate fences to protect their cattle from wolf attacks, in the countryside there are no proper, trained sheep dogs, villages are dying out, the population is rapidly growing old, and wolf habitats are reduced by urbanisation, forestry, hunting and tourism. So the wolf is not, neither he can be, mean a bloodsucker or a murderer; he is just an animal, just like any other, forced to survive.

The wolf population in Serbia is roughly estimated at 700-800 animals by the leading biologist (Paunović et Milenković, 2000). Hunters, in their most recent statements, claim that the population is at least double that, ignoring the facts put forward by valid scientific research. It is clear that the population of wolves is exaggerated for various purposes. Each year in Serbia about 100 wolves are killed. Most of these animals are killed in individual actions, when they are hunted at feeding stations (places where wolves are artificially fed with slaughterhouse waste) and mostly during the winter. By this method a very negative form of selection is carried out because those wolves that do not cause any damage to cattle farmers are shot!
On the territory of Serbia wolves are protected only in the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, by the Hunting Law (which gives a permanent closed season) and by the Legal Act of Natural Rarities (Natural Rarity). South of the rivers Sava and Danube, wolves are hunted throughout the year.

The roles of wolves in nature:

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Select natural prey
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Remove the carcasses of dead animals
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Maintain biodiversity

Conflict between humans and wolves dates from the times when human society changed from gathering food to keeping livestock. It is believed that the first domesticated animal was a wolf. Some 100.000 years ago the wolf developed into the domestic dog, an animal that has had such a great influence on mankind. Dogs provided humans with an easier way of hunting wild animals, the ability to settle in one place and to control other domesticated animals. In this way human society had more leisure time, which probably led to development of the arts. From ancient times wolves followed humans and scavenged their food waste. Sometimes wolves even co-operated in hunts with humans. But, when humans started keeping livestock, the wolf became their worst rival. Since then these two species have outwitted each other, but coexisted.

Different cultures have had different impressions of the wolf. In some societies wolves were considered to be gods and were worshiped, in others they were hated and detested. Societies in the Balkans respected the wolf. Old Slavs featured their major god Dazbog as a Lame Wolf. Wolves had a strong symbolical meaning amongst the Slavs which was preserved throughout history and then carried on into the Christian era. The wolf has always played an important role in Serbian folklore, customs and tradition. A great number of male and female personal names are derived from the word Vuk (Serbian for Wolf) – Vuk, Vukašin, Vujadin, Vuka and Vukosava. It used to be believed that wolves scare away evil spirits and ghosts and protect children from illness and because of this parents gave their children names which derived from the word «wolf». Also many settlements and other places in Serbia are named after wolf (Vučje, Vučkovica, Vučica).

In parallel with intensive logging, wars and the devastation of rural communities, hunting societies started planning game rearing in communist Serbia. They tried to eradicate the wolf population in various ways, but the worst one was by poisoning wolves with strychnine. Wolves learned how to survive poisoning, but many Jackals, Brown Bears, Lynxes, Griffon Vultures, Egyptian Vultures, Lammergeyers, Black Vultures, Golden Eagles and Imperial Eagles died. Due to poisoning and loss of habitat Black Vultures, Lammergeiers and Egyptian Vultures are now extinct in Serbia, while the future of other big raptors is not secure.

Coordinates: 45º 16’ N, 20 º25’ E (60 km N from Belgrade)
Altitude: 75-85 m

Stari Begej – Carska Bara is a remnant of the once flooded area in the lower Begej River. It is a mosaic of fishponds, swamp, marsh, forest, meadow, and steppe intersected by rivers, canals, and embankments. Vegetation consists of salt-tolerant communities, a rich aquatic flowering plant community, and steppe vegetation. The diversity of biotopes gives rise to high species diversity at the site and includes various rare, endangered, or vulnerable fish, birds, plants, amphibians, reptiles and mammals.

Manager on the Reserve is a private company ”Ečka Fishfarms” from Lukino Selo.

Habitats: oxbow river, reed beds, riverine poplar and willow forests, mixed ash lowland forests, poplar and willow plantations, lowland wet meadows, extensive pasture, arable land, traditional orchards, fishponds.

Plants: several hundred plant species are recorded in the reserve of which specially significant are: White Water-lily (Nymphaea alba), Yellow Water-lily (Nuphar luteum), Water Soldier (Stratiotes aloides), Sweet Flag (Acorus calamus), Water Violet (Hottonia palustris), Dame’s Rocket (Herperis matronalis), Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale), Butcher’s broom (Ruscus aculeatus), Lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis), Horned Pondweed (Zannichellia palustris), Trapa longicarpa, European Common Twayblade (Listera ovata), Bird’s-nest orchid (Neottia nidus-avis).

Fungi: there are more than 150 known mushroom and toadstools species and some of them are: (Morchella vulgaris), Porcini (Boletus edulus), Yellow Chanterelle (Cantharellus cibarius), Death Cap (Amanita phalloides), Meadow Mushroom (Agaricus campestris), Parasol Mushroom (Macrolepiota procera), Shaggy Mane (Coprinus comatus), Giant Puffball (Calvatia gigantea).

Insects: numerous species are found in the Reserve so far and some of them are: European Stag Beetle (Lucanus cervus), Great Capricorn Beetle (Cerambyx cerdo), Ground Beetle (Carabus gigas), Violet Ground Beetle (Carabus violaceus), Long Horned Beetle (Morimus funereus), Glow-worm (Lapyris noctiluca), Giant Ichneumon Wasp (Rhyssa persuasoria), Sand Wasp (Ammophila sabulosa), Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa violacea), Purple Emperor (Apatura iris), Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta), European Peacock (Inachis io), Clouded Yellow (Colias crocea), Swallowtail (Papilio machaon), Emperor Dragonfly (Anax imperator), Scarlet Dragonfly (Crocothemis erythraea), Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens).

Fish: 24 recorded species and some of them are: Rudd (Scardinius erythrophthalmus), Zope (Abramis ballerus), Carp (Cyprinus carpio), Tench (Tinca tinca), Danubian Bream (Abramis sapa), Bitterling (Rhodeus sericeus), Crucian Carp (Carassius carassius), Weather Loach (Misgurnus fossilis), Notrhern Pike (Esox lucius) and Catfish (Silurus glanis).

Amphibians: Fire Salamander, Northern Crested Newt, Common Newt, Common Spadefoot, Common Toad, Green Toad, Fire-bellied Toad, Common Tree Frog, Agile Frog, Marsh Frog, Edible Frog.

Reptiles: European Pond Terrapin, Green Lizard, Sand Lizard, Common Wall Lizard, Slow Worm, Aesculapian Snake, Dice Snake, Grass Snake, Smooth Snake.

Birds: a total of 240 species is recorded within the reserve. Some of the breeding species are: Little Grebe, Pygmy Cormorant, Bittern, Little Bittern, Night Heron, Little Egret, Great Egret, Purple Heron, White Stork, Black Stork, Spoonbill, Common Pochard, Ferruginous Duck, White-tailed Eagle, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Marsh Harrier, Honey Buzzard, Goshawk, Hobby, Spotted Crake, Little Crake, Turtle Dove, Cuckoo, Barn Owl, Little Owl, Tawny Owl, Bee-eater, Green Woodpecker, Syrian Woodpecker, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Middle Spotted Woodpecker, Wryneck, Black Redstart, River Warbler, Savi’s Warbler, Great Reed Warbler, Icterine Warbler, Collared Flycatcher, Penduline Tit, Short-toed Treecreeper, Red-backed Shrike, Golden Oriole, Serin, Hawfinch, Reed Bunting, Corn Bunting.

Mammals: more than 40 species inhabit the reserve and some of them are: Water Vole, European Hare, Southern White-breasted Hedgehog, Wildcat, European Polecat, Otter, Beech Marten, Golden Jackal, Wild Boar, and Roe Deer.

Coordinates: 44º 44’ N, 20 º00’ E (50 km W of Belgrade)
Altitude: 71-82 m. a.s.l.

Obedska Bara is one of the oldest protected areas in the world (since 1874) and one of the most famous nature reserves in Serbia and ex-Yugoslavia. It is a seasonally inundated area of 20.000 ha of the Sava River floodplain, with marshes, ponds, wet meadows, and an oxbow surrounded by oak, willow and poplar forests. The biggest pond is an authentic complex of stagnant tributaries, marshes, pits, marsh vegetation, damp meadows and forests.

The Reserve is managed by conservation “Vojvodina Forests” Public Company from town of Petrovaradin.

Habitats: oxbow river, reed beds, riverine poplar and willow forests, oak and ash lowland forests, poplar and willow plantations, lowland wet meadows, extensive pasture, arable land, traditional orchards.

Plants: About 500 plant species are recorded in the Reserve of which specially significant are: White Water-lily (Nymphaea alba), Yellow Water-lily (Nuphar luteum), Water Soldier (Stratiotes aloides), Common Bladderwort (Utricularia vulgaris), (Utricularia neglecta), Marsh Nettle (Urtica kioviensis), Sweet Flag (Acorus calamus), Water Violet (Hottonia palustris), Triangular Club-rush (Schoenoplectus triqueter), Dame’s Rocket (Herperis matronalis), Spotless water-Flaxseed (Wolffia arrhiza), Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale), Butcher’s broom (Ruscus aculeatus), Lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis), Horned Pondweed (Zannichellia palustris), Trapa longicarpa, Lax-flowered Orchid (Orchis laxiflora), Green-winged Orchid (Orchis morio), Lesser Butterfly-orchid (Platanthera bifolia), Sword-leaved helleborine (Cephalanthera longifolia), European Common Twayblade (Listera ovata), Bird’s-nest orchid (Neottia nidus-avis).

Fungi: There are 180 known mushroom and toadstools species and some of them are: (Morchella vulgaris), Porcini (Boletus edulus), Yellow Chanterelle (Cantharellus cibarius), Death Cap (Amanita phalloides), (Russula brunneoviolacea), Meadow Mushroom (Agaricus campestris), Parasol Mushroom (Macrolepiota procera), Shaggy Mane (Coprinus comatus), Giant Puffball (Calvatia gigantea).

Insects: Numerous species are found in the Reserve so far and some of them are: European Stag Beetle (Lucanus cervus), Great Capricorn Beetle (Cerambyx cerdo), Ground Beetle (Carabus gigas), Violet Ground Beetle (Carabus violaceus), Long Horned Beetle (Morimus funereus), Rose Chafer (Cetonia aurata), Glow-worm (Lapyris noctiluca), Giant Ichneumon Wasp (Rhyssa persuasoria), Sand Wasp (Ammophila sabulosa), Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa violacea), Purple Emperor (Apatura iris), Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta), European Peacock (Inachis io), Clouded Yellow (Colias crocea), Swallowtail (Papilio machaon), Emperor Dragonfly (Anax imperator), Scarlet Dragonfly (Crocothemis erythraea), Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens).

Fish: There are 16 recorded species and some of them are: Rudd (Scardinius erythrophthalmus), Zope (Abramis ballerus), Carp (Cyprinus carpio), Tench (Tinca tinca), Danubian Bream (Abramis sapa), Bitterling (Rhodeus sericeus), Crucian Carp (Carassius carassius), Weather Loach (Misgurnus fossilis), Notrhern Pike (Esox lucius) and Catfish (Silurus glanis).

Amphibians: Fire Salamander, Northern Crested Newt, Danube Crested Newt, Common Newt, Common Spadefoot, Common Toad, Green Toad, Fire-bellied Toad, Common Tree Frog, Agile Frog, Balkan Stream Frog, Marsh Frog, Edible Frog.

Reptiles: European Pond Terrapin, Green Lizard, Sand Lizard, Common Wall Lizard, Slow Worm, Large Whip Snake, Aesculapian Snake, Dice Snake, Grass Snake, Smooth Snake, Adder.

Birds: A total of 220 species is recorded within the reserve. Some of the breeding species are: Little Grebe, Pygmy Cormorant, Bittern, Little Bittern, Night Heron, Little Egret, Great Egret, Purple Heron, White Stork, Black Stork, Spoonbill, Common Pochard, Ferruginous Duck, White-tailed Eagle, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Marsh Harrier, Honey Buzzard, Goshawk, Hobby, Saker Falcon, Spotted Crake, Little Crake, Turtle Dove, Cuckoo, Barn Owl, Long-eared Owl, Little Owl, Bee-eater, Green Woodpecker, Syrian Woodpecker, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Middle Spotted Woodpecker, Wryneck, Black Redstart, River Warbler, Savi’s Warbler, Great Reed Warbler, Icterine Warbler, Collared Flycatcher, Penduline Tit, Short-toed Treecreeper, Red-backed Shrike, Golden Oriole, Serin, Hawfinch, Reed Bunting, Cirl Bunting, Corn Bunting.

Mammals: 50 species inhabit the reserve and some of them are Edible Dormouse, Water Vole, European Hare, Southern White-breasted Hedgehog, Wildcat, European Polecat, Otter, European Beaver, Beech Marten, Golden Jackal, Wild Boar, and Roe Deer.

Coordinates: 19º 31′ E, 44º 56′ N (100 km W of Belgrade)
Altitude: 77-83 m. a.s.l.

The Reserve stretches along 33.1 km long Zasavica River. The area is dominated by a riverine biotope, surrounded by the mosaic of aquatic and wetland ecosystems with fragments of flooded forests. The slow flowing Zasavica river is fed by underground aquifers and with a depth of up to 2.5 m, it supports abundant marsh vegetation mostly reed Phragmites sp. and bulrush Typha sp. The site is surrounded by agricultural land, and remnants of forest remain (oak Quercus, ash Fraxinus, poplar Populus and willow Salix).

SNR “Zasavica” is famous as one of the centres for the conservation of genetic resources of domestic animals in Serbia. Podolian cattle breed and Mangulitsa pig breed can be seen foraging on the Valjevac pasture. These domestic animals are kept mainly as tourist attractions in just a few other Serbian reserves and farms but serve also as gene banks due to their reported resistance to diseases which affect more highly bred breeds.

The Reserve is managed by conservation NGO “Goransko-ekoloski pokret” from nearby town of Sremska Mitrovica.

Habitats: oxbow river, reedbeds, riverine poplar and willow forests, oak and ash lowland forests, lowland meadows, extensive pasture, arable land, traditional orchards.

Plants: The Reserve of around 1825 ha is a home to over 800 plant species of which specially significant are: White Water-lily (Nymphaea alba), Yellow Water-lily (Nuphar luteum), Water Soldier (Stratiotes aloides), Great Spearwort (Nymphoides peltata), Marsh Nettle (Urtica kioviensis), Sweet Flag (Acorus calamus).

Fungi: More than 160 species of fungi are to be found within the reserve. Some of them are: Wood Ear (Auricularia auricularia-judae), Meadow Mushroom (Agaricus campestris), Agaricus silvicola, Parasol Mushroom (Macrolepiota procera), The Shaggy Mane (Coprinus comatus), Giant Puffball (Lycoperdon giganteum), (Cantarellus cibarius), (Polyporus squamosus), (Polyporus sulphurous).

Insects: More than 300 insect species are found in the Reserve so far and 15 of them are protected as Natural Rarities in Serbia: European Stag Beetle (Lucanus cervus), Rhinoceros Beetle (Oryctes nasicornis), Long Horned Beetle Morimus funereus, Green Caterpillar Hunter (Calosoma sycophanta), Small Caterpillar Hunter (Calosoma inquisitor), Ground Beetle (Carabus gigas), Violet Ground Beetle (Carabus violaceus), Hermit Beetle (Osmoderma eremita). Total of 42 species of Snout Beetles Curculionidae are recorded during the research, of which 2 species were new for the territory of Serbia. So far 55 butterfly species are identified of which 6 are on the European Red List, and 1 species on the World Red List. Some of the species found in the Reserve: Swallowtail (Papilio machaon), Freyer’s Purple Emperor (Apatura metis), Purple Emperor (Apatura iris), Green-veined White (Pieris napi), Small White (Pieris rapae), Large White (Pieris brassica). Zasavica is one of the best places in Serbia for Dragonfly and Damselfly watching due to outstanding diversity of 34 species recorded, and some of them are: Emperor Dragonfly (Anax imperator), Lesser Emperor (Anax parthenope), Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens), Beautiful Demoiselle (Calopteryx virgo), Scarlet Dragonfly (Crocothemis erythraea), Yellow-spotted Emerald (Somatochlora flavomaculata).

Fish: There are 16 autochthonous and 4 introduced species: Mudminnow (Umbra krameri), Rudd (Scardinius erythrophthalmus), Zope (Abramis ballerus), and Carp (Cyprinus carpio) are vulnerable (VU), While Danubian Bream (Abramis sapa), Bitterling (Rhodeus sericeus), Crucian Carp (Carassius carassius), Weather Loach (Misgurnus fossilis) and Catfish (Silurus glanis) are rare species.

Amphibians: Fire Salamander, Northern Crested Newt, Danube Crested Newt, Common Newt, Common Spadefoot, Common Toad, Green Toad, Yellow-bellied Toad, Common Tree Frog, Agile Frog, Balkan Stream Frog, Marsh Frog, Edible Frog.

Reptiles: European Pond Terrapin, Green Lizard, Sand Lizard, Common Wall Lizard, Slow Worm, Large Whip Snake, Aesculapian Snake, Dice Snake, Grass Snake, Smooth Snake, Adder.

Birds: A total of 180 species is recorded within the Reserve. Some of the local specialties are: Little Grebe, Pygmu Cormorant, Little Bittern, Night Heron, Little Egret, White Stork, Ferruginous Duck, White-tailed Eagle, Marsh Harrier, Goshawk, Hobby, Turtle Dove, Cuckoo, Barn Owl, Long-eared Owl, Little Owl, Green Woodpecker, Syrian Woodpecker, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Crested Lark, Tawny pipit, Black-headed Yellow Wagtail, Nightingale, Black Redstart, Whinchat, Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler, Great Reed Warbler, Savi’s Warbler, Icterine Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Penduline Tit, Short-toed Treecreeper, Red-backed Shrike, Golden Oriole, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Serin, Hawfinch, Corn Bunting.

Mammals: 50 species inhabit the reserve and some of them are Edible Dormouse, Water Vole, European Hare, Southern White-breasted Hedgehog, Eurasian Water Shrew, Wildcat, European Polecat, Otter, European Beaver, Beech Marten, Wild Boar.

Kopaonik (Albanian and Serbian: Kopaonik, Serbian Cyrillic: Копаоник) is one of the larger mountain ranges of Serbia and Kosovo[a]. It is located in the central part of Serbia and in the north-east of Kosovo. Its highest peak, Pančić’s Peak, is 2,017 m (6,617 ft) above sea level.

A national park spread over 118.1 km2 (45.6 sq mi) of the central part of the Kopaonik plateau was established in 1981.

History

The Kopaonik has a rich historical heritage. The area was an important mining center during medieval times with many Saxons operating in the area as miners. During those days there was an intensive trade with Ragusa (Dubrovnik).

Besides old churches and monasteries, several medieval and pre-medieval fortresses can be found there built by Serbian dynasties that ruled the area. The nearest Serbian medieval castle is Maglič. The Studenica monastery is also nearby.

[edit] Tourism
Kopaonik ski resort
Location: Kopaonik, Serbia
Nearest city: Brus, Serbia
Top elevation: 2,017 m
Base elevation: 1,770 m
Longest run: 3.5 km
Lift system: 23
Web site: Kopaonik

Sports and recreation are key factors to the tourism of Kopaonik. Kopaonik is mainly a destination for skiing and snowboarding. There are various other activities as well, such as tennis. Other features which attract tourists are a luxurious hotel, and entertainment. Kopaonik has many cafes, bars and night clubs. It has 24 ski-lifts and gondoles, with 70 km (43 mi) of ski slopes for all categories. It is the largest mountain in Serbia, more than 100 km (62 mi) long. Its highest peak is Suvo Rudiste (also called Panćić’s Peak) at 2,017 m (6,617 ft) above sea level. The duration and quality of snowfall and ideal skiing grounds have been attracting a rapidly increasing the number of guests.

Kopaonik’s flora is characterized by a large number of autochthonous plant species (the Balkan beech, fir, spruce, yew, several kinds of maple, pine and oak). The fauna is also diverse but its concentration varies, depending on the quality of the habitat.

This mountain has enormous resources for the development of tourism. The entire park is characterised by its extraordinary natural beauty: vast expanses of grassland, picturesque forests composed of a wide variety of tree species, beauty spots, deep river gorges. The snow blanket lasts a long time on this mountain and in view of its good relief, there are excellent conditions for the further expansion of winter tourism there.

The tourist resort on the Kopaonik includes hotels, rest houses, chairlifts, excellent ski slopes and many other tourist facilities.

The Kopaonik is well-connected with the main transport routes in Serbia. The central part of Kopaonik with the tourist center and ski slopes are linked with the Ibar highway, and the nearest international airport is in Niš.

[edit] National park
Kopaonik National Park
IUCN Category II (National Park)
Location Serbia
Nearest city BrusNearest city: Brus
Coordinates [show location on an interactive map] 43°17′30″N 20°48′27″E / 43.29167°N 20.8075°E / 43.29167; 20.8075Coordinates: [show location on an interactive map] 43°17′30″N 20°48′27″E / 43.29167°N 20.8075°E / 43.29167; 20.8075
Area 118.1 km²
Established 1981 Established: 1981
Kopaonik (summer)

Kopaonik’s national park was established in 1981. Deciduous forests and native coniferous woodland make up most of the forested land in the park. Kopaonik has many species of birds, such rock partridge, scops owl, red-backed shrike, and the wood lark. Soil erosion poses no threat as there is no logging and deforestation in the park.

The national park is situated on a relatively flat region, at an altitude of about 1,700 m (5,577 ft). This central Kopaonik plateau is called Suvo Rudište. It is surrounded by mountain peaks. To the north and northwest of this plateau stretches Banjski Kopaonik, which is the location of Jošanička Banja spa, whose strong springs’waters reach the temperature of 88 °C (190 °F). Directly below the Suvo Rudište plateau starts the attractive and picturesque valley of the Samokovska River, characterized by its steep run, numerous rapids, falls and gorges.

Tara Mountain, part of the Outer Dinaric Alps, is located in western Serbia and stands at 1,000-1,500 meters above sea level. The mountain’s slopes are clad in dense forests with numerous high-altitude clearings and meadows, steep cliffs, deep ravines carved by the nearby Drina River and many karst, or limestone caves. The mountain is a popular tourist center. Tara’s national park encompasses a large part of the mountain.

National park

Tara’s national park was established in 1981 and it encompasses Tara and Zvijezda mountains, in a large bend of the Drina River. The size of the park is about 220 square kilometers with altitudes varying from 250 to 1,500 meters above sea level. The park’s management office is located in nearby Bajina Bašta.

The national park consists of a group of mountain peaks with deep picturesque gorges between them. The most striking of these gorges is the Drina Gorge, with its sheer drops from 1000-250 meters and extensive views of western Serbia and nearby Bosnia. The area is also characterised by karst caves, pits, springs, and breathtaking vista points.
Forests account for three quarters of this national park’s area, some of them being the best preserved and well-kept in Europe. Tara also boasts a rare endemic Tertiary species, the Picea omorika, or Serbian Spruce, which is now protected in a small area of the park. Because of its rarity and scientific importance, it has been placed under national protection. Locally, Tara is home to many different species of wildlife, including brown bears, chamois, roe deer, lynxes, otters, wolves and others. More than 100 bird species also make their temporary or permanent homes on the slopes of the mountain: the golden eagle, the griffon vulture, the peregrine falcon, the Eurasian eagle owl, the black grouse, among many others.

The Tara National Park can be reached from Bajina Bašta directly (by the Bajina Bašta – Kaludjerske Bare road), from Perućac via Bajina Bašta (by the Perućac – Mitrovac road) and from Kremna (the Kremna – Kaludjerske Bare road). The Drina Gorge, which is an integral part of the park, can be toured by boat.

Tara National Park is home to Mitrovac, a children’s recreational center and several hotel facilities, including Hotel Beli Bor, Hotel Omorika (a large hotel with many conference services), and Hotel Tara.

Zlatibor is a mountain region situated in the western part of Serbia, a part of the Dinaric Alps. Name ZLATIBOR (ZLATI=golden, BOR=pine) means “Golden Pine”. On Zlatibor you can see many pine trees and that’s the reason why people called this beautiful Serbian mountain as “Golden Pine Mountain”.
The mountain spreads over an area of 300 km², 27 miles in length, southeast to northwest, and up to 23 miles in width. The highest peak is Tornik at 1496 m. Zlatibor is situated between 43° 31′ N, and 43° 51′ N, and between 19° 28′ E, and 19° 56′ E. The everage height of Mt. Zlatibor is about 1000 m above sea level. It is intersected by numerous rivers, streams and ravines.
Three highest peaks of Zlatibor massif are: Tornik (1.496m) – the highest peak of Zlatibor, Brijach (1.480m) and Chigota (1.422m).
Basis of Mt. Zlatibor is a spacious wavy plateau intersected by rivers and mountain streams and overgrown by thick grass and conifer tree forest. It is situated 27km away from Uzice town.
Territory of Zlatibor massif is more than 350 square km big, 30 km long and 12 km wide.The central Zlatibor plateau is about 1000 m high in average, and there are a few easily visible peaks in the surrounding.
Zlatibor is, first of all, an extraordinary beautiful mountain, with a pleasant climate, with spacious sloping grounds, rich pasture-grounds and mountain brooks. There are about 1000 square km of meadows and risings, sloping grounds and dry grounds, abysses and chasms…
Zlatibor is administratively divided into three municipalities within Serbia: Čajetina, Užice and Nova Varoš, in the Zlatibor District. The railroad Belgrade-Bar passes through Zlatibor.
The southern and the eastern border of Zlatibor are natural – the rivers Uvac and Veliki Rzav. In the west Zlatibor borders Bosnia – its villages of Mokra Gora, Semegnjevo and Jablanica mark the border.
Zlatibor is located in the northern part of the Stari Vlah region, a historical border region between Raška, Herzegovina and Bosnia. The hill called Cigla near the village of Jablanica still has some borderline markings of the Kingdom of Serbia, Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire. In the Middle Ages, Zlatibor was known as Rujno, a župa that was part of Raška. The name Zlatibor started to be used in the 18th century, but its etymology is uncertain. It probably stems from the Serbian words zlatni (golden) and bor (pine) — a particular type of a pine originates from the mountain, whose Latin name is Pinus silvestris variegata zlatiborica, and today is endangered.