Important Bird Areas in Europe –

■ CROATIA

Willow forest along the River (IBA 011). (PHOTO: T. MIKUSKA)

OVERVIEW YU018 did not meet criteria in the previous inventory but were judged important for migratory species and therefore included. As Croatia occupies 56,540 km2 with a population of 4,726,000 people. these sites do not meet the revised criteria for this inventory either, Twenty-three Important Bird Areas (IBAs) are identified, covering they have not been confirmed as IBAs (Table 1). In addition to the 7,546 km2 (approximately 13%) of the country’s surface area. This 17 sites retained from the previous inventory, six new sites have inventory represents a partial update of the previous pan-European been identified (Table 1, Map 1). inventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989). New data have been Several globally threatened and near-threatened bird species compiled for some sites by Tibor Mikuska (see site-account species (Collar et al. 1994) occur in IBAs, meeting the criterion. Aythya tables) but were unavailable for many existing sites and potential nyroca meets the criterion at 12 sites, with nine sites holding new IBAs. With the exception of two sites (YU008 and YU018), important numbers of breeding birds, two sites significant numbers all sites from the previous inventory are included here, whether or of passage birds and one site wintering birds. Haliaeetus albicilla not new data are available (Table 1, Map 1). Sites YU008 and breeds in important numbers at six sites and also winters in

Table 1. Summary of Important Bird Areas in Croatia. 23 IBAs covering 7,546 km2 IBA 1989 code code International name National name Administrative region Area (ha) Criteria (see p. 11) 001 — Alluvial wetlands of the River Poplavno podrucje rijeke Dunav Osjecko-baranjska zupanija 30,000 A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2 002 YU014 Kopacki Rit Special Zoological Reserve Posebni zooloski rezervat Kopacki rit Osjecko-baranjska zupanija 7,000 A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2 003 YU013 River Drava Drava od Donjie Miholjca do Osijeka Osjecko-baranjska zupanija 25,000 A1, B2 (ukljucujuci Dravske sume) 004 — Nasicka Breznica fish-ponds Ribnjaci kod Nasicke Breznice Osjecko-baranjska zupanija 1,345 A1, A4i, B1i, B2 005 — Alluvial forests from Podravska Slatina Poplavne sume hrasta luznjaka izmedju Viroviticko-podravska zupanija, 100,000 A1, B2 to Podravske Slatine i Vuke Pozesko-slavonska zupanija, Osjecko-baranjska zupanija 006 — Donji Miholjac fish-ponds Ribnjaci kod Donjeg Miholjca Osjecko-baranjska zupanija 981 A1, A4i, B1i, B2 007 — Grudnjak fish-ponds Ribnjaci Grudnjak Viroviticko-podravska zupanija 1,020 A1, B1i, B2, B3 008 YU012 Jelas field Jelas polje Brodsko-posavska zupanija 10,000 A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2 009 YU010 Alluvial wetlands of the River Poplavno podrucje rijeke Save Sisacko-moslavacka zupanija, 210,000 A1, A4i, B1i, B2 Brodsko-posavska zupanija, Vukovarsko-srijemska zupanija 010 YU011 Koncanica fish-ponds and surrounding area Ribnjaci Koncanica s okolicom Bjelovarsko-bilogorska zupanija 10,000 A1, B1i, B2 011 — Alluvial wetlands of the River Drava Poplavno podrucje rijeke Drave Koprivnicko-krizevacka zupanija, 50,000 A1, A4i, B1i, B2 Viroviticko-podravska zupanija, Osjecko-baranjska zupanija

137 Important Bird Areas in Europe – Croatia

Table 1 ... continued. Summary of Important Bird Areas in Croatia. 23 IBAs covering 7,546 km2 IBA 1989 code code International name National name Administrative region Area (ha) Criteria (see p. 11) 012 YU009 Turopolje Sisacko-moslavacka zupanija, 20,000 B2 Grad 013 YU007 Pokupsko depression Pokupska Depresija Zagrebacka zupanija, 196,600 A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2 Karlovacka zupanija 014 YU015 Special Ornithological Reserve on Krk island Posebni ornitološki rezervat na otoku Krku Primorsko-goranska zupanija 1,000 B2 015 YU017 Prvic island Otok Prvic Primorsko-goranska zupanija 7,000 B2 016 YU016 Special Ornithological Reserves on Cres island Posebni ornitološki rezervati na otoku Cresu Primorsko-goranska zupanija 1,450 B2 017 YU019 National Park Nacionalni park Paklenica Zadarsko-kninska zupanija 3,617 B2 018 YU020 National Park and Telascica Nacionalni park Kornati i Park prirode Zadarsko-kninska zupanija, 30,200 B2 Nature Park Telascica Sibenska zupanija 019 YU022 Lake Vransko Vransko jezero Zadarsko-kninska zupanija 3,000 A4i, A4iii, B1i 020 YU021 National Park Nacionalni park Krka Zadarsko-kninska zupanija, 14,200 B2 Sibenska zupanija 021 YU023 Sinjsko field Sinjsko polje Splitsko-dalmatinska zupanija 640 B2 022 YU024 mountain Dinara planina Zadarsko-kninska zupanija, 20,000 B2 Splitsko-dalmatinska zupanija 023 YU025 Delta of the river Delta rijeke Neretve Dubrovacko-neretvanska zupanija 11,500 A3, B1i Sites identified in the previous inventory of IBAs in Europe (Grimmett and Jones 1989) but no longer considered to be IBAs YU008 St Eufemia Bay, Rab; YU018 Bokanjacko blato and Ninske solane (Nin saltpan).

Map 1. Location, area and criteria category of Important Bird Areas in Croatia.

HUNGARY SLOVENIA

11

13 6 12 10 9 7 5 1 3 4 2 16 14 15 8 YUGOSLAVIA

17 BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA 22 19 21 18 20

ADRIATIC SEA Highest category of criteria met by IBA A (14 IBAs) B (9 IBAs) 23 Area of IBA (ha) 30,200 to 210,000 11,500 to 30,199 3,000 to 11,499 0 75 150 640 to 2,999 km

several IBAs. Crex crex breeds in significant numbers in a single minutus, Nycticorax nycticorax, Ardeola ralloides, Ciconia nigra and site and Aquila clanga (wintering) meets the A1 criterion at one Ciconia ciconia. Several of these IBAs are also important for passage site. Falco naumanni occurs but does not meet criteria. There are and wintering waterbirds, five sites regularly holding more than two records of Numenius tenuirostris from 008 and 023 but these 20,000 waterbirds (meeting the A4iii criterion). remain unverified and the species is therefore not considered to Alluvial forest and wetlands are threatened by a wide variety of meet criteria. factors. Of particular importance are agricultural expansion, The majority of sites selected as IBAs are wetland-forest forestry, drainage and river canalization. Canalization prevents complexes, with extensive areas of broadleaved alluvial forest in natural flood-plain dynamics and causes the drying of forests and association with natural water-bodies and fish-ponds. These sites surrounding wetlands, as inundation no longer occurs and the hold important breeding populations of species with an water-table is lowered. In IBAs with fish-ponds, hunting is a serious unfavourable conservation status in Europe (meeting the B2/B3 threat as the ponds are often leased to foreign hunting groups. criteria), in particular herons and storks, including Ixobrychus Hunting causes both significant mortality and disturbance.

138 Important Bird Areas in Europe – Croatia

■ SITE ACCOUNTS

■ Birds Alluvial wetlands A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2 001 of the River Danube Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Admin region Osjecko-baranjska zupanija Ixobrychus minutus Little Bittern B — 100 — — B2 Coordinates 45°40’N 18°50’E Nycticorax nycticorax Night Heron B — 400 400 — B2 Altitude 84–89 m Area 30,000 ha Ardeola ralloides Squacco Heron B — 10 100 — B2 Ardea purpurea Purple Heron B — 10 200 — B2 Ciconia nigra Black Stork B — 30 30 — B2 ■ Site description Ciconia ciconia White Stork B — 20 50 — B2 Alluvial wetlands along the River Danube from the Croatian– Platalea leucorodia Spoonbill P — 500 10,000 — A4i, B1i Hungarian border south to the mouth of the River Drava. Area Anser fabalis Bean Goose W — 10,000 50,000 — A4i, B1i Anas platyrhynchos Mallard W — 50,000 50,000 — B1i includes alluvial Quercus forests, extensive freshwater wetlands and Aythya nyroca Ferruginous Duck B — 100 200 — A1, A4i, B1i, B2 reedbeds (Phragmites) and commercial fish-ponds. Since 1991 the area Milvus migrans Black Kite B — 50 50 — B2 has been completely occupied by military forces. Haliaeetus albicilla R — 15 20 — A1, B2 White-tailed Eagle Habitats Forest and woodland (40%; broadleaved deciduous forest; alluvial/very wet Aquila clanga Greater Spotted Eagle W — 2 5 — A1 forest), Grassland (5%; humid grassland), Wetland (50%; standing fresh water; river/ Falco cherrug Saker B — 4 5 — B2 stream; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape (5%; arable land; forestry Grus grus Crane P — 50 500 — B1i plantation; other urban/industrial areas) Chlidonias hybridus Whiskered Tern B — 100 100 — B1i, B2 Land-use Agriculture (10%), Fisheries/aquaculture (5%), Forestry (40%), Hunting (80%), This is an important site for breeding herons. The site holds 20,000 or Nature conservation/research (50%), Tourism/recreation (30%) more waterbirds in winter, on a regular basis. Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Aquila heliaca, ■ Birds Falco naumanni, Crex crex.

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria ■ Protection status Ixobrychus minutus Little Bittern B — 100 100 B B2 National Partial International Partial 1 Nycticorax nycticorax Night Heron B — 100 400 B B2 6,234 ha of IBA covered by Special Zoological Reserve (Kopacki Rit, 2,3 Ardeola ralloides Squacco Heron B — — 70 B B1i, B2 4 Anas platyrhynchos Mallard W — 20,000 20,000 — B1i 6,234 ha). IBA overlaps with Nature Park (Kopacki Rit, 17,200 ha). Aythya nyroca Ferruginous Duck B 1991 50 50 B A1, B2 IBA overlaps with Ramsar Site (Kopacki Rit, 17,770 ha). Aythya nyroca Ferruginous Duck P 1994 1,000 1,000 — A1, A4i Haliaeetus albicilla R — 15 20 A A1, B2 ■ Conservation issues White-tailed Eagle Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (U), Other (U) 1. 1980–1990. 2. 1987–1990. Threats include fisheries, eutrophication, siltation, and frog collection. 3. Large decrease. 4. 1989.

The site is important for breeding herons. The site holds 20,000 or A1, B2 more waterbirds in winter, on a regular basis. Species of global River Drava 003 Admin region Osjecko-baranjska zupanija conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Aquila heliaca Coordinates 45°37’N 18°25’E (passage), Falco naumanni, Crex crex (breeding). Altitude 85–95 m Area 25,000 ha ■ Protection status National Partial International Partial ■ Site description 7,000 ha of IBA covered by Special Reserve (Kopacki Rit, 7,000 ha). A stretch of the River Drava, extending from Donji Miholjac to Osijek 17,200 ha of IBA covered by Nature Park (Kopacki Rit, 17,200 ha). (including Dravske forest). 17,770 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Kopacki Rit, 17,770 ha). Habitats Forest and woodland (alluvial/very wet forest; broadleaved evergreen forest), Wetland (river/stream) ■ Conservation issues Land-use Forestry Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Aquaculture/fisheries (C), Burning of vegetation (C), Deforestation (commercial) (A), Disturbance to birds (A), ■ Birds Dredging/canalization (A), Natural events (B), Other (A), Recreation/tourism (B) Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria There are plans for river canalization, forestry and use of the site as Haliaeetus albicilla B — 5 6 — A1, B2 an exclusive state hunting property. The entire area has been proposed White-tailed Eagle for protection as a National Park.

■ Protection status National None International None Kopacki Rit A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2 002 Special Zoological Reserve ■ Conservation issues Admin region Osjecko-baranjska zupanija Coordinates 45°34’N 18°51’E Threats Intensified forest management (U) Altitude — Area 7,000 ha

■ Site description A1, A4i, B1i, B2 An area of flood-plain of the Rivers Danube and Drava, with extensive Nasicka Breznica fish-ponds 004 Admin region Osjecko-baranjska zupanija Salix, Populus and Quercus forests. There are numerous channels and Coordinates 45°35’N 18°13’E oxbows, extensive reedbeds (Phragmites) and a large fish-pond Altitude 95–105 m Area 1,345 ha complex.

Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest; alluvial/very wet forest), ■ Site description Wetland (standing fresh water; river/stream; water-fringe vegetation) A complex of fish-ponds with extensive reedbeds (Phragmites) and Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture, Hunting, Tourism/recreation ponds with emergent vegetation.

139 Important Bird Areas in Europe – Croatia

large ponds with extensive reedbeds (Phragmites) and other emergent Habitats Wetland (90%; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial vegetation. The surrounding area includes abandoned ponds and a landscape (10%; ruderal land) former oxbow lake. Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture (100%), Hunting (100%) Habitats Wetland (90%; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape (10%; ruderal land) ■ Birds Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture (100%), Hunting (100%) Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria 1 Ardeola ralloides Squacco Heron B 1995 10 15 A B2 2 Egretta alba Great White Egret W 1996 6 313 A A4i, B1i ■ Birds Aythya nyroca Ferruginous Duck B 1993 20 50 B A1, B2 Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria 1. 1993–1995. 1 Phalacrocorax carbo Cormorant N 1990 400 400 B B1i 2. 1993–1996. 2 Egretta alba Great White Egret W 1996 1 177 B A4i, B1i Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: 3 Ardea purpurea Purple Heron B 1995 3 58 A B2 Haliaeetus albicilla. 4 Anser anser Greylag Goose W 1987 500 500 A B1i Aythya nyroca Ferruginous Duck B 1993 10 40 B A1, B2 5 Mergus merganser Goosander W 1996 33 33 A B1i ■ Protection status National None International None 1. Birds breed on Hungarian part of site but feed in Croatia. 2. 1993–1996. 3. 1990–1993. ■ Conservation issues 4. 1987. 5. 1996. Threats Abandonment/reduction of land management (B), Aquaculture/fisheries (B), This is an important site for breeding and wintering waterbirds. Species Burning of vegetation (C), Disturbance to birds (B), Recreation/tourism (B), of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Unsustainable exploitation (U) Haliaeetus albicilla (1–6 wintering). The main threats are fishery management practices, the leasing of the ponds to foreign hunters, and disturbance caused by the shooting of ■ Protection status Phalacrocorax carbo during the breeding season. National None International None

■ Conservation issues Alluvial forests from A1, B2 005 Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (B), Burning of vegetation (C), Disturbance to birds (B), Podravska Slatina to Vuka Unsustainable exploitation (U) Admin region Viroviticko-podravska zupanija, The main threats are from fisheries management, and disturbance Pozesko-slavonska zupanija, and mortality caused by foreign hunters. Shooting of Phalacrocorax Osjecko-baranjska zupanija carbo causes great disturbance to breeding birds including Aythya Coordinates 45°40’N 18°10’E nyroca. Altitude 90–100 m Area 100,000 ha

■ Site description Grudnjak fish-ponds A1, B1i, B2, B3 007 Alluvial Quercus forests streching from the town of Podravska Slatina Admin region Viroviticko-podravska zupanija south-east to the village of Vuka. Coordinates 45°40’N 18°03’E Habitats Forest and woodland (90%; broadleaved deciduous forest; alluvial/very wet Altitude 99–102 m Area 1,020 ha forest), Artificial landscape (10%; other urban/industrial areas) Land-use Forestry (100%), Hunting ■ Site description A complex of fish-ponds surrounded by water-fringe vegetation and ■ Birds some completely covered with emergent vegetation. Wet meadows and pastures are adjacent to the fish-ponds. Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Ciconia nigra Black Stork B — 10 50 B B2 Habitats Forest and woodland, Grassland (5%; humid grassland), Wetland (90%; Milvus migrans Black Kite B — 10 20 C B2 standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape (5%) Haliaeetus albicilla R — 5 10 B A1, B2 Land-use Agriculture (5%), Fisheries/aquaculture (95%), Hunting (95%) White-tailed Eagle An important site for breeding storks and raptors. Species of global ■ Birds conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Falco naumanni. Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria 1 Ixobrychus minutus Little Bittern B 1995 15 20 B B2 ■ ■ Protection status 1 Nycticorax nycticorax Night Heron B 1995 23 100 A B2 National None International None 2 Ardeola ralloides Squacco Heron B 1995 2 20 A B2 Aythya ferina Pochard B 1993 17 17 B B3 ■ Conservation issues Aythya nyroca Ferruginous Duck B 1993 20 50 B A1, B2 Chlidonias hybridus Whiskered Tern B 1993 200 200 B B1i, B2 Threats Deforestation (commercial) (B), Infrastructure (B), Natural events (B), 1. 1993–1995. Unsustainable exploitation (A) 2. 1994–1995. The main threat is from the intensification of forestry, particularly This is an important site for breeding herons and terns. Species of clear-felling. Falling groundwater levels, as a result of drought and global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Aythya possibly drainage, are also a problem. nyroca, Haliaeetus albicilla (1–9 wintering).

■ Protection status National None International None Donji Miholjac fish-ponds A1, A4i, B1i, B2 006 Admin region Osjecko-baranjska zupanija ■ Conservation issues Coordinates 45°45’N 18°12’E Altitude 90–92 m Area 981 ha Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (B), Burning of vegetation (C), Disturbance to birds (A), Recreation/tourism (A), Unsustainable exploitation (U) ■ Site description The fish-ponds are leased to foreign hunters. Breeding birds are A complex of a fish-ponds along the River Drava. The site includes disturbed by fishermen and by the shooting of Phalacrocorax carbo.

140 Important Bird Areas in Europe – Croatia

Jelas field A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2 008 Land-use Agriculture, Forestry Admin region Brodsko-posavska zupanija Coordinates 45°05’N 17°45’E ■ Birds Altitude 87–100 m Area 10,000 ha Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria ■ Nycticorax nycticorax Night Heron B — 100 200 — B2 Site description Ciconia nigra Black Stork B — 50 80 — B1i, B2 Alluvial flood-plain of the River Sava, situated west of the town of Ciconia ciconia White Stork B — 570 570 — B2 Slavonski Brod. The site includes commercial fish-ponds, alluvial Platalea leucorodia Spoonbill B — 150 170 — A4i, B1i, B2 Quercus forests, wet meadows and pastures, as well as arable land Milvus migrans Black Kite B — 10 — — B2 with traditional villages. Haliaeetus albicilla B — 15 15 — A1, B2 White-tailed Eagle Habitats Forest and woodland (20%; broadleaved deciduous forest; alluvial/very Aquila pomarina Lesser Spotted Eagle B — 25 — — B2 wet forest), Grassland (20%; humid grassland), Wetland (30%; standing fresh water; Crex crex Corncrake B — 120 150 — A1 river/stream; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape (30%; highly improved Chlidonias hybridus Whiskered Tern B — 150 — — B1i, B2 reseeded grassland; arable land; perennial crops/orchards/groves; other urban/ This is an important site for breeding storks and raptors. Species of industrial areas) global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Aythya Land-use Agriculture (30%), Fisheries/aquaculture (25%), Forestry (25%), nyroca, Aquila heliaca. Hunting (25%) ■ Protection status ■ Birds National Low International None Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria 25 ha of IBA covered by Bird Sanctuary (Krapje Dol, 25 ha). 430 ha 1 Phalacrocorax carbo Cormorant W 1996 27 3,500 A B1i of IBA covered by Bird Sanctuary (Rakita, 430 ha). 77 ha of IBA 2 Phalacrocorax pygmeus W 1996 242 400 A A1, A4i, B1i covered by Bird Sanctuary (Vrazje Blato, 77 ha). Pygmy Cormorant 3 Ixobrychus minutus Little Bittern B 1995 25 26 B B2 ■ Conservation issues 4 Nycticorax nycticorax Night Heron B 1995 122 320 A B2 4 Ardeola ralloides Squacco Heron B 1995 60 180 A B2 Threats Drainage (U), Filling-in of wetlands (U) 1 Egretta alba Great White Egret W 1996 12 157 A A4i, B1i The main threats are drainage and land reclamation. 5 Platalea leucorodia Spoonbill B 1996 100 125 A B1i, B2 6 Anas platyrhynchos Mallard W 1996 2,500 11,000 A B1i Aythya nyroca Ferruginous Duck B — 120 160 — A1, B1i, B2 7 Aythya nyroca Ferruginous Duck W 1996 11 52 A A1 1 Koncanica fish-ponds A1, B1i, B2 010 Larus ridibundus Black-headed Gull W 1996 42 5,500 A B1i and surrounding area 1. 1992–1996. 2. 1995–1996. Admin region Bjelovarsko-bilogorska zupanija 3. 1993–1996. Coordinates 45°40’N 17°04’E 4. 1991–1995. Altitude 129–144 m Area 10,000 ha 5. 1991–1994. 6. 1991–1997. 7. 1991–1996. ■ Site description This is an important site for breeding herons. The site holds 20,000 or A complex of fish-ponds along the river consisting of large ponds more waterbirds in winter, on a regular basis. Species of global with water-fringe vegetation (Phragmites) covering 1,475 ha and wet conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Haliaeetus grasslands covering over 700 ha. Alluvial Qurecus forests occupy albicilla, Falco naumanni, Crex crex. 2,500 ha.

Habitats Forest and woodland (30%; broadleaved deciduous forest; alluvial/very wet ■ Protection status forest), Grassland (10%; humid grassland), Wetland (30%; standing fresh water; river/ National None International None stream; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape (40%; arable land; perennial crops/ orchards/groves; other urban/industrial areas) ■ Conservation issues Land-use Agriculture (40%), Fisheries/aquaculture (30%), Forestry (30%), Threats Abandonment/reduction of land management (A), Agricultural intensification/ Hunting (30%) expansion (B), Aquaculture/fisheries (B), Burning of vegetation (C), Disturbance to birds (B), Intensified forest management (B) ■ Birds Local authorities protect the mixed heron colony as a Special Ornithological Reserve. Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria 1 Phalacrocorax carbo Cormorant W 1994 3 2,500 A B1i Ciconia ciconia White Stork B — 20 30 A B2 2 Anser fabalis Bean Goose W 1987 2,000 2,000 A B1i Alluvial wetlands A1, A4i, B1i, B2 009 Aythya nyroca Ferruginous Duck B — 10 50 B A1, B2 of the River Sava Chlidonias hybridus Whiskered Tern B — 15 15 B B2 Admin region Sisacko-moslavacka zupanija, 1. 1992–1994. Brodsko-posavska zupanija, 2. 1987. Vukovarsko-srijemska zupanija Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Coordinates 45°30’N 17°00’E Haliaeetus albicilla, Crex crex. Altitude 90–105 m Area 210,000 ha ■ Protection status ■ Site description National None International None A flood-plain area of the Rivers Sava, and Strug. The site inculdes alluvial Quercus and Populus forests, marshes, meadows, fish- ■ Conservation issues ponds, oxbow lakes and rivers and streams. Some areas have been Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Aquaculture/fisheries (B), drained and cultivated. Deforestation (commercial) (B), Disturbance to birds (B), Other (B), Unsustainable Habitats Forest and woodland (40%; broadleaved deciduous forest; alluvial/very wet exploitation forest), Grassland (10%; humid grassland), Wetland (20%; standing fresh water; river/ The main threats include conversion of grasslands to arable cultivation, stream; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape (40%; arable land; perennial crops/ increasingly intensive forestry, hunting, pesticide run-off, and lead orchards/groves; other urban/industrial areas; ruderal land) poisoning from spent shot (‘Other’, threats).

141 Important Bird Areas in Europe – Croatia

Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Alluvial wetlands A1, A4i, B1i, B2 011 of the River Drava Aythya nyroca, Haliaeetus albicilla (2–3 breeding pairs), Crex crex (10 breeding pairs). Admin region Koprivnicko-krizevacka zupanija, Viroviticko-podravska zupanija, Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Osjecko-baranjska zupanija Ciconia nigra Black Stork B — 5 10 B B2 Coordinates 45°55’N 17°15’E Ciconia ciconia White Stork B — 15 20 B B2 Altitude 85–130 m Area 50,000 ha Milvus migrans Black Kite B — 2 5 B B2 Aquila pomarina Lesser Spotted Eagle B — 2 3 B B2 ■ Site description Natural alluvial landscapes along the River Drava from the mouth of ■ Protection status the River Mura, east to its mouth with the River Danube. Area includes National None International None extensive alluvial Quercus forests, wet meadows, pastures, and small freshwater wetlands. The river has created 40-m-high cliffs and ■ Conservation issues numerous meanders, as well as gravel islands. Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (A), Burning of vegetation (C), Habitats Forest and woodland (40%; broadleaved deciduous forest; alluvial/very wet Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (B), Deforestation (commercial) (B), forest), Grassland (10%; humid grassland), Wetland (25%; standing fresh water; river/ Industrialization/urbanization (B), Intensified forest management (B), Natural events (B) stream; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape (25%; highly improved reseeded There are a number of major threats to the site. A nuclear power plant grassland; arable land; perennial crops/orchards/groves; other urban/industrial areas) has been planned for the site and a major highway is likely to run Land-use Agriculture (60%), Forestry (40%), Hunting, Water management (10%) through or close to the area. It has been suggested as a location for an urban waste-disposal site. River canalization, in combination with ■ Birds drought, has already caused a reduction in the groundwater level and drying of the alluvial forests. Further canalization and drainage work Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria is planned. Phalacrocorax carbo Cormorant R — 2,000 2,000 A A4i Ixobrychus minutus Little Bittern B — 10 43 B B2 Nycticorax nycticorax Night Heron B — 200 423 A B2 Ardeola ralloides Squacco Heron B — 5 22 A B2 Pokupsko depression A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2 013 Ardea purpurea Purple Heron B — 144 144 A B2 Admin region Zagrebacka zupanija, Ciconia nigra Black Stork B — 10 41 B B2 Karlovacka zupanija Ciconia ciconia White Stork B — 100 120 B B2 Coordinates 45°37’N 15°42’E Platalea leucorodia Spoonbill B — 5 31 A B2 Aythya nyroca Ferruginous Duck B — 100 200 B A1, A4i, B1i, B2 Altitude 116–200 m Area 196,600 ha Haliaeetus albicilla R — 10 27 B A1, B2 White-tailed Eagle ■ Site description Riparia riparia Sand Martin B — 4,000 4,700 B B2 The site includes a number of subsites: Crna Mlaka Special This is an important site for breeding herons and storks. Ornithological Reserve; Pisarovina fish-ponds; Draganici fish-ponds; and Lonjsko and Mokro fields. Draganici and Crna Malka are ■ Protection status both fish-pond complexes with emergent vegetation and extensive National Low International None water-fringe vegetation, surrounded by alluvial Quercus forests. 3,886 ha of IBA covered by Nature Park (Repas Nature Park). 700 ha Lonjsko and Mokro fields include the flood-plains of the Rivers Sava, of IBA covered by Special Reserve (Veliki Pazut, 700 ha). Lonja and Strug. The area includes extensive alluvial Quercus forests (52,000 ha), wet grasslands (12,000 ha), pastures (11,900 ha) and ■ Conservation issues numerous small temporary and permanent wetlands. Other habitats include old settlements, fish-ponds (1,400 ha), arable land and Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Burning of vegetation (C), perennial crops. Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (A), Deforestation (commercial) (B), Disturbance to birds (B), Dredging/canalization (A), Extraction industry (B), Filling-in of Habitats Forest and woodland (alluvial/very wet forest), Wetland (standing fresh water; wetlands (B), Industrialization/urbanization (B), Infrastructure (B) water-fringe vegetation) Land-use Agriculture, Fisheries/aquaculture, Forestry, Hunting There are plans to build power-stations along the River Drava and to canalize parts of the river. Gravel mining is a further threat. A joint conservation project between Austrian, Slovenian, Hungarian and ■ Birds Croatian NGOs, under the leadership of Euronatur, has proposed Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria the whole area for protection. Ixobrychus minutus Little Bittern B — 10 20 C B2 Egretta alba Great White Egret U 1992 23 120 B A4i, B1i Anas platyrhynchos Mallard W — 12 10,000 B B1i Anas platyrhynchos Mallard P — 10,000 10,000 B B1i Turopolje B2 012 Aythya nyroca Ferruginous Duck B — 70 120 B A1, B2 Admin region Sisacko-moslavacka zupanija, Aythya nyroca Ferruginous Duck P — 3,200 5,200 — A1, A4i, B1i, B2 Grad Zagreb Aquila pomarina Lesser Spotted Eagle B — 1 2 — B2 Coordinates 45°34’N 16°15’E The site holds 20,000 or more waterbirds on passage, on a regular Altitude 97–105 m Area 20,000 ha basis. Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Haliaeetus albicilla, Crex crex. ■ Site description An area regularly inundated by the River and its tributaries. ■ Protection status The site includes extensive pastures, wet grasslands and alluvial National Low International Partial Quercus and Fagus forests. 625 ha of IBA covered by Special Ornithological Reserve (Crna Mlaka, 625 ha). 625 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Crna Mlaka, 625 ha). Habitats Forest and woodland (25%; broadleaved deciduous forest; alluvial/very wet IBA overlaps with Ramsar Site ( and Mokro Poljie, forest), Grassland (65%; humid grassland), Wetland (5%; standing fresh water; river/ 50,560 ha). stream), Artificial landscape (5%; arable land) Land-use Agriculture (70%), Forestry (30%), Hunting ■ Conservation issues Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (U), Aquaculture/fisheries (U), Dredging/ ■ Birds canalization (U), Infrastructure (U), Intensified forest management (U) This is an important site for breeding storks, herons and raptors.

142 Important Bird Areas in Europe – Croatia

Special Ornithological Reserve B2 014 Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria on Krk island Gyps fulvus Griffon Vulture B — 25 25 — B2 Admin region Primorsko-goranska zupanija Circaetus gallicus Short-toed Eagle B — 2 4 — B2 Coordinates 45°01’N 14°45’E Altitude — Area 1,000 ha ■ Protection status National High International None ■ Site description 1,450 ha of IBA covered by Ornithological Reserves (Cres, Canyons and sea cliffs on the north-eastern side of Krk island. 1,450 ha).

Habitats Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore; inland cliff) ■ Conservation issues Land-use Tourism/recreation Threats Recreation/tourism (U) ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Gyps fulvus Griffon Vulture R — 10 15 — B2 Paklenica National Park B2 017 Admin region Zadarsko-kninska zupanija Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Coordinates 44°19’N 15°45’E Aythya nyroca, Falco naumanni, Crex crex. Altitude — Area 3,617 ha ■ Protection status National High International None ■ Site description 1,000 ha of IBA covered by Ornithological Reserve (Krk, 1,000 ha). Two large river canyons with high cliffs and forests dominated by Fagus, Quercus, Carpinus and Pinus. ■ Conservation issues Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest; native coniferous forest; Threats Recreation/tourism (U) mixed forest), Rocky areas (inland cliff) Land-use Tourism/recreation

■ Birds Prvic island B2 015 Admin region Primorsko-goranska zupanija Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Coordinates 44°55’N 14°48’E Gyps fulvus Griffon Vulture R — 20 20 — B2 Altitude — Area 7,000 ha Falco peregrinus Peregrine R — 2 2 — B2 This is an important site for breeding raptors. ■ Site description The island has high sea cliffs in the north-east and south-west. The ■ Protection status upland plateau is dominated by garrigue with some sheep-grazed National High International High grassland. 3,617 ha of IBA covered by National Park (Paklenica, 3,617 ha). 3,617 ha of IBA covered by Specially Protected Area (Paklenica, Habitats Scrub (sclerophyllous scrub/garrigue/maquis), Grassland (steppe/dry calcareous 3,617 ha). grassland), Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore) Land-use Tourism/recreation ■ Conservation issues Threats Recreation/tourism (U) ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Gyps fulvus Griffon Vulture R — 10 15 — B2 B2 This is an important site for breeding raptors. Kornati National Park 018 and Telascica Nature Park Admin region Zadarsko-kninska zupanija, ■ Protection status Sibenska zupanija National Partial International None Coordinates 43°45’N 15°18’E IBA overlaps with Botanical and Zoological Reserve (Prvic Island, Altitude — Area 30,200 ha 7,000 ha).

■ Conservation issues ■ Site description An archipelago of several hundred islands in the central part of the Threats Recreation/tourism (U) . The islands are not forested but there are patches of scrub.

Habitats Scrub (sclerophyllous scrub/garrigue/maquis), Rocky areas (sea cliff/ Special Ornithological Reserves B2 016 rocky shore) on Cres island Land-use Tourism/recreation Admin region Primorsko-goranska zupanija Coordinates 44°57’N 14°24’E ■ Birds Altitude — Area 1,450 ha Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria ■ Circaetus gallicus Short-toed Eagle B — 10 10 — B2 Site description Falco eleonorae Eleonora’s Falcon B — 10 10 — B2 Quercus, Carpinus, Ostrya and Castanea forest and high sea cliffs. Falco peregrinus Peregrine R — 1 3 — B2 Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest), Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore) Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Land-use Tourism/recreation Falco naumanni.

■ Birds ■ Protection status This is an important site for breeding raptors. National Partial International Partial

143 Important Bird Areas in Europe – Croatia

IBA overlaps with Nature Park (Telascica). IBA overlaps with Sinjsko field B2 021 National Park (Kornati, 30,200 ha). IBA overlaps with Specially Admin region Splitsko-dalmatinska zupanija Protected Area (Kornati, 30,200 ha). Coordinates 43°55’N 16°25’E Altitude 295–301 m Area 640 ha ■ Conservation issues Threats Recreation/tourism (U) ■ Site description An area of meadows at the head of the river.

Habitats Grassland (humid grassland), Wetland (river/stream) Lake Vransko A4i, A4iii, B1i 019 Admin region Zadarsko-kninska zupanija ■ Birds Coordinates 43°54’N 15°35’E The B2 criterion has been applied at the site level. The site was in the Altitude 0–109 m Area 3,000 ha previous pan-European inventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989) as Pasko field (YU023). However, bird data are lacking. Caprimulgus ■ Site description europaeus and Lullula arborea are common with ‘many’ breeding pairs A natural lake connected to the sea by a canal, fringed with reedbeds reported. (Phragmites) and agricultural land along the western shore. The site is used for recreation, fishing, aquaculture, reed-harvesting, hunting ■ Protection status and tourism. National None International None

Habitats Wetland (standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape ■ Conservation issues (arable land) Land-use Agriculture, Fisheries/aquaculture, Hunting, Other, Tourism/recreation Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (U)

■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Dinara mountain B2 022 1 Fulica atra Coot W 1994 30,000 60,000 A A4i, B1i Admin region Zadarsko-kninska zupanija, 1. 1993–1994. Splitsko-dalmatinska zupanija Coordinates 43°58’N 16°32’E The site holds 20,000 or more waterbirds in winter on a regular basis. Altitude 0–1,831 m Area 20,000 ha Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Aythya nyroca, Crex crex. ■ Site description ■ Protection status An area of montane meadows, cliffs, deciduous and conifer woodland. National Low International None Land-uses include sheep- and cattle-grazing. 30 ha of IBA covered by Special Reserve (Vransko, 30 ha). Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest; native coniferous forest), Grassland (alpine/subalpine/boreal grassland), Rocky areas (inland cliff) ■ Conservation issues Land-use Agriculture Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (U), Aquaculture/fisheries (U), Other (U), Recreation/tourism (U), Unsustainable exploitation (U) ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Circaetus gallicus Short-toed Eagle B — 5 5 — B2 B2 020 Aquila chrysaetos Golden Eagle R — 1 2 — B2 Admin region Zadarsko-kninska zupanija, Falco peregrinus Peregrine R — 2 3 — B2 Sibenska zupanija This is an important site for breeding raptors. Coordinates 43°48’N 15°55’E Altitude — Area 14,200 ha ■ Protection status National None International None ■ Site description Sea coast, canyons, lakes and Quercus, Carpinus and Ostrya forests. Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest), Wetland (standing Delta of the Neretva river A3, B1i 023 freshwater; river/stream), Marine areas (sea inlet/coastal features), Rocky areas (inland cliff) Admin region Dubrovacko-neretvanska zupanija Land-use Tourism/recreation Coordinates 42°57’N 17°33’E Altitude — Area 11,500 ha ■ Birds ■ Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Site description Circaetus gallicus Short-toed Eagle B — 4 5 — B2 Delta of the Neretva river, the largest wetland on the Croatian coast. Falco peregrinus Peregrine R — 2 3 — B2 The site includes extensive areas of brackish and freshwater marshes, reedbeds (Phragmites) and other emergent vegetation, as well as coastal Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: sand beaches. Aythya nyroca, Aquila heliaca, Falco naumanni, Crex crex. Habitats Wetland (tidal river/enclosed tidal water; saltmarsh; sand-dunes/ sand beach; standing fresh water; standing brackish and salt water; water-fringe ■ Protection status vegetation) National High International High 14,200 ha of IBA covered by National Park (Krka, 14,200 ha). 14,200 ha of IBA covered by Specially Protected Area (Krka, 14,200 ha). ■ Birds

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria ■ Conservation issues Alectoris graeca Rock Partridge R 1994 — — — A3 Threats Recreation/tourism Oenanthe hispanica B 1994 — — — A3 Black-eared Wheatear Tourism is the main threat.

144 Important Bird Areas in Europe – Croatia

Species ... continued Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Aythya nyroca, Haliaeetus albicilla, Aquila heliaca, Falco naumanni, Crex crex. Hippolais olivetorum B 1994 — — — A3 Olive-tree Warbler ■ Sylvia conspicillata B 1994 — — — A3 ■ Protection status Spectacled Warbler National Partial International High Sylvia cantillans Subalpine Warbler B 1994 — — — A3 1,250 ha of IBA covered by Special Reserve (Pod Gredon / Prud / Sylvia melanocephala B 1994 — — — A3 Orepak / south-east delta, 1,250 ha). 11,500 ha of IBA covered by Sardinian Warbler Ramsar Site (, 11,500 ha). 11,500 ha of IBA covered by Sitta neumayer Rock Nuthatch R 1994 — — — A3 Specially Protected Area (Neretva Delta, 11,500 ha). Emberiza melanocephala B 1994 — — — A3 Black-headed Bunting ■ Conservation issues The B1i criterion has been applied at the site level as data are missing Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (U), Industrialization/urbanization (U), but the site is known to be important for spring and autumn Infrastructure (U), Unsustainable exploitation (U) passage waterbirds. Breeding birds include eight of the 21 species that are restricted in Europe to the Mediterranean biome (when breeding). Drainage, agricultural development, urbanization, road building and Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: hunting are all threats to the site.

REFERENCES

BARTOVSKY, V., KLETECKI, E., RADOVIC, D., STIPCEVIC, M. AND SUSIC, G. (1987) MIKUSKA, T. AND MARTINOVIC D. (1993) Medjunarodna Drava Konferencija. Breeding waders in Yugoslavia. Wader Study Group Bull. 51: 33–37. [International “Drava” Conference.] Novosti IBA projekta 2/3: 1–2. COLLAR, N. J., CROSBY, M. J. AND STATTERSFIELD, A. J. (1994) Birds to watch 2: MIKUSKA, T. AND MIKUSKA, J. (1992) Baranja i Kopacki rit u ratu. [Baranja the world list of threatened birds. Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International and Kopacki rit during war.] Pp. 47–57 in P. Durbesic and M. Kerovec, (Conservation Series 4). eds. Posljedice rata na okolis u Hrvatskoj. [Consequences of the war on the DELIC, A. (1989) [Waterbirds of the Koncanica fishponds.] Larus 40: 25–33. (In Croatian environment.] Zagreb: Hrvatsko Ekolosko Drustvo (Mala Croatian.) Ekoloska biblioteka Knjiga 6). ERN, H. (1990) Autumn and winter observations of Great White Herons (Egretta MIKUSKA, T. AND MIKUSKA, J. (1993) Vijesti s IBA podrucja. Kopacki rit— alba) on fishponds in Croatia. Troglodytes 3: 11–12. IBA 014. [News from IBAs. Kopacki rit.] Novosti IBA projekta 1: 4–6. GETZ, D. (1994) Cesta kroz Kopacki rit. [Road through Koapcki rit.] Novosti MIKUSKA, T., SETINA, M. AND MIKUSKA, J. (1993) Vijesti s IBA podrucja. IBA projekta 3/4: 1–2. Jelas polje—IBA 014. [News from IBAs. Jelas field.] Novosti IBA projekta 1: 4. GRIMMETT, R. F. A. AND JONES T. A. (1989) Important Bird Areas in Europe. Cambridge, UK: International Council for Bird Preservation (Tech. MIKUSKA, T., NOLA, I. A., KAJFEZ, R. AND KOVACIC, D. (1991) Otter Publ. 9). distribution in view of habitat quality in Turopolje. Pp. 333–334 in Proceedings of the Fourth Congress of Croatian Biologists. JURCEVIC, I. (1998) [Winter fauna and ecology of waterfowl, Anseriformes, in D. Serman, ed. Croatia.] Zagreb: University of Zagreb (M.Sc. thesis). (In Croatian.) Abstract Book. Zagreb: Hrvatsko Biolosko Drustvo. RAKOVCIC AND URK LUKAC, G. (1994) Umjetni mocvarni biotopi—znacajna stanista mocvarnih ptica. M , M. T . M. (1988) [Application of ornithological [Artificial wetlands—important habitats for waterbirds.] Novosti IBA projekta research in the protection and management of fisheries in Croatia.] 3/4: 3–5. Pp. 175–180 in M. Mestrov and G. Susic, eds. Ornithology in Croatia. Zagreb: JAZU. LUKAÈ, G. AND STIPÈEVIÆ M. (1997) Birds of National Park Paklenica, Croatia. Natura Croatica 6: 60. RUCNER, D. (1962) Prilog poznavanju ornitofaune Kopackog rita i okolice u Baranji. [Contribution to the knowledge of ornithofauna of Kopacki rit MAJER, J. (1995) Data to the fish fauna (Pisces) of Drava river (Hungary) and to the quality of backwaters. Pp. 189–202 in A. Uherkovics, ed. The fauna of and surrounding area in the Baranja region.] Larus 14: 84–121. the Drava region, Vol. 1., Studia Pannonica, (A) Series Historico-naturalis. SCHNEIDER-JACOBY, M. (1993) Vogel als Indikatoren fur das okologische Pecs, Croatia. Potential der Saveaue und Moglischkeiten fur deren erhaltung. Konstanz, Germany: University of Konstanz (Ph.D. thesis). MIKUSKA, J. (1979) Ekoloske osobine i zastita Specijalnog zooloskog rezervata “Kopacki rit” s posebnim osvrtom na ekologiju kraljesnjaka. [Ecological SCHNEIDER-JACOBY, M. (1994) Sava and Drava—Ecological value and future characteristics and protection of the Special zoological reserve “Kopacki rit”.] of the two main rivers in Croatia. Periodicum Biologorum 4: 348–356. Zagreb: University of Zagreb (Ph.D. thesis). SCHNEIDER-JACOBY, M. (1995) Drau und —Leben durch Flussdynamik. MIKUSKA, J. AND MIKUSKA, T. (1994) Ptice Dunava na podrucju Hrvatske. [Birds Uberlingen, Germany: Naturerbe Verlag Jurgen Resch. of the Danube valley in Croatia.] Anali Zavoda za znanstveni rad u Osijeku SCHNEIDER-JACOBY, M. (1997) Die Drau—ein Stuck europaische Urlandschaft. 10: 109–175. Natur und Mensch 2: 10–15. MIKUSKA, T. (1988/89) Prijeti li ekoloska katastrofa “Kopackom ritu”. [Does STIPCEVIC, M. (1996) A contribution to the Croatian list of rare and scarce ecological catastrophe threaten “Kopacki rit”?] Priroda 77(9): 6–7. birds recorded from 1985–1995. Natura Croatica 5(1): 53–81. MIKUSKA, T. (1990) Veliki vranac (Kormoran). [Great Cormorant.] Priroda 79 TOPIC, J. (1989) Vegetation of the special zoological reserve of Kopacki rit. (9/10): 24–25. Hydrobiologia 182: 149–160. MIKUSKA, T. (1990) Ornithological report from delta of river Neretva on June TOTH, S. (1995) Preliminary report on the dragonfly (Odonata) fauna of the 29th 1990. Troglodytes 3: 22–23. Drava region, Hungary. Pp. 41–52 in A. Uherkovics, ed. The fauna of the MIKUSKA, T. (1991) [Red-throated Diver near .] Troglodytes 4: Drava region, Vol. 1., Studia Pannonica, (A) Series Historico-naturalis. 37. (In Croatian.) Pecs, Croatia. MIKUSKA, T. (1991) Goosander on the Kopacko Lake. Troglodytes 4: 38. TUCKER, G. M. AND HEATH, M. F. (1994) Birds in Europe: their conservation MIKUSKA, T. (1991) Little Egret Egretta garzetta flying in mixed flocks. status. Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International (BirdLife Conservation Troglodytes 4: 36. Series no. 3). MIKUSKA, T. (1993) Status of the Black Stork in Croatia. P. 61 in M. Strazds, ed. 1st International Black Stork Conservation and Ecology Symposium, Abstract Book. Latvia: Jurmala.

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