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DINARICKARST POLJESNATURE CONSERVATION AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Edited by:

Peter Sackl, Stefan Ferger, Nermina Sarajlić, Dražen Kotrošan & Goran Topić

Sarajevo, 2019

Contents

I. Preface

Dinaric karst poljes – Jewels of the Western BalkansTobias Salathé

Dinaric karst poljes – a look into the futureDražen Kotrošan & Nermina Sarajlić

II. Karst poljes as wetlands of national and international importance - Worskhop proceedings and projects results

Spatial protection of Livanjsko polje in the framework of the UNEP/GEF project: Achieving biodiversity conservation through creation, effective management and spatial designation of protected areas and capacity buildingMaja Jaćimovska

The role of local breeds for the preservation of the ecosystems of karst pasture areasGordan Šubara, Ida Štoka & Ante Ivanković

Dinaric karst poljes and their importance for mycobiotaNeven Matočec, Nedim Jukić, Nihad Omerović & Ivana Kušan

Birds of Pešter karst poljeSlobodan Puzović, Vladan Vučković, Nikola Stojnić, Goran Sekulić, Miloš Radaković, Nenad Dučić, Brano Rudić, Milan Ružić, Dimitrije Radišić, Bratislav Grubač, Marko Šćiban & Marko Raković

Results of two years of research of the bird fauna of Popovo poljeAleksandar Vukanović

Analysis of the occurrence of Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) and Red-footed Falcon (Falco vespertinus) in the karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 2012-2017 periodGoran Topić, Biljana Topić, Dražen Kotrošan, Mirko Šarac & Josip Vekić

Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) in the karst poljes of Bosnia and HerzegovinaDražen Kotrošan, Goran Topić, Mirko Šarac, Josip Vekić & Nermina Sarajlić

Karst poljes in Bosnia and Herzegovina – newly identified Important Bird AreasBorut Rubinić

III. Dossier of karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina meeting the criteria to be identified as Important Bird Areas (IBAs)

List of karst poljes in Bosnia and Herzegovina proposed as new Important Bird AreasBorut Rubinić, Jovica Sjeničić, Peter Sackl, Dražen Kotrošan & Nermina Sarajlić

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Livanjsko polje (Photo: Goran Topić)

5NATURE CONSERVATION AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Dinaric karst poljes – Jewels of the Western Balkans

Dr Tobias SalathéRamsar Convention SecretariatSenior Adviser, Europe

cultural, scientific, and recreational value, the loss of which would be irreparable (in the Preamble to the Convention). They agree to formulate their planning so as to promote the conservation of the Ramsar Sites and the “Wise Use” of all wetlands in their territory as far as possible (Article 3.1).

We hope that Ramsar Site No. 1786 Livanjsko Polje will become a showcase how to conserve the par-ticularly dynamic karst hydrology and its associ-ated biodiversity, while allowing new sustainable forms of agriculture and tourism to provide last-ing economic perspectives and livelihoods for the inhabitants and the local societies. We are happy to see that UN Environment is helping you to im-plement projects to this end with the financial support by the Global Environment Facility. Ram-sar stands ready to support you with the devel-opment of innovative land-use practices, accord-ing to our “Wise Use”- Principle that will assure a lasting and bright future to the Dinaric Karst Poljes, their nature and their peoples.

I wish you a great success with the second Work-shop and look forward to remain in contact.

The Secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands regrets not being able to participate in the second International Workshop on Dinaric Karst Poljes in Tomislavgrad on 16-18 October 2017, after our participation in the very successful first Workshop in Livno in 2013 and the designation of Livanjsko Polje as a Wetland of International Importance (a “Ramsar Site”) in 2008 by Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Dinaric Karst Poljes represent exceptional ecosystems in the World with an exceptionally rich history, unique local traditions and specially adapted cultural practices, based on the dynamic karst hydrology and the natural ecosystems which evolved over the millennia and created specifi-cally adapted species and human landscapes and settlements adapted to these circumstances. These values are listed in the ably named volume “Floods for Life” that summarizes the contribu-tions presented to the 2013 Workshop.

The Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention recognize the interdependence of human societies and their environment. They are convinced that wetlands constitute a resource of great economic,

Sincerely yours

Gland, 16 October 2017

6 DINARIC KARST POLJES

Dinaric karst poljes - a look into the futureDr Dražen Kotrošan & MSc Nermina Sarajlić

The extraordinary phenomena of karst poljes have been recognized for a long time, but their evaluation from the aspect of biodiversity conservation has just began. This refers to individual research of specific species, groups of organisms or ecosystems, but there is still no systematic valorisation of the significance of their natural and geographical values.

One of the ideas upon launching the Karst Poljes project was to assess the importance of karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina from the international and local aspects, and to create suggestions for the sustainable use of those poljes that are estimated to have an international and local importance as biodiversity hotspots and have exceptional natural and cultural values. Aside from Hutovo blato, which has already been recognized as a Ramsar site and had a formal protection at the local level, Livanjsko

polje was recognized as the most important site, and therefore the first phase of the project was focused on evaluating its natural values and condition. As a result, Livanjsko polje was declared a Ramsar site in 2009 and an Important Bird Area (IBA) in 2011, but it never got the status of a protected area under the national legislation, and therefore the management plan for this area was never developed. Another 57 karst poljes were evaluated during the first phase of the project, and it was found that some of them meet the conditions for the IBA status. This also indicated the need for protection at the local level and development of plans for sustainable management of these areas.

During the second phase of the project, the results of the field research indicated that 13 selected sites covering 20 karst poljes meet the conditions for nomination for the IBA. This opens


the question of the future of these karst poljes - what is the best way to ensure their protection and support of the local community through the programs of sustainable development? At the moment, the pressure on the karst poljes is extremely high, and include peat extraction and intensive monoculture crops, and there are numerous dangerous plans that include the large energy projects (construction of different types of hydroelectric plants and wind farms).

The partial answer to the issue of development of karst poljes, in a way that benefits both nature and people, is the support to the sustainable ag-riculture practices. The preservation of indigenous cattle breeds combined with the cultivation of tra-ditional crops would encourage the development of new branded products (e.g. cheeses, wines, honey...). The strengthening of tourism, especially the one based on birdwatching, is another possi-

bility for the sustainable economic development of the Dinaric karst poljes. So far, we have wit-nessed the situation that the elderly population remains on the poljes, while the young people are eager to leave and look for existence in other areas and other countries. The tourists from the countries of Western Europe already show the interest in nature-based tourism, and the people living in villages in and around karst poljes are willing to engage in touristic programs in a certain way - so, all the preconditions are there!

The detailed research of the poljes should be one of the most important tasks for the scientific community and NGOs involved in study and protection of nature. The good knowledge base is the best way to prevent the destruction of Dinaric karst poljes and ensure that their natural and cultural values are preserved for the future generations.

Livanjsko polje (Photo: Biljana Topić)


Livanjsko polje (Photo: Nermina Sarajlić)


Spatial protection of Livanjsko polje in the framework of the UNEP/GEF project: Achieving biodiversity conservation through creation, effective management and spatial designation of protected areas and capacity building

Maja Jaćimovska1

1Center for Energy, Environment and Resources (CENER 21), Nova 24, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, E-mail: [email protected]

SummaryDuring the period 2017 - 2019, the United Nations Environment Program Office in Bosnia and Herze-govina will, in cooperation with the Federal Minis-try of Environment and Tourism and the Ministry of Physical Planning, Construction and Ecology of the Republika Srpska, implement the “Achieving Biodiversity Conservation through Establishment and Effective Management and Spatial Designa-tion of Protected Areas and Capacity Building in Bosnia and Herzegovina” project. Due to its ex-ceptional biodiversity values, geomorphological characteristics, the Ramsar status and its status as an Important Bird Area (IBA), and its variety of different ecosystems and ecosystem services, Livanjsko polje has been nominated as the pro-ject area within component 1, where formal and legal protection should be established through the project. According to the Law on Nature Pro-tection (Službene novine FBiH, br 66/13), the protected area will be established on the basis of the formal Law on Designation of a Protected Area which is based on an expert study regarding the valorisation of the area’s natural as well its cultural and historical values. Having in mind that project planning is still ongoing and that the field

surveys of the flora and fauna were implemented by the end of year 2018, specific results regarding biodiversity surveys are not available yet.

Keywords: nature conservation, valorisation, Livanjsko polje, zonation, management

SažetakU periodu 2017-2019. godina, Ured programa Uje-dinjenih nacija za okoliš u Bosni i Hercegovini (UNEP) u saradnji sa Federalnim ministarstvom okoliša i turizma i Ministarstvom za prostorno uređenje, građevinarstvo i ekologiju Republike Srpske implementirat će projekat Postizanje oču-vanja biološke raznolikosti kroz uspostavljanje i efikasno upravljanje zaštićenim područjima i izgradnju kapaciteta za zaštitu prirode u Bosni i Hercegovini. Projekat finansira Globalni fond za okoliš (GEF), a sastoji se od tri komponente: kom-ponenta 1 - uspostavljanje i efikasno upravljanje zaštićenim područjima i biološkom raznolikošću; komponenta 2 - efikasnost upravljanja sistemom zaštićenih područja; i komponenta 3 - monitoring biološke raznolikosti. Livanjsko polje je, uslijed svoje iznimne bioraznolikosti, geomorfoloških ka-


is designed for protecting biodiversity under an effective management regime that responds to the needs of local communities and focuses on the main causes of the loss of biodiversity in the country.

Due to exceptional biodiversity values, geomorphological characteristics, and variety of different ecosystems and ecosystem services, Livanjsko polje has been nominated as the project area where formal and legal protection should be established.

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Project planningIn July 2015 the preparatory phase of the project was launched. It included the development of all accompanying project acts, consultations with relevant ministries and other institutions, and all other stakeholders in the project. The preparatory phase was successfully completed in June 2016. The project is aimed at overcoming basic problems such as the underdeveloped network of protected areas in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which has the smallest percentage of protected natural territory in Europe, the lack of monitoring of biodiversity and a poor financial framework for nature protection.

The executive partners and basic beneficiaries of the project, in accordance with their responsibili-

rakteristika, IBA i Ramsar statusa te različitih eko-sistema i ekosistemskih usluga koje pruža, u okvi-ru komponente 1, nominirano za projektno pod-ručje, u kojemu se kroz projekt treba uspostaviti formalno-pravna zaštita prostora. Prema Zakonu o zaštiti prirode (Službene novine FBiH, br 66/13) zaštićeno područje se uspostavlja na osnovu akta o proglašenju zaštićenog područja, koji se zasniva na Stručnom obrazloženju. Aktivnosti koje će se provesti u sklopu Projekta podrazumijevaju sve aktivnosti koje su u skladu sa zakonskim okvirom zaštite prirode i uspostavljanja novih zaštićenih područja, kao što su: prikupljanje relevantnih po-dataka, terenska istraživanja flore i faune, konsul-tativni sastanci sa lokalnom zajednicom, višim nivoima vlasti i svim interesnim stranama u pro-storu, zoniranje prostora, prijedlog kategorije za-štite, izrada Stručnog obrazloženja o valorizaciji prirodnih i kulturno-historijskih vrijednosti pro-stora, i priprema nacrta Zakona o proglašenju.

Ključne riječi: zaštita prirode, valorizacija, Li-vanjsko polje, zoniranje, upravljanje

IntroductionIn cooperation with local institutions the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) in Bosnia and Herzegovina has designed a project addressing the challenges of nature conservation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The project is titled “Achieving the Conservation of Biodiversity through the Establishment and Efficient Management of Protected Areas and Capacity Building for Nature Protection in Bosnia and Herzegovina” and financed by the Global Environment Facility. Project planning started in 2017 and is currently ongoing. The project will be implemented by the end of 2019. It is aimed at extending the percentage of protected areas in Bosnia and Herzegovina with the establishment of a reconfigured system of protected areas which


ties regarding nature protection, are the Ministry of Physical Planning, Construction and Ecology of the Republika Srpska and the Federal Ministry of Environment and Tourism. Other key participants in the preparation and implementation of the project are the Republic Institute for the Protec-tion of Cultural, Historical and Natural Heritage of the Republika Srpska, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of the Republika Srpska, the Federal Ministry of Physical Planning, the Environmental Protection and Energy Effi-ciency Fund of the Republika Srpska, Environmen-tal Protection Fund of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and competent cantonal minis-tries for environmental protection of the Canton Sarajevo, Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, Canton 10 and Zenica-Doboj Canton.

Project objectivesThe main objectives of the project are:

(i) extending the network of protected areas with the establishment of a reconfigured system of protected areas, designed to protect biodiversity under an efficient management regime that responds to the needs of local communities and focuses on the main causes of biodiversity loss in the country; (ii) implementation of capacity building activities for advocacy and communication regarding the natural values and benefits from protected areas to local communities, personnel of protected areas and employees in the field of nature protection; and (iii) to increase public awareness of the importance of the conservation of nature.

The project consists of three components:

Component 1 • Establishment and efficient management of protected areas and biodiversity. Spatial protection of Livanjsko polje is recognized under this project component. Specific objective

of this component is to double the current surface of the network of protected areas through establishing the formal protection and efficient management of nine newly proclaimed protected areas as part of the project.

Component 2 • Improving the efficiency of protected area management system.

Component 3 • Biodiversity monitoring (UNEP 2017).

Livanjsko polje is recognized as one of nine project areas for which formal legal protection should be established. With its surface area of 460 km2 it is one of the largest karst poljes in the world. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, it is spread over territories of three municipalities, i.e. the City of Livno, the Municipality of Tomislavgrad and the Municipality of Bosansko Grahovo (Fig. 1). With a total of 258 registered species, Livanjsko polje is, after Hutovo blato, the area with the second largest number of bird species in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Livanjsko polje supports up to 80,000 waterbirds each year by providing them with resting and feeding sites during migration. Additionally, Livanjsko polje is the breeding area for rare species such as White-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), Short-toed Snake Eagle (Circaetus gallicus), Lesser Spotted Eagle (Aquila pomarina), Montagu’s Harrier (Circus pygargus) and Corn Crake (Crex crex) (Šarac et al. 2017).

Besides its great diversity of the bird fauna, Livanjsko polje is known for its natural resources such as peat and coal, that have been exploited for many years, agricultural production, livestock breeding, dairy and cheese production as well as for its cultural and historical values. Excessive exploitation of natural resources has been identified as a challenge to the preservation of biodiversity values in Bosnia and Herzegovina (USAID 2016).


It is important to emphasize that the spatial documentation at both the federal (Federalno ministarstvo prostornog uređenja, 2010) and cantonal level (Ministarstvo graditeljstva, obnove, prostornog uređenja i zaštite okoliša Herceg-bosanske županije 2014) are highlighting that parts of Livanjsko polje and the surrounding area harbour valuable natural values and are therefore suggested for designation as the new protected area Livanjsko polje.

Activities that will be carried out within the project will imply only activities that are in accordance with the legal framework for nature protection and the establishment of new protected areas, such as:

• The collection of relevant data;

• Field research on the flora and fauna of the protected area;

• Consultative meetings with the local com-munity, higher levels of government and all stakeholders in line with the guidelines and practices of the International Union for Con-servation of Nature (Borrini-Feyerabend et al. 2013);

• Spatial zonation and a proposal for the cat-egory of protection in line with the guidelines and practices of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (Dudley, 2008);

• Development of an expert study for the valorisation of the natural, cultural and historical values of the area in line with the Law on Nature Protection of FBiH (Službene Novine FBiH 2013);

• Preparation of a draft of a “Law on Proclama-tion” in line with the laws of Bosnia and Her-zegovina.

Fig. 1: Map of the project area Livanjsko polje in Bosnia and Herzegovina

(Topographic Map, Sheet Jajce)

Granica Bosne i Hercegovine

Granica kantona

Granica općina

Urbana područja

Naselja

Jezera

Rijeka

Magistralna cesta

Ostale ceste

Livanjsko polje


The main objective of specified activities is (i) the proclamation of the new protected area Livanjsko polje in line with the law and (ii) to set out an effective management of the future protected area Livanjsko polje in line with national requirements and best international practices.

MethodsDuring the implementation of project-related activities regarding the designation of the new protection area, the project team will use the following methods:

• Desk research - relevant for data collection;• Data analysis - relevant for data review, iden-

tification of missing data on natural values;• Meetings with the stakeholders - relevant for

ensuring the collaborative principle during the development of an adequate zonation of the future protection area in Livanjsko polje;

• Field surveys of the flora and fauna, including line transects and sample counts for flora and fauna species as well as phytocoenological sampling of plots for vegetation surveys;

• Data synthesis - relevant for compiling a study of valorisation of the natural values of Livanjsko polje;

• GIS computer programme - relevant for additional data analysis, spatial mapping of analysed data and zonation of the future protection area Livanjsko polje.

First findingsBased on the fact that the field surveys for flora and fauna species still have to be undertaken and will be implemented by the end of August this year (2017), full results regarding biodiversity surveys are not available yet. The first and preliminary findings of ornithological surveys are presented below:

• During November 2017, a catastrophic fire hit approximately 95% of the area of Ždralovac (Topić 2017);

• During November 2017, around 15,000 indi-viduals of various waterbirds were counted on Buško jezero (Topić 2017);

• In April 2018, a new breeding bird species for Bosnia, i.e. Great Egret (Ardea alba) was found in the area of Ždralovac, with about 10 nesting pairs (Topić 2018);

• During April and May 2018, a rare bird species in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Rosy Starling (Sturnus roseus) was registered in Livanjsko polje (Topić 2018).

Acknowledgements We thank the United Nations Environment Program in Bosnia and Herzegovina for all the efforts and valuable work in the field of nature protection and conservation of biodiversity in our country. In addition, we also thank the United Nations Environment Program in Bosnia and Herzegovina for giving the opportunity to the Center for Energy, Environment and Resources to participate in such an exceptional project.

ReferencesBorrini - Feyerabend G., Dudley N., Jaeger T.,

Lassen B., Pathak Broome N., Phillips A. & Sandwith T. (2013): Governance of Protected Areas: From Understanding to Action, International Union for Conservation of Nature, p 124.

Dudley N. (2008): Guidelines for Applying Protected Area Management Categories, International Union for Conservation of Nature, 10, pp 11-87.

Federalno ministarstvo prostornog uređenja (2010): Nacrt Prostornog plana Federacije Bosne i Hercegovine 2008-2028.


Fig. 2: Peatland in Livanjsko polje (Photo: Tarik Dervović)

Biodiversity Conservation through Creation, Effective Management and Spatial Designa-tion of Protected Areas and Capacity Building, United Nation Environment Programme.

Topić, G. (2018): Field survey and preliminary ornithology results for Livanjsko polje, Achieving Biodiversity Conservation through Creation, Effective Management and Spatial Designation of Protected Areas and Capacity Building, United Nation Environment Programme.

UNEP (2017): Achieving Biodiversity Conservation through Creation, Effective Management and Spatial Designation of Protected Areas and Capacity Building, Project Fact Sheet.

USAID (2016): Bosnia and Herzegovina Country Biodiversity Analysis - Actions Necessary for Biodiversity Protection.

Ministarstvo graditeljstva, obnove, prostornog uređenja i zaštite okoliša Hercegbosanske županije (2014): Nacrt Prostornog plana Hercegbosanske županije 2008-2028.

Službene Novine FBiH (2013): Zakon o zaštiti prirode FBiH, br. 66/13.

Šarac M., Kotrošan D., Topić G. (2017): Ptice (Aves). In: Ozimec R., Baković N., Bevanda L., Bonacci O., Dilber S., Heffer M., Karaman G., Kotrošan D., Lukić Bilela L., Marković J., Matočec N., Miculinić K., Radoš D., Radoš M., Rnjak G., Šarac M., Trakić S., Špelić I., Šumanović M., Topić G., Vujević D. & Zjalić M. (eds.), Naših prvih 7 ekspedicija. Međunarodne speleološke i znanstveno-istraživačke ekspedicije na području Općine Tomislavgrad. Naša Baština, pp 122-137.

Topić, G. (2017): Field survey and preliminary orni-thology results for Livanjsko polje, Achieving


Duvanjsko polje (Photo: Mirko Šarac)


The role of local breeds for the preservation of the ecosystems of karst pasture areas

Gordan Šubara1, Ida Štoka2 & Ante Ivanković3

1 Agency for Rural Development of Istria, Ulica prof. Tugomila Ujčića 1, HR - 52000 Pazin, Croatia

2 Institute of Agriculture and Forestry Nova Gorica, SLO - 5000 Nova Gorica, Slovenia

3 Department of Animal Science and Technology, University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Svetošimunska cesta 25, HR - 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia; E-mail: [email protected]

SummaryDry Mediterranean karst pastures and hay meadows originated from thousands of years of human activities, and as such represent an economic, biological and cultural value. The preservation of dry Mediterranean karst pastures and meadows has become more difficult due to reduced intensity of livestock production, insufficient grazing pressure, the abandonment of traditional methods of cattle breeding and the cessation of harvesting. In programmes for preservation of the biodiversity of dry Mediterranean karst pastures, it is necessary to use a polyvalent approach to grazing and harvesting. However, the use of animals in the preservation of the biodiversity of dry Mediterranean karst pastures is indispensable. It is desirable to use different species of domestic animals alongside optimal grazing pressure. Considering the nature and feeding potential of karst pastures, sheep, goats and cattle should be preferred in the maintenance of pastures. Autochthonous breeds are more efficient in the use and maintenance of biodiversity of dry Mediterranean karst pastures. Therefore, for the selection of breeds used in the maintenance of

Mediterranean pastures, autochthonous breeds should be given preference.

Keywords: local breeds, ecosystem conservation, pastures, biodiversity, karst pasture areas

SažetakKraški pašnjaci i livade (košanice) su plod tisućljetnog antropogenog djelovanja i kao takvi imaju svoju neupitnu gospodarsku, biološku, krajobraznu i kulturološku vrijednost. Danas je očuvanje ekosustava kraških pašnjaka i livada otežano, primarno radi zapostavljanja stočarske proizvodnje, nedostatne opterećenosti pašnjaka, napuštanja tradicijskog načina stočarenja, prestankom košnje, zapostavljanjem lokalnih pasmina i tradicijskih sustava stočarenja. Oču-vanju bioraznolikosti kraških pašnjaka i livada pomaže polivalentan pristup napasivanja (pri-marno autohtonim pasminama) i košnje (naj-manje jednom u dvije godine). Napasivanje pozitivno utječe na floristički sastav biljnih za-jednica stvarajući pogodne uvjete za uspostavu staništa za mnoge ugrožene ptice, sisavce, beskralješnjake i druge organizme. Košnjom se potpunije koristi krmni potencijal pašnjaka, čiste


depletion of soils throughout the region. The awareness that the old resource management system is not feasible any more due to lack of adequate labour, public interests to conserve the diversity of vegetation and the cultural features of the landscape led to the development of strategies for sustainable conservation of this region by sheep, goat and cattle farming.

The most important functions of grasslands could be summarized by four points:

1) Fodder crops as the basis of livestock farming;

2) The preservation and conservation of land and water resources;

3) Preservation of wild plants and animal habitats;

4) Increasing the landscape’s attraction value.

Grasslands can sequester twice as much carbon in the soil in comparison to arable crops (Guo & Gifford 2002, Mestdagh 2003). By filtering fertilizers and pesticides, grasslands make an important contribution to the suppression of erosion and the regulation of water regimes. Finally, grasslands also have aesthetic values and recreational functions, providing humans with an access that is not provided by other agricultural techniques.

There are several factors, such as mowing, graz-ing, nutritional ingredient content, influencing the biological diversity of grasslands. Hay mowing is probably the only way to reign the degradation of grasslands. If it is not done before mid-summer, the majority of meadow plants will set seeds. Lat-er mowing is convenient for some insect species which are food for birds because it provides them with shelter and the possibility to complete their reproductive cycle.

se od ostataka stare vegetacije, te onemogućava pojava i širenje invazivnih korovskih vrsta. Lo-kalne (autohtone) pasmine su radi agregatno akumulirane adaptabilnosti i prilagođenosti eko-sustavu u kojem su nastale značajno pogodnije za očuvanje ekosustava i bioraznolikosti biljnog i životinjskog svijeta. U očuvanju ekosustava kraških polja poželjno je koristiti različite vrste domaćih životinja, posebice ovce, koze i goveda, i dati prednost autohtonim pasminama.

Ključne riječi: lokalne pasmine, zaštita eko-sustava, pašnjaci, bioraznolikost, kraške livade

IntroductionAround the world, approximately 3,5 billion ha, which is more than double the size of the cultivable land, are covered by grasslands. On the European continent, however, there are fewer grasslands (approx. 230 million ha) and more cultivable lands (approx. 300 million ha). In the 27 EU countries, over the past twenty years, around 4 million ha of grasslands were converted in arable land, mostly for maize growing (Carlier et al. 2009). Apart from their life sustenance values, grasslands undoubtedly have an agricultural value and purpose as the primary source of feed for domesticated and wild herbivores.

The pastoral vegetation of coastal karst areas is partly characterized by dry Mediterranean grasslands - hay meadows, and in some areas in the form of expansive rocky pastures. The Slovenian and Istrian karst plateau is a peculiar coastal region. The karst ecosystem is very vulnerable, and the management of these resources requires a lot of attention. Because the karst grasslands were used, mainly by manual mowing, for hay and extensive livestock farming for a very long time, the result was the emergence of dry grasslands, as well as a significant


Domestic animals on pastures are the

key factor for the preservation of the feed

value and biodiversity of the habitats of dry

karst pastures as well as the overall biological

diversification of the landscape.

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Grazing is the second most important factor that affects biodiversity. The animals with their irregular bite open space for new plants to sprout, whereas their stomping presses the seed into the ground, improves the soil structure and enhances sprouting. There are great differences among individual animal species when it comes to grazing. Thus, cattle non-selectively bites off bigger grass sods, while sheep have smaller and more selective bites. Owing to their built, goats can browse on trees and bushes. Differences in the faeces of different animal species also have an impact on the biodiversity and structure of grasslands. So, for instance, cattle dislike to graze in the vicinity of their dung which is large and localized, whereas sheep drop their faeces all over the pasture and do not avoid the surrounding ground. The area around the dung are not tasty for cattle and they do not graze there, which is convenient for certain more nitrophilic and other species of invertebrates to complete their reproductive cycle. Unlike mowing, in certain types of grasslands, shrubs and woody plants make a significant contribution

to biodiversity. Interestingly, the total biodiversity of grasslands that are subject to degradation processes is even increased up to a certain extent, due to higher habitat diversity and the transition of different habitat types (ecotones). However, once the shrubs and thickets close the meadow, the number of species declines.

Domestic animals on dry karst pasturesThere are many reasons why dry karst pastures were long neglected, but the declining of the populations of grazing domestic animals was cer-tainly a significant contributor. The preservation of dry karst pastures in the Mediterranean with-out the adequate domestic animal species and populations, or adequate grazing and hay mowing schemes, is expensive and practically unsustain-able. Domestic animals on pastures are the key factor for the preservation of the feed value and biodiversity of the habitats of dry karst pastures as well as the overall biological diversification of the landscape. In addition, domestic animals on karst pastures are a part of the traditional culture and of the cultural value of the landscape. In or-der to preserve the aesthetics of the landscape of karst pastures, they have to be managed ad-equately, taking into account the traditions and specific features of the climate, with the manda-tory presence of domestic animals.

A review of the management of dry karst grass-lands reveals the advancement of succession pro-cesses in different marginal areas of the grass-land. The necessity for introducing a polyvalent approach in grassland maintenance (i.e. grazing by different animal species, mowing, clearance of shrub-like and woody plant species from the marginal areas of pastures) is evident. One of the greatest problems is uncontrolled (free) grazing, where not enough attention is paid to the load of grazing for the pasture, the optimal start and end of the grazing season.


Domestic animals are present in the karst pastures of Istria and of the Primorska region of Slovenia. However, their numbers and composition only partly satisfy the needs for preventing succession and the destruction of pastoral areas. In general, animal management is satisfactory, although there are rare examples of insufficient care for the animals. In these cases a mismatch between the environment (capacity and qualities of the pasture), animal species and breeds (mismatch between the animal needs and available feed) and the farmers’ motivation or knowledge to engage in this activity has been observed.

Generally, we can say that the existing manage-ment and practices of animal farming do not significantly threaten the biodiversity status and that some forms of human activity, more or less

favourable to the preservation of biodiversity, has been observed. Such low-intensity manage-ment are very similar to traditional forms of man-agement that, in the first place, preserved the overall biodiversity of this geographical unit.

Although the majority of grasslands are to some degree subject to progressive succession, which from the point of view of conservation of biodiversity is a good trend, it should be mentioned that the recent incentive to stimulate cattle production on grasslands lead to the clearance of parts of the overgrown grasslands, abandoned in the past. This signals a tendency to revitalize the dry rocky grasslands of Istria and the Slovenian region of Primorska what is very important because by increasing the surface area of such ecosystems, we mitigate the harm and protect their biodiversity.

Fig 1: Buša cattle on karst pasture (Photo: Ante Ivanković)


Improving the feed value of the pastureNeglecting the pasture will result in its gradual, but continuous degradation. In the Mediterranean karst areas, when dry rocky pastures or grasslands are left without anthropogenic influence for longer periods of time, they turn through the process of succession into thickets (garrigue, maquis) and, eventually, into holm oak forests. In order to prevent succession processes and improve neglected pastures it needs:

a) to implement the optimal utilization method;

b) to control undesirable and plant species who are worthless as fodder (by cutting or by using grazing by different animal species);

c) to reseed, wherever possible, pastures with good quality fodder plant species (on flatter, non-skeletal grasslands);

d) to improve soil fertility by fertilization (stable manure) on less skeletal grasslands.

In order to use dry grasslands in an ecologically and economically sustainable way, one should take into account:

a) the use of an adequate species and numbers of domestic animals, in order to use the exist-ing pasture vegetation as rationally as possi-ble. The grazing by two or more domestic ani-mal species is recommended. Joint grazing by different domestic animals can be implement-ed by grazing the same pasture at the same time or during alternating periods of time, if one species does not endanger the other.

b) to ensure equal grazing pressure, the distribu-tion of domestic animals on the whole area of the pasture should be as even as possible. That will be achieved through different graz-ing systems, a more even distribution of wa-tering places, of the location of salt licks and additional fodder, the placement of additional fences etc.

c) grazing period, and especially the beginning of the grazing season, is a very important factor in optimal pasture utilization. Thus, if grazing takes place on moist soil in early spring, at a time when the sward is most sensitive, it can cause significant damage to the pasture. Moreover, if full grazing capacity is applied in spring when vegetation growth is not yet completed, there will be certain damage to the pasture and its productivity and nutritional value will not match the nutritional needs of domestic animals. Hence, by all means grazing should be avoided until the sward has reached its full development.

With regard to species, for the preservation of dry Mediterranean karst pastures and forest

Fig 2: Combined grazing by cattle, horses and goats (Photo: Ante Ivanković)


habitats it is advisable to use several species of domestic animals (sheep, goats, cattle, asses, horses). Traditionally, sheep and goats were the most numerous domestic animals used for grazing in Mediterranean karst areas. This is primarily due to the fact that goats and sheep use the feeding potential of karst pastures and forest plant communities more efficiently than other domestic animals. Rogošić (2000) suggests that goats are more successful in controlling the growth of ground vegetation than sheep and cattle and that the species is more efficient in consuming woody species. He states that a goat’s annual food ration consists of 60% shrubs, 30% grasses and 10% herbaceous plant species. The share of grasses in the feed of goats can occasionally increase to more than 80% while the share of herbaceous plants very seldom accounts to more than 20% of its food ration. The same author suggests that in spring goats prefer grasses, and shrubs in other seasons.

By using the appropriate ratio of species and numbers of domestic animals in the herd, it is possible to maintain a favourable composition of the plant communities in the pasture with a large proportion of good quality (desirable) plant spe-cies. The numbers of grazing livestock should be equal to or even slightly less than grazing capac-ity. Numbers of grazing animals exceeding grazing capacity can cause damages to plant cover and soil structure, eventually resulting in a succes-sive reduction of pasture productivity. Therefore, it is especially important to reduce the number of domestic animals per area unit in dry years or to support the animals with additional feeding on the pasture. In this way, the degradation of natu-ral pastures can be avoided to a large extent.

The appropriate management and use of pastures preserve the diversity of plant communities and the quality of the sward because the vegetation

potential is used in line with its growth dynamics. Excessive or insufficient use of pastures derive from inadequate standards of pasture manage-ment. Excessively grazed pastures show clearly visible signs of degraded swards with sometimes completely bare ground. At the same time, fre-quently the weeds that animals normally avoid are grazed to a significant extent. This reduces the pasture’s capacity, its biological vigour, caus-es the loss of desirable communities of grasses

Fig 3: Herd of Buša cattle on karst pasture (Photo Ante Ivanković)


and gives way to undesirable communities of weeds, and occasionally even causes soil erosion. Domestic animals that graze on such pastures are generally of poor condition, especially if they belong to breeds that have greater nutritional needs (breeds of larger frame, dairy animals). In contrast to excessive grazing, pastures may be insufficiently grazed which is visible by its merely superficial used sward, especially in the higher presence of more palatable species. Rogošić

(2000) states that for the optimal utilization of pasture areas, the recommended sward height is 30-35 cm for tall grasses, 15-20 cm for medium - tall grasses, and 5-8 cm for low grasses.

Autochthonous breeds can greatly contribute to the management of the landscape and of the en-vironment at large. The wish to preserve the envi-ronment is in line with the aspiration to preserve the cultural and historical aspects of rural life,


Fig 4: Sites of karst pastures with visible signs of succession (Photo: Ante Ivanković)

including traditional livestock farming and breeds adapted to the local environment which are suit-able for grazing in harsh and rough grass sur-faces, moors and in other marginal agricultural areas. Due to their high level of adaptability, re-cent observations and experience suggests that autochthonous breeds make better use of the vegetation than allochthonous ones.

Conclusions and recommendationsDry Mediterranean karst pastures and hay mead-ows emerged from thousands of years of human activities and as such represent an economic, bi-ological and cultural value. Therefore, they need

to be preserved in their original form as an eco-nomic potential for the production of food and as a unique value of the region’s landscape.

It is necessary to affirm livestock breeding pro-duction in these areas publicly, to support farm-ers in practicing traditional and in introducing new methods of grazing. In addition, it is neces-sary to promote the marketing of Mediterranean production systems and of the products them-selves as foodstuffs of unique nutritional and gastronomic value.

It is further necessary to use a polyvalent ap-proach to grazing and harvesting (of areas in


Fig 5: Sites of karst pastures with visible signs of succession (Photo: Ante Ivanković)

which harvesting is possible) for the preservation program for the biodiversity of dry Mediterranean karst pastures. Harvesting, at least twice a year, reduces or prevents the process of pasture suc-cession significantly.

The use of domestic animals for the preserva-tion of the biodiversity of dry Mediterranean karst pastures is indispensable. Alongside opti-mal grazing pressure, it is desirable to use differ-ent species of domestic animals. Considering the nature and feeding potential of karst pastures, sheep, goats and cattle should be favoured for the maintenance of pastures.

Autochthonous breeds of domestic animals are more efficient in maintaining the biodiversity of dry Mediterranean karst pastures. This is due to the adaptability of breeds to the conditions of the area from which they originated. Therefore, in selecting domestic animal breeds for the main-tenance of Mediterranean pastures, preference should be given to autochthonous breeds.

Dry Mediterranean karst pastures and meadows are habitats for numerous animals (birds, reptiles and insects), some of which are rare and endan-gered. The maintenance of their habitats in dry Mediterranean karst pastures is the precondition for their survival. Hence, dry Mediterranean karst pastures should be preserved in order to pre-serve the unique fauna of the area.

AcknowledgementsThis manuscript results from activities within the frame of the Project ‘’Influence of various ap-proaches in the use of dry pastures on conser-vation of biodiversity’’ (Program: APRO Slovenia - Croatia 2007-2013, Project Ref.: No.1/KPP/APRO-2012/1).

ReferencesCarlier L., Rotar I., Vlahova M. & Vidican R. (2009):

Importance and Functions of Grasslands. - Not. Bot. Hort. Agrobot. Cluj 37 (1), 25-30.

Guo L.B. & Gifford R.M. (2002): Soil carbon stocks and land use change: a metaanalysis. - Global Change, 8, 345-360.

Mestdagh I., Iantcheva A., De Vliegher A. & Carlier L. (2003): Conflicts of grassland for forage production and environmental benefit. - Grassland Science in Europe, 8, 487-490.

Rogošić J. (2000): Gospodarenje mediteranskim prirodnim resursima. - Školska naklada d.o.o., Mostar.


Helvella corium (Photo: Neven Matočec)


Dinaric karst poljes and their importance for mycobiota

Neven Matočec1, Nedim Jukić2, Nihad Omerović2 & Ivana Kušan1

1 Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; E-mail: [email protected]

2 Mycological Association MycoBH, Trg Zlatnih ljiljana 34, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

SummaryKarst as a geological phenomenon and karst poljes as the largest depressions in the Dinaric Alps represent one of the most important and most diverse relief units globally. The diversity of karst poljes in the Dinaric Alps is one of the most significant worldwide and one of the most heterogeneous, too.

In this study, by using the most relevant variables and delimitation criteria, all recognized Dinaric karst poljes were divided and classified into 30 well differentiated groups and organized in nine main biogeographical regions. During the process of classifying the Dinaric karst poljes, for some of the most important parameters recognizable patterns were defined or established for each group. The mycobiota of 10 Dinaric karst poljes classified into six groups have been intensively studied in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia during various research sessions. All results were evaluated by using standardized variables and a corresponding binary grading scale in order to classify poljes according to their importance for mycobiota. Based on the “cumulative ecological score” (CES), the ratio of the CES/number of all recorded species and the CES/number of research days ratio, the mycologically most important karst poljes were identified. A brief description

of specific habitat types of top evaluated poljes is given together with recommendations for the implementation of proper conservation measures in these areas.

Several rare and very vulnerable species of ascomycetes, like Mollisia uda, Patinella hyalophaea, Podostroma leucopus, Scutellinia peloponnesiaca and Lamprospora leptodictya, were recorded in the investigated poljes. Some of the species which were found during the present study, represent the only known records in the Dinaric Alps and their conservation status has never been assessed before. Recommendations for the protection of these species, based on IUCN criteria, are presented.

Keywords: Ascomycota, classification, conserva-tion, ecological score, fungi, Bosnia and Herze-govina, Croatia

SažetakKrš kao geološki fenomen, zajedno s krškim polji-ma koja predstavljaju najveće depresije na povr-šini Dinarida, globalno predstavlja jednu od naj-važnijih i najraznolikijih tipova reljefnih cjelina. Dinarska krška polja spadaju među najraznolikije i najkompleksnije krške formacije na svijetu.


(Sauro 2012), whereby recent ice-free karst landscapes occupy between 13% (Stevanović et al. 2016) and 20-25% (Breg Valjavec et al. 2017, Bonacci 1987b) of the total global land area (depending on estimations of different authors). Closed karst poljes (or „poljes inside karst“) are larger flat-bottomed depressions in karstic landscapes that are completely surrounded with elevated terrain (with at least one steep-sloped side). Closed poljes have significant historic and/or present hydrological functions including sedimentation processes and karstic drainage through underground outflows. In the close vicinity of local underground water bodies, they were most frequently formed by tectonic activities followed by marginal fluvial, corrosive and sedimentation processes (Roglić 1954, Ford & Williams 2007). Therefore, the bottoms of today’s karst poljes are covered by younger (Pleistocene) sediments. Due to their size and specific hydrological-sedimentation functions, karst poljes play an important role in large karstic complexes. This is especially evident when bearing in mind that roughly 50% (or more) of the total land area of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro and Slovenia is covered by karstic terrain. Altogether, karst poljes of all types cover 25% of the area of the Dinaric Alps.

In the Dinaric karst, following to hydrology and fertile soils, karst poljes constitute areas that are most suitable for many groups of organisms, including human civilization. Surrounded by vast areas of porous carbonate massifs and plateaus without surface watercourses, the bottoms of the poljes represent fluvial islands on whose edges karstic springs that feed various surface waterbodies (rivers, streams, lakes, swamps, bogs and fens) are situated. The main goal of this study was to investigate the importance and association of fungi with local habitat types that are formed by specific abiotic factors which

U ovom su istraživanju Dinarska krška polja podije-ljena i klasificirana u 30 dobro diferenciranih sku-pina koje su raspoređene u devet glavnih biogeo-grafskih regija, temeljem većeg broja odabranih relevantnih varijabli i kriterija. U postupku klasifi-kacije dinarskih krških polja utvrđeni su prepo-znatljivi obrasci za svaku grupu polja u okviru ne-kih od najvažnijih parametara. Na odabranih 10 di-narskih krških polja Bosne i Hercegovine te Hrvat-ske (iz šest skupina polja) provedena su intenzivna istraživanja tijekom različitih istraživačkih projeka-ta. Kako bi se ocijenila važnost istraživanih polja za mikobiotu, dobiveni rezultati su vrednovani po-moću standardiziranih kriterija uz provedbu binar-nog ocjenjivanja. Mikološki najvažnija polja iden-tificirana su na temelju postignute “kumulativne ekološke vrijednosti” (CES), omjera CES vrijedno-sti i broja svih zabilježenih vrsta te omjera CES vri-jednosti i broja dana istraživanja (mjere uloženog istraživačkog napora). Uz analizu, priložen je i kra-tak opis specifičnih tipova staništa najvažnijih za gljive zajedno s preporukama za provedbu odgo-varajućih mjera zaštite u tim područjima.

Na istraživanim krškim poljima zabilježen je odre-đeni broj rijetkih i vrlo ranjivih vrsta gljiva iz od-jeljka Ascomycota, npr. Mollisia uda, Patinella hyalophaea, Podostroma leucopus, Scutellinia peloponnesiaca i Lamprospora leptodictya. Nalazi nekih vrsta iz posljednjeg bloka istraživanja, pred-stavljaju jedine poznate nalaze na Dinaridima pa tako ni njihov status ugroženosti još nije ocije-njen. Zbog toga se za te vrste ovdje daju prepo-ruke za njihovu zaštitu na temelju IUCN kriterija.

Ključne riječi: Ascomycota, klasifikacija, zaštita, ekološka vrijednost, gljive, Bosna i Hercegovina, Hrvatska

IntroductionGenerally, karst poljes represent the largest of five main types of depressions of karstic reliefs


dominate the bottoms of the karst poljes. We further tried to classify the Dinaric karst poljes according to the occurrence of different habitat types and their influence on the composition of mycobiota.

MethodsTo understand the variability of the ecological conditions that are important for mycobiota and which dominate in the karst poljes of the Dinarides, regardless of previous delimitations of the Dinaric karst since Roglić (1969) onwards, we firstly delimited as precisely as possible the extent of the Dinaric karst (mainly using the micro-relief features with karst-determinative elements). The next step was to identify and characterize all larger karstic depressions attributable to closed karst poljes according to

the criteria given by Ford & Williams (2007) and Bonacci (2013).

This was necessary because a full list and database of the Dinaric karst poljes was not available for the authors. It was expected that the extremely high bioclimatic variability and the differences in a number of features among karst poljes are reflected by the occurrence of different habitat types important for fungi and by the regional importance that certain poljes play for their wider surroundings.

Standards and terminologyFor the purpose of standardisation and saving space in the text the following terms are here introduced and recommended for international use:

Low karst poljes (± ”poljes of first horizon” in Jelavić 1982), with bottoms between ~0-150 m a.s.l.

Elevated karst poljes

(± “poljes of second horizon” in Jelavić 1982) with bottoms in the range from 150-700 m a.s.l.

Medium high karst poljes

(± “poljes of third horizon” in Jelavić (1982), except for Kupreško and Vukovsko/Ravno polje near Kupres) with bottoms in the range of 700-1000 m a.s.l.

High karst poljes with bottoms situated at elevations between 1000-1700 m a.s.l.

Karst micro-polje

flat-bottomed closed karstic depressions with at least one steep slope, smaller than “small” poljes (e.g. Srijansko polje, Mt. Mosor or Njeguško polje, Mt. Lovćen) with an underground outflow and with historical and/or currently significant sedimentation processes. In the Dinaric karst they are mostly situated on the Adriatic islands (Bonacci 1991) or in the highest limestone massifs.

Blatina

flooded karst polje near sea-level (cf. Ljubenkov et al. 2010) occupied by a continuous surface of Mediterranean stagnant freshwater (swamps), different from karstic lakes that represent the native (ancient) morphogenetic stage of the development of karst poljes, best represented by Vrana Lake on the Island of Cres (cf. Ožanić & Rubinić 1992, Šegota & Filipčić 2001).

Slatina karst polje approximately situated at sea-level and covered by a continuous surface of brackish water.

Ponornicaa watercourse that sinks into karstic underground at that point where it reaches contact with porous bedrock (also swallet, stream sink, swallow hole or ponor; see Monroe 1970, Bonacci 1987a, Ford & Williams 2007).


Evaluation of existing maps and remote sensing dataTopographic maps (scale 1:25000) which cover the whole Dinaric Alps, including the Adriatic lowlands and islands, were used for the detection of karst poljes. Together with Gams (1976) and Ranković et al. (1981) the Atlas of the climate of former Yugoslavia for the 1931-1960 period (Hidrometeorološka služba SFRJ 1931-1960) was used for climatic characterisation. All recognised karst poljes were mapped on physical maps with superimposed Dinaric karst range boundaries (own database) and bioclimatic belts compiled from Ozenda (1975), Rivas-Martinez (1980), Stefanović et al. (1983), Quezel & Barbero (1985), Jovanović et al. (1986), Bertović & Lovrić (1992), Antonić et al. (2000) and Kutnar & Kobler (2011). A map of the biomes of former Yugoslavia (Matvejev & Puncer 1989) was used for the same purpose.As a myco-ecological criterion (modelled for Scutellinia spp., Matočec et al. 1995) the optimal conditions (temperature and precipitation) for fructification in late spring, summer and early autumn on a monthly scale was used to visualize the variability of ecological conditions in different karst poljes for fungi. Although a minimal size of karstic depressions (length, width, surface) was claimed by some authors to determine karst poljes, this criterion varies greatly between authors (cf. Ford & Williams 2007, Gams 1978, Krklec et al. 2015). Therefore, we used geomorphological, morphogenetical and hydrological criteria. According to these criteria even very small flat-bottomed karstic depressions can be determined as karstic micro-poljes (cf. Frelih 2003, Bonacci 2013). A preliminary database of karst poljes (in Excel software application) was constructed for the analysis and progressive classification of Dinaric karst polje, partly relying on Jelavić’s (1967, 1982) classification concept, the only earlier attempt of the classification of the Dinaric karst poljes available to us. Since

closed karst poljes are mutually highly diverse but individually entirely confined, we were able to define discrete and mutually completely isolated groups with homogenous abiotic conditions (apart of hydrological objects) which can be classified readily on the descriptive level.

FieldworkTen karst poljes belonging to six groups (Fig. 1; Tab 1) that greatly differ from each other viz. Northwestern Dinaric montane poljes (E1), Mala Kapela poljes (D1), Eastern-Bosnian and Sandžak poljes (I2), Čvrsnica-Vran micro-poljes (G4), West-ern Bosnian-Herzegovinian mid-altitude poljes (G1) and Dalmatian-Herzegovinian low poljes (A3) have been the subject of recent (2017-2018) and earlier (1981-2010) intensive mycological research. The aim of these studies was to explore the di-versity of mycobiota in habitat types that are im-portant for fungi and to ascertain the importance of the given karst polje for mycobiota on a basis of the presence of stenovalent, often sensitive, rare and/or protected species of the largest fun-gal phylum, Ascomycota.

The following karst poljes were investigated: (1) Ponikve near Tršće (2) Sungerski lug high hyper-karst small polje (3) large Ogulinsko-Plaščansko polje in continental area with Mediterranean-like climatic regime, all situated in the northwestern Dinarides (Croatia), (4) altimontane Bijambare karst randpolje, (5) Dugo polje and (6) Gornje/Donje bare of Čvrsnica-Vran high hyperkarst area; (7) Šujičko polje, (8) Duvanjsko polje and (9) Livanjsko polje, all of them medium high poljes of the Central Dinarides (Bosnia and Herzegovina), and (10) Konavosko polje in the Mediterranean lowlands (Croatia).

For calibration of the present evaluation the in-tensively researched Ponikve on Mt. Medvednica (situated outside the Dinaric karst in Croatia) was


selected as an outgroup polje for which previous studies ascertained that it is of low significance for regional mycobiota.

Evaluation of karst poljes by myco-bioindicationThe importance of karst poljes which were studied by relatively intensive fieldwork, was preliminary evaluated by summing up the binary (except (d) and (e) rarity categories) grading scale assigned to the recorded ascomycete species, i.e. the “cumula-tive ecological score” (CES), as follows: (a) ecologi-cal stenovalence; (b) local species’ habitat exclu-sivity; (c) species’ habitat vulnerability/stability/threat; (d) regional rarity of the species: species known from a single locality in the Dinarides = 1, for species known from 2-5 localities = 0.5, and known from 6 or more localities = 0; and (e) con-servation status IUCN status or any other evalua-tion in any of the countries of the Dinaric Alps.

ResultsStepwise classification of Dinaric karst poljes according to habitat availabilty for fungiWe recognized 30 karst polje groups that can be assembled in nine geographic units (regions) on the basis of geographical, geological, morphologi-cal, hydrological, climatic, bioclimatic and myco-ecological criteria (Tab 1).

Those groups are differentiated from each other by highly diverse abiotic conditions.

Generally, it is known that annual precipita-tion and cloudiness decreases from the NW, with the NW Dinaric karst poljes receiving around 3,000 mm annual precipitation, to the SE, where some Sandžak high poljes receive be-low 1,000 mm as well as from the SW to the NE (cf. Hidrometeorološka služba SFRJ (1931-1960),

Radičević et al. 1980, Poje et al. 1984). But in the Central-Adriatic arid zone some micro-poljes on the Adriatic Islands receive <600 mm precipita-tion p.a. On the other hand, global radiation on horizontal surfaces (which approximates the situ-ation on the bottom of karst poljes) increases sig-nificantly from the NW Dinarides towards the SE as well as from the N to the S (Matić 2007, www.meteonorm.com). Additionally, along the N-S axis the continental climatic regime (precipita-tion minimum in the cooler half of the year) turns into the maritime regime (precipitation minimum in the warmer half of the year, cf. Ranković et al. 1981) which has a strong influence on the ap-pearance and fructification period of fungi (see column “Myco-phenology” in Tab. 1). Temperature greatly depends on altitude with higher annual air temperatures in lower altitudes (karst polje bottoms vary from below sea level up to 1,700 m a.s.l.). Besides altitude, the amplitude of an-nual air temperature increases from the SW, i.e. the Adriatic Sea, towards the NE. Thus, all karst poljes of Mediterranean groups have all-year i.e. 365 days with mean daily temperature above 0 °C (karst poljes from group A with mean annual air temperature ~14–17 °C and poljes from group B with annual air temperature ~10-14 °C). On the other hand, the highest Southeast and Central Di-naric karst poljes (groups G4 and I 1-4) have only 220-260 days with mean daily temperature above 0 °C per year, with mean annual air temperature of only (2) 4–8 °C (see Tab. 1).

The relationship between vegetation and the lo-cal climate has been ascertained by Bertović (1975). The Dinaric karst poljes are situated in all bioclimatic belts from the thermo-Mediterranean up to the alti-Mediterranean/Southeastern Di-naric alpine “islands”, i.e. from the Mediterranean side to the highest ridges of the Dinaric Alps, and from the alpine to the colline-continental belt on the Pannonian side of the mountains.


Fig. 1: Dinaric karst poljes overview – Classification and distribution of geographical groups with highlighted position of karst poljes that have been investigated. (Author: Neven Matočec, derived from personal database “Dinaric karst poljes and canyons 1984-2018”)

List of studied karst poljes

1 - Ponikve, Mt. Medvednica2 - Ponikve (Tršće), Gorski kotar3 - Sungerski lug (Mrkopalj), Gorski kotar4 - Bijambare (Nišići)5 - Ogulinsko-plaščansko polje6 - Livanjsko polje7 - Duvanjsko polje8 - Šujićko polje9 - Dugo polje (Mt. Čvrsnica - Mt. Vran)10 - Gornja and Donja bara, Mt. Čvrsnica11 - Konavosko polje (Dubrovnik)

Bioclimatic border-linesafter Ozenda (1975), Rivas-Martinez (1980), Stefanović et al. (1983), Quezel & Barbero (1985), Jovanović et al. (1986), Bertović & Lovrić (1992), Antonić et al. (2000), Kutnar & Kobler (2011), and personal field data.


Regarding area size, micro-poljes are prevalent either in the lowest altitudes up to 150 m a.s.l., on islands (groups A1a-b, B1) or in the highest altitudes, mainly between 900 and 1,700 m a.s.l. (groups E2, G2, I1, I3, I4). The largest karst poljes (nearly all being structural, cf. Ford & Williams 2007) except Konavosko and Peštersko polje, are situated on external Dinaric thrust geological unit (cf. Pamić & Jurković 2002, Placer et al. 2010).

The occurrence of different habitat types that are important for fungi, depends largely on hydrological conditions of karst polje bottoms. Together with Mediterranean freshwater swamps (blatinas) or brackish waterbodies (slatinas), karst lakes occur either in the lowest Mediterranean region (groups A1b, B1 and B2) or in the highest elevations of the alti-Mediterranean up to the Dinaric-alpine zone (groups I3 and I4). Karst poljes with perennial watercourses and high water levels dominate in the NW Dinaric region. These areas are characterized by very high annual precipitation and a strong maritime climatic regime (groups C3, D1, E1-E3). Central and South-eastern Dinaric poljes that are in hydrological contact with high and large, highly porous carbonate massifs and plateaus with huge underground aquifers (groups G1, G3 and H1) are also rich in perennial watercourses.

Evaluation of karst poljes based on preliminary analyses of the ascomycete fungiThe significance of the investigated karst poljes for mycobiota was evaluated by five criteria, already explained above, and the ascomycetes who were recorded in frame of various projects in 10 karst poljes during the last four decades. The numbers of species recorded per polje, the cumulative “ecological score” (CES) and estimated research level are given in Tab. 2.

As an auxiliary tool for estimating the importance of Dinaric karst poljes for ascomycete fungi and the exploration level we used an extra-Dinaric micro-polje (Ponikve on Mt. Medvednica) situated in a small patch of isolated karst previously assessed as a polje of low significance to regional mycobiota.

Delimitation lines among groups of karst poljes

Karst polje

Studied karst polje

External boundary of Dinaric karst

Extent of Adriatic-Dinaric carbonate platform (external Dinarides), after Pamić & Jurković (2002)

G3

4


Tab. 1: Karst poljes polyphasic classification based on seven types of different delimitation crit

Geogr group Group name Bioclimat.

zone Drainage Geologicalsubdivision

A1a Dalmatian Adriatic island poljes (HR) TM-MM Adriatic Ext-DiA1b South Dalmatian island blatinas/Baćina lakes (HR) TM-MM Adriatic Ext-DiA2 Korčula-Pelješac elevated poljes (HR) MM-SM Adriatic Ext-DiA3 Dalmatian-Herzegovinian low poljes (HR/BA) MM-SM Adriatic ExternalB1 Kvarnerian-Kras poljes (HR/IT) MM-SM Adriatic Adr/ExB2 Ravni kotari-Šibenik low poljes (HR) MM-SM Adriatic Ext-DiB3 Dalmatian Zagora poljes (HR) SM Adriatic ExternalB4 Northern Dalmatian poljes (HR) SM Adriatic Ext-DiB5 Dalmatian-Herzegovinian elevated poljes (HR/BA) SM Adriatic Ext-DiC1 South-eastern Lika poljes (HR) SM-OM Adriatic Ext-DiC2 Ćićarija-Primorje poljes (HR/SI) SM-OM Adriatic ExternalC3 Postojna region (SI) SM(OM) Adr/Bl_Sea Ext-DiG1 W-Bosnian-Herzegovinian mid-altitude poljes (BA) SM-OM Adriatic Ext-DiD1 Mala Kapela poljes (HR) MD(MT) Black Sea Ext-DiD2 Central & Western Lika poljes (HR) MD Adr/Bl_Sea Ext-DiD3 NW Dinaric colline-continental poljes (SI/HR) COL Black Sea Ext-DiF1 Una drainage poljes (BA/HR) MD/OM Black Sea Ext-DiF2 Sana-Vrbas poljes (BA) MT-AMT Black Sea InternaE1 NW Dinaric montane poljes (SI/HR) MT-AMT(SA) Black Sea* Ext-DiE2 Velebit high micropoljes (HR) AMT-SA Adriatic Ext-DiE3 Northern Lika montane poljes (HR) MT-AMT Adriatic** Ext-DiG2 Čemernica-Dinara high micropoljes (HR) OM-AM Adriatic Ext-DiG3 W-Bosnian-Herzegovinian high poljes (BA) AMT Adr/Bl_Sea Ext-DiG4 Čvrsnica-Vran high micropoljes (BA) AM Adriatic Ext-DiH1 E-Herzegovinian-Montenegrin elevated poljes (BA/MN) SM Adriatic Ext-DiH2 E-Herzegovinian-Montenegrin high poljes (BA/MN) OM Adriatic Ext-DiI1 Morača-Zeta high micro-poljes (MN) OM-AM Adriatic Ext-DiI2 E-Bosnian-Sandžak high poljes (BA/SRB/MN) AMT-DA Black Sea InternaI3 Bosnian-Montenegrin high micro-poljes (BA/MN) AM-DA Adr/Bl_Sea InternaI4 Prokletian high micropoljes (MN/AL) AM-DA Adr/Bl_Sea Interna

Karst polje geographical units (regions)A Mediterranean region of lower Adriatic BD NW Lower Dinarides EG Central Dinarides H

× monthly mean precipitation >70 mm

Karst polje types (after Ford & Williams 2007, supplemented)RP surface spring → sinkhole (Randpoljes) SP / BPDP no significant hydrology - Dry poljes AP

SMP maritime karstic lakes (freshwater or brakish) - Submerged poljes

***

Gomance - Adriatic drainage; Čujića krčevina - Black Sea drainage.

SAAMT

MTCOLTM

MMSMOMAMDAMD

Subalpine (continental); Altimontane (continental); Montane (continental); Colline (continental); Thermo-Mediterranean; Meso-Mediterranean; Sub-Mediterranean; Oro-Mediterranean; Alti-Mediterranean; Dinaric-alpine; Mediterranoid (continental, colline to montane).

A1aA1b

A2A3B1B2B3B4B5C1C2C3D1D2D3E1E2E3F1F2G1G2G3G4H1H2I1I2I3I4

Blatsko polje, Korčula; Blatsko polje, Mljet; Orlovo polje, Pelješac; Jezero polje (Vrgorac); Ponikve, Krk; Bokanjačko blato (Zadar); Mućko polje; Bare (Đevrske); Imotsko polje; Velikopopinsko polje (Gračac); Grobničko polje (Rijeka); Postojnska kotlina; Drežnički lug; Krbavsko polje; Grosupeljsko polje; Cerkniško polje; Bunovac, Mt. Velebit; Vrhovinsko polje; Petrovačko polje; Podrašničko polje (Mrkonjić Grad); Livanjsko polje; Brezovac, Mt. Dinara; Kupreško polje; Dugo polje (Mt. Čvrsnica-Vran); Dabarsko polje; Nevesinjsko polje; Cigovića bare, Mt. Lola; Peštersko polje; Masna bara, Mt. Lelija; Rikavačko jezero, Mt. Žijovo.

Karst poljes representatives:

Key:


ent delimitation criteria

Geologicalsubdivision Altitude Mean annual

temp.10-d seq.T>°C

Mean annual precip.

Myco-fenology (model-Scutellinia) Prevalentsize

PoljetypeI II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII

t-Din-imbricate ~0-150 15-17 36 600-1250 × × × × × × micro DPt-Din-imbricate (-)50-15 16-17 36 1000-1250 × × × × × × × × × × micro SMPt-Din-imbricate 150-350 14-15 36 1250-1500 × × × × × × × × × small-large BPternal-Dinaric ~0-250 14-16 36 1500-2500 × × × × × × × × × × small-large DP / BP

dr/Ext-Din-imbr (-)30-100 (12)14-16 36 1000-1500 × × × × × × × × × × micro-small SMPt-Din-imbricate ~0-150 14-16 36 800-1000 × × × × × × small-large SMPternal-Dinaric 250-650 10-14 36 1250-1750 × × × × × × × × × × micro-small DP / BPt-Din-imbricate 200-300 12-14 36 1000-1250 × × × × × × × × micro BPt-Din-thrust 250-600 10-14 36 1250-1750 × × × × × × × × × small-large SP / DPt-Din-thrust 600-800 6-10 28-30 1500-1750 × × × × × × × × × × micro-med. RPternal-Dinaric 200-750 6-12 30-35 1000-2500 × × × × × × × × × × × × small-med. SPt-Din-thrust 300-600 8-10 30-35 1500-2500 × × × × × × × × × × × × small-large SPt-Din-thrust 700-1000 8-12 27-30 1250-1750 × × × × × × × × × × small-large SPt-Din-thrust 300-500 8-10 28-30 1500-2500 × × × × × × × × × × × × small-large SPt-Din-thrust 400-700 6-10 28-30 1000-1750 × × × × × × × × × × small-large BPt-Din-thrust 200-450 8-10 30-32 1000-1500 × × × × × × × × × × × micro-med. BPt-Din-thrust 500-700 6-10 29-30 1250-1750 × × × × × × × × × × small-large RP

Internal-Dinaric 400-1000 7-10 28-31 1000-1500 × × × × × × × × × × × micro-med. RPt-Din-thrust 500-1000 6-10 26-30 1750-3000 × × × × × × × × × × × × small-large SPt-Din-thrust 700-1250 4-8 26-29 2000-3000 × × × × × × × × × × × × micro SPt-Din-thrust 600-800 6-8 26-28 1000-1500 × × × × × × × × × × small-med. BPt-Din-thrust 900-1250 4-8 25-28 1500-2000 × × × × × × × × × × × micro DPt-Din-thrust 900-1250 4-8 (10) 24-28 1250-1500 × × × × × × × × × × × small-large SPt-Din-thrust 1200-1400 4-8 25-26 1750-2000 × × × × × × × × × × × small-med. SP / DPt-Din-thrust 200-700 8-12 36 1500-2500 × × × × × × × × × × small-large SP / DPt-Din-thrust 700-1200 6-10 24-28 1500-3000 × × × × × × × × × × small-large SP / DPt-Din-thrust 900-1680 (2) 4-8 22-26 2000-2500 × × × × × × × × × × × micro SP / DP

Internal-Dinaric 700-1700 4-8 22-26 750-1500 × × × × × × × × × × × × small-large RPInternal-Dinaric 1000-1700 (2) 4-8 21-26 1500-2000 × × × × × × × × × × × × micro APInternal-Dinaric 1000-1500 (2) 4-8 21-25 1500-2000 × × × × × × × × × × micro AP

B Mediterranean region of upper Adriatic C NW peri-Mediterranean DinaridesE NW higher Dinarides F Central peri-Pannonian DinaridesH External SE Dinarides I Alpine SE Dinarides

monthly mean air temperature 10-22 °C (after Hidrometeorološka služba SFRJ (1931-1960)

SP / BP karstic spring → sinkhole (Structural poljes or Baselevel poljes)AP alpine poljes


a) Photo: Nedim Jukić b) Photo: Ivana Kušan

e) Photo: Neven Matočec f) Photo: Neven Matočec

i) Photo: Jasmin Jukić j) Photo: Neven Matočec

o) Photo: Nedim Jukićn) Photo: Neven Matočecm) Photo: Nedim Jukić


Fig. 2: Different types and groups of karst poljes and karstic depressions in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina: a) View towards Dugo polje, Bare - Mt. Čvrsnica; b) Šujičko polje and its appearance in the peak of the dry season; c) Dugo polje landscape with Mt. Čvrsnica massif in the background; d) Plaščansko polje with ponornica Dretulja, near the city of Ogulin; e) Duvanjsko polje panorama; f) Čvrsničke bare micro-poljes with altimontane marsh vegetation; g) View on Blidinje Lake and the NW borders of Dugo polje from just below Pločno, the highest peak of Mt. Čvrsnica; h) Karstic river Sturba, one of the most important hydrological elements and watercourses of Livanjsko polje; i) Livanjsko polje, natural water retention and karstic watercourse near the village Bastasi; j) Konavosko polje near the city of Dubrovnik (Konavle municipality); k) Acidophilic bog in the area of Protected landscape Bijambare; l) Ogulinsko-Plaščansko polje and karstic spring Sabljaki; m) Brčanj stream, main watercourse of Brčanjsko polje; n) Sungerski lug, acidofilic bog surrounded by coniferous forest; o) Livanjsko polje, scenery near the Vrbica village; p) Masna Luka, fragmented parts of Dugo polje.

c) Photo: Neven Matočec d) Photo: Neven Matočec

g) Photo: Nedim Jukić h) Photo: Nedim Jukić

k) Photo: Nedim Jukić l) Photo: Neven Matočec

p) Photo: Nedim Jukić


Photo: Neven Matočec Photo: Nedim Jukić c)

Photo: Nihad Omerović

Photo: Neven Matočec i)

Photo: Nedim Jukić

o) Photo: Neven Matočec p) Photo: Neven Matočec

s)

a)

g)

q) Photo: Nedim Jukić Photo: Nedim Jukić

b)

h) Photo: Neven Matočec

Photo: Nedim Jukić

n)

Scale bars: b), h), j), k), m)

a), g), e), l), q), r), s)c), f ), i)

d), n), o), p)

1 mm2 mm0,5 cm1 cm


d)

f)e)


k)

l) m)

Photo: Ivana Kušan

Fig. 3: Ascomycete fungi recorded in the karst poljes in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina:a) Scutellinia peloponnesiaca, Ogulinsko-plaščansko polje; b) Lamprospora leptodictya, Bare - Mt. Čvrsnica; c) Scutellinia subhirtella, Gornje bare - Mt. Čvrsnica; d) Helvella albella, Masna Luka - Dugo polje; e) Vibrissea calcaria, Sturba river - Livanjsko polje; f) Myriosclerotinia sp., Vrbica - Livanjsko polje; g) Parascutellinia carneosanguinea, Ostrožac stream, Duvanjsko polje; h) Heyderia abietis, Ponikve (Tršće); i) Helvella corium, Ostrožac stream - Duvanjsko polje; j) Patinella hyalophaea, Bijambare; k) Ascobolus xylophilus, Bijambare; l) Scutellinia superba, Šujičko polje; m) Mollisia uda, Ogulinsko-plaščansko polje; n) Podostroma leucopus, Bijambare; o) Sarcoscypha macaronesica, Konavosko polje; p) Peziza obtusapiculata, Sungerski lug; q) Boudiera tracheia, Bare - Mt. Čvrsnica; r) Vibrissea truncorum, Ponikve (Tršće); s) Scutellinia hyperborea, Masna Luka - Dugo polje.

Photo: Nedim Jukić


r)


Photo: Neven Matočecj)

Photo: Nedim Jukić

Photo: Nedim Jukić


Nevertheless, several of the localities which were studied, and which harbour habitat types that are important for some ecological or taxonomic groups, we designated regardless of their index value as areas of special conservation interest. These are:

(1) Vrbica is a specific area in Livanjsko polje, the largest karst polje in Bosnia and Herzegovina (group G1; cf. Fig. 1) characterised by Salix spp. stands with dense hygrophilous swamp vegetation located in a basin filled with a permanent stagnant waterbody with coarse and rotten woody debris of the willows and with pronounced nitrification processes. This habitat type is extremely rare and difficult to study. It should be, therefore, in the focus of future research. In the area we found a still unidentified species of Myriosclerotinia. Nearly all species of this genus are rare and endangered in most countries (i.e., M. dennisii is listed as Critically

Dinaric karst poljes harbour a high species diversity of Ascomycota, as well as a number of species which can be used as bioindicators, and also a number of rare and threatened species. In the frame of recent mycological research, four species were recorded for the first time for the mycobiota of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and two further species for the mycobiota of Croatia.

”

“In the frame of recent mycological research, since 1982, four species were recorded for the first time for the mycobiota of Bosnia and Herzegovina: Coprotus luteus, Helvella albella, Lamprospora leptodictya and Scutellinia superba, and two further species for the mycobiota of Croatia: Mollisia uda and Scutellinia peloponnesiaca. Very rare species which are largely confined to special and often threatened habitat types are: L. leptodictya, M. uda, Patinella hyalophaea, Podostroma leucopus and S. peloponnesiaca (Fig. 3). The latter species were used to recommend regional protection measures.

DiscussionAll ascomycete species which were recorded in the karst poljes that have been studied more or less sporadically and with different levels of intensity during the 1982–2018 period, were used for the evaluation process (Tab. 2). The aim of our assessment was to find objective correlations between different groups of karst poljes and the diversity of mycobiota. We further evaluated the importance for conservation of all investigated poljes based on the fungal species which have been found in the area. According to our analyses, Konavosko polje and Sungerski lug are the most valuable karst poljes with highest “Cumulative ecological scores” (CES). However, at the same time, the degree of exploration for both areas is also highest, as well as for Ponikve on Mt. Medvednica which reached one of the lowest CES values. As a measure for the potential value we calculated the ratio between CES and a number of days representing the research effort for all poljes. Ogulinsko-plaščansko polje, Ponikve near Tršće, Dugo polje, below Mt. Čvrsnica, and Duvanjsko polje reached the highest values, followed by Gornja and Donja bara on Mt. Čvrsnica, Konavosko polje and Livanjsko polje. Similar results were obtained when dividing the CES value through the number of all recorded species.


Endangered in Croatia; cf. Tkalčec et al. 2008). Hence, this is a very important discovery.

(2) Dugo polje and its surrounding karstic landscape (group G4; Fig. 1) is very important for nature protection and its mycobiota due to its large luxuriantly developed relict forest dominated by the SE Dinaric endemic tree Pinus heldreichii accompanied with a number of other endemic arborescent species (e.g., Lonicera spp.). The polje is situated in the subalpine bioclimatic belt. Together with the upper xeronival belt, the subalpine bioclimatic belt can be found in some of the highest massifs of SE Dinarides. Both bioclimatic belts show a strong Mediterranean influence (cf. Ranković et al. 1981, Jovanović et al. 1986) and represent biogeographical areas that are sharply separated from their Euro-Siberian bioclimatic counterparts (cf. Puşcaş & Choler 2012). Other areas with particularly high indices concern several freshwater habitats: karstic springs, small ponornicas with developed fens and the bank of Blidinje Lake with tall Salix and Phragmites stands. Among a number of ascomycete fungi recorded in this locality, Boudiera tracheia and Helvella albella are most important for nature protection. This very important area should be intensively investigated in the future.

(3) For the purpose of this study Gornja and Donja Čvrsnička bara (group G4; Fig. 1) are considered as a micro-polje complex. These two small karstic depressions with steep sides harbour small watercourses and karstic springs, some temporary but most of it perennial water bodies. The special importance of these localities lies in its location in high altitudes between 1,300 and 1,400 m a.s.l.). They represent the only near-alpine karst poljes in group G4 (Tab.1, Fig. 1) with a strong Mediterranean influence. Karst poljes in comparable localities are known only from a few sites in the high SE Dinarides (groups I1

and I4; cf. also Ranković et al. 1981, Jovanović et al. 1986). In some localities, like in Gornje bare, water is retained on the soil surface for a whole year. These conditions are favourable for fungal species associated with cyperaceous and juncaceous plants and their remnants. Furthermore, the area soaked with water around springs and rivulets is the habitat for some very rare and sensitive arctic-alpine fungal species. Besides Boudiera tracheia (a species listed as Endangered in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Jukić & Omerović 2017) the very rare bryo-parasitic fungus Lamprospora leptodictya was recorded in Donje bare polje. This find represents the first known record in the Dinaric Alps for the species which is hitherto known from the Arctic and northern European countries (Schumacher 1993). Therefore, the species should be strictly protected in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

(4) Bijambare represents a very valuable and rather large complex of habitat types of old growth altimontane coniferous forests rich in coarse woody debris. These forests are adapted to frequent and heavy frosts during winter (group I2; Fig.1). They are tremendously rich in fungal species (cf. Ódor et al. 2006) and therefore of high importance for mycobiota. The permanently wet conditions further favoured the development of a bog, a special freshwater habitat with very specific assemblages of fungi. In Bijambare we recorded the highest number of fungi (Tab. 2). The area is therefore of particular interest. Patinella hyalophaea and Podostroma leucopus inhabit very sensitive and endangered habitat types. Both species were recorded in the Protected Landscape Bijambare and were identified as candidates for a special protection status in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Very similar habitat types exist in (5) Sungerski lug and (6) in the Ponikve area near Tršće,


situated in the perhumide climate of the NW Dinarides (group E1; Fig. 1). In these areas bogs are much smaller and situated in significantly lower altitudes then in Bijambare. Nevertheless, the importance of both localities under extreme climatic conditions is evident in Tab. 2.

(7) In contrast to the former areas Konavos-ko polje is situated in the Mediterranean cli-matic zone (group A3; Fig. 1) with all-year air mean temperatures above 0 °C and yearly mean temperature above 14 °C. However, it is situated in an area of relative high precipitation. The im-

portance of this polje derives from several strong karstic and flysch springs and rather short ponor-nicas with some of them embedded in tall ev-ergreen laurel-oak forest. These few small but permanently moist and shady habitats are of the highest importance for mycobiota. The bottom of the polje is still occupied by extensive Mediterra-nean traditionally managed grasslands important for specific grassland fungi (e.g. Geoglossum spp.).

Previous research conducted during the past decades in Croatian karst poljes, and current research in the Central Dinarides of Bosnia and

Tab. 2: Evaluation of Dinaric karst poljes based on ascomycetous fungi. In addition, protected species and/or species which were used f

Polje name Geographical orientation Country Size class Spec. no. Res. days CES CES/sp CES/da

Ponikve Mt. Medvednica, NW from Zagreb HR micro 28 16 9,5 0,34 0,59

Ponikve Tršće, NW from Delnice HR micro 9 3 24 2,67 8

Sungerski lug Sunger, SSE from Delnice HR small 46 24 70,5 1,53 2,94

Bijambare Nišići, NNE from Sarajevo BA small 23 13 49,5 2,15 3,81

Ogulinsko-plaščansko polje Ogulin HR large 6 2 21 3,5 10,5

Livanjsko polje Livno BA large 5 2 8 1,6 4

Duvanjsko polje Tomislavgrad BA large 4 1 6,5 1,63 6,5

Šujičko polje Šujica BA medium 3 1 1 0,33 1

Dugo polje Blidinje jezero BA medium 14 4 26 1,86 6,5

Gornja i donja bara pl. Čvrsnica BA micro 3 2 8,5 2,83 4,25

Konavosko polje Čilipi HR large 33 17 73,5 2,23 4,32


(Lakušić 1970, Lovrić & Rac 1989, Bertović & Lovrić 1992, Ozimec et al. 2013b, 2013c, Stumberger 2015) and with analyses of the presence of particular habitat types in some large karst poljes (Schwarz 2013, Sackl et al. 2014). Like other researchers, we conclude that many karst poljes, in comparison to surrounding vast areas of waterless dry lime-stone massifs (see Fig. 1) are some kind of oases of high habitat diversity with otherwise rare and exclusive habitats which function as key refugia and strongholds for many rare, endangered and endemic plants, fishes, birds, invertebrates and also for a vast number of fungi.

Herzegovina, show that a number of the Dinaric karst poljes harbour a high species diversity of Ascomycota, as well as a number of species which can be used as bioindicators, and also a number of rare and threatened species. Their significance is evident (Tab. 2) by comparing these localities to isolated, extra-Dinaric micro-polje in the colline continental humid zone (Ponikve, Mt. Medvednica; Fig. 1). Presumably, much more species of fungi, characteristic for the biogeographic region, will be discovered by future research which would be in line with research that up to now has been conducted on other groups of living organisms

ed for the present evaluation are shown

CES/day Exclusive polje’s habitat of special value to mycobiota Protected and/or evaluated species

none Helvella phlebophora (HR: VU)

bog Vibrissea truncorum (HR: VU),Heyderia abietis (HR: NT)

small bogs surrounded by tall old growth coniferous forest

Discina fastigiata (HR: CR),Caloscypha fulgens (HR: VU),Geopyxis majalis (HR: VU),Trichoglossum hirsutum (HR: VU),Peziza obtusapiculata (HR: DD),Heyderia abietis (HR: NT)

bog, old growith coniferous altimontane forest

Cudonia circinans (HR: VU),Heyderia abietis (HR: NT), Ascobolus xylophilus (BA: CR),Plicaria trachycarpa (BA:VU),Patinella hyalophaea (BA candidate: EN),Podostroma leucopus (BA: candidate EN)

fens and riparian forest in mediterranoid continental belt Mollisia uda (HR candidate: EN),Scutellinia peloponnesiaca HR candidate: VU)

fens, two types of riparian forests, swamp, traditionally managed grassland Myriosclerotinia sp. (M. dennisii HR: CR)

various oro-Mediterranean brooks, traditionally managed grassland Helvella corium (BA: EN), Parascutellinia carneosanguinea (BA: VU)

tall riparian forest nonefens and Pinus heldreichii endemic (alti-Mediterranean) forest, traditionally managed grassland

Helvella albella (HR: CR),Boudiera tracheia (BA: EN)

fens in alti-Mediterranean belt Boudiera tracheia (BA: EN)Lamprospora leptodictya (BA candidate: EN)

karstic springs and riparian forest in Mediterranean beltGeoglossum cookeianum (HR: VU),Geoglossum umbratile (HR: VU),Sarcoscypha macaronesica (HR: VU)


In 2017, in particular during the research in the karst poljes of the Central Dinarides (groups G1 and G4), we encountered climatic extremities never before recorded in the area since the beginning of meteorological observations. For several months there was a severe drought with high temperatures and frequent strong winds. However, even under such harsh conditions our research was surprisingly fruitful. In particular, in sheltered and shady stands with high substrate humidity we found many fungi. The occurrence of drought intolerant ascomycetes in karst poljes is mainly owed to their specific hydrological features. Large water bodies in karstic underground that feed surface watercourses in structural polje’s bottoms are not so susceptible to drying out as dense networks of watercourses over watertight bedrock (cf. Bonacci 2015). Simultaneously, a number of Pannonian permanent rivulets and large fishponds outside of the Dinaric karst dried out completely. Even the smallest karst polje often generates its own microclimate with temperature inversions and the retention of fog (cf. Gams 1978) as an additional ecological influence that is often reflected in an “inverse” zonation of vegetation (Horvat 1953). Therefore, wet structural karst poljes have tremendously high capabilities for the retention of substrate moisture which is important for fungi in a number of habitat types, e.g. a variety of freshwater habitats (especially swamps and fens) and their inundation zones and in riparian old growth forests (in particular, stands of Salix spp., Fraxinus angustifolia, Alnus glutunosa and in Adriatic Quercus robur, Q. frainetto and Dinaric Q. cerris tall forests; cf. Jovanović et al. 1986).

Beside numerous epigean habitat types present in structural poljes typically there are also permanent cave springs, artesian (vauclusian) karstic springs and ponors situated at the polje’s edges that play an important role not only for

water circulation (Bonacci 1987a), but also (like during certain geological periods) for many fungal groups. In karst areas owing to long and intensive corrosive processes large subterranean spaces developed which provided a shelter for many fungi during several ice ages. Many of those species evolved afterwards under specific ecological conditions (constant and complete darkness, high humidity, low but above zero temperatures, poor nutrition levels) into true cave organisms incapable of resettling surface habitats after the withdrawal of the ice and climate warming (Matočec et al. 2014).

Following to current global climate warming, modern observers will probably witness consid-erable changes of karst polje’s ecosystems. It can be expected that the magnitude of change will differ between karst poljes (some poljes may show more environmental shifts while others may be more resilient to environment change). In that case differences between certain poljes will probably remain comparably high over longer pe-riods of time. Measurements of the hydrological regime of Vrgorsko polje (Jezero) between 1926 and 2006 (Bonacci 2013) may illustrate certain climatological trends. A number of fungi from different taxonomic and ecological groups have been ascertained as good bioindicators of cli-mate shifts (e.g., Ing 2005, Kauserud et al. 2009, Buentgen et al. 2013, Ohenoja et al. 2013). This is confirmed also by our own monitoring data some of it covering a period of more than 30 years.

The general ecological importance of karst poljes, the international significance of the large Dinaric karst poljes, their natural and cultural values as well as their need for protection is unquestion-able (Bonacci 2015, Sackl et al. 2014). Following to considerable morphological, climatological and hydrological differences between the karst poljes of the Dinaric Alps, the species diversity and im-


portance of different karst poljes for mycobiota differs, according to the present assessment, heavily between the different groups of poljes in Tab. 2. In this respect we can draw the following general but preliminary conclusions:

1) The overall importance for mycobiota (here modelled for ascomycete fungi) is greater for karst poljes (especially of those with continual fluvial inflow) situated in regions which are exposed to longer period of drought and/or higher temperatures, and a precipitation deficiency during the warmer half of the year (resulting in the intensive and fast drying of the substrate).

2) The importance of the Dinaric karst poljes for general diversity of ascomycete fungi, the number of rare as well as aquatic/subaquatic species is greater if the climate at the polje’s bottom is more humid and when the polje harbours some freshwater waterbody (ponornica, spring, lake, swamp, bog or fen).

3) The importance of Dinaric karst poljes for regional/local ascomycete mycobiota is greater if the polje is situated farther from the karst area edge or is more isolated from the continuous area of the Dinaric karst on the islands in the Adriatic Sea. Structural poljes of the central Dinaric karst or in the Adriatic lowlands and micro-poljes on the Adriatic Islands are more pronounced “oases” than randpoljes situated along the continental edge of the Dinaric karst. They make more contrasts in ecological conditions and habitat types favourable to most fungi in relation to surrounding dry karstic massifs and plateaus.

4) The overall importance of Dinaric karst poljes for ascomycetes is not correlated with polje size unless the polje houses a

high number of different habitat types.

5) Small micro-poljes situated in higher altitudes in semi-alpine or alpine areas, especially those poljes which are partly influenced by Mediterranean or sub-Mediterranean climates, are particularly important for ascomycetes because these karst poljes harbour arctic-alpine species.

Our preliminary analyses show that many habitat types of the highest importance for fungi in the vast area of the Dinaric karst are largely restricted to the bottoms of karst poljes. Regardless of their size and the bioclimatic zone these habitat types are stable in many karst poljes and provide the basis for high habitat diversity and species diversity of mycobiota in the poljes. The most significant habitats for fungi are periodical or perennial freshwater habitats, like ponornicas, riparian old growth forests, bogs, fens, swamps, lakes, karst springs, humid cave entrances etc. In addition, traditionally used grasslands, artificial ponds and old, shady and wet foot trails are of great importance for mycobiota as well. These habitats should be protected and carefully managed by, e. g., traditional and sustainable forms of land use or by eco-tourism.

In particular, the mycobiota of karst poljes with low exploration level but high “ecological scores” (Tab. 2) as well as some poljes that were not yet studied, should be intensively investigated in the future. This is especially important in wet poljes with unique, rare and widely endangered habitats (e.g., poljes of the groups D1, E1, E2, G1, G3 and G4). Because human interests often have negative effects for the biodiversity of karst poljes (cf. Bonacci 1985) this research will be a significant contribution to the regional and international Important Fungus Area system (cf. Anderson 2002, Tkalčec et al. 2005, Jukić & Omerović 2017). Thanks to the usefulness of different myco-


bioindication methods, calibrated for regional ecological conditions (e.g., Matočec 2000, Matočec et al. 2000, Alebić-Juretić & Arko-Pijevac 2005, Ódor et al. 2006, Ozimec et al. 2013a, Kušan & Matočec 2017, 2018) the results of such research may also help in planning and implementing regional sustainable economies.

AcknowledgementsThe authors wish to thank the NGO “Naša Baština” from Tomislavgrad, Bosnia and Her-zegovina, and NGO “ADIPA”, especially Roman Ozimec for the organisation of the expeditions in the vicinity of Tomislavgrad. The expeditions provided us with the valuable opportunity for in-tensive mycological research in the remote areas around Tomislavgrad, Livno and in Blidinje Nature Park. We further thank Mićo Šarac for his guid-ance and for transportation to several important localities on Mt. Čvrsnica. We also appreciate the help by Smiljan Tomić with fieldwork and the collecting of fungal material. The second author wishes to thank the Rufford Small Grant Founda-tion for financial support during some of the field investigations.

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Peštersko polje (Photo: Bojan Milović)


Birds of Pešter karst polje

Slobodan Puzović1, Vladan Vučković2, Nikola Stojnić1, Goran Sekulić3, Miloš Radaković4, Nenad Dučić5, Brano Rudić6, Milan Ružić7, Dimitrije Radišić7, Bratislav Grubač4, Marko Šćiban7 & Marko Raković8

1 Institute for Nature Conservation of Vojvodina Province, Radnička 20a, Novi Sad 21000, Serbia, E-mails: [email protected], [email protected]

2 Faculty of Physics, Studentski trg 12, Beograd 11000, Serbia; E-mail: [email protected]

3 WWF Adria, Đure Jakšića 4a/8, Beograd 11000, Serbia; E-mail: [email protected]

4 Institute for Nature Conservation of Serbia, Dr. Ivana Ribara 91, Novi Beograd 11070, Serbia, E-mails: [email protected], [email protected]

5 Raišnjevo bb, Prijepolje 31300, Serbia, E-mail: [email protected] Braće Mićić 41, Požega 31210, Serbia, E-mail: [email protected] Bird Protection and Study Society of Serbia, Vladike Ćirića 24/19, Novi Sad 21000, Serbia, E-mails: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

8 Natural History Museum, Njegoševa 51, Beograd 11000, Serbia,E-mail: [email protected]

SummaryThis paper presents an overview on the bird fau-na of Pešter karst polje, Serbia. The polje covers an area of ca. 5,500 ha, within three 10 x 10 km UTM squares: DN27, DN26 and DN36. We used all published sources, unpublished data of the au-thors as well as field data from the notebooks of J. Šoti and S. D. Matvejev. Bird species are listed systematically and observations sorted chrono-logically for all species. For some species all in-dividuals recorded in one day are summarized, regardless whether they were spotted individu-ally or in groups, on the same or in different lo-cations. We used data from a total of 141 days of field research conducted on the birds of Pešter karst polje in the period from 1963 to 2018. Most observations were made in the summer and au-tumn months. Based on the collected data the

breeding pair numbers for the 2005–2018 period were estimated. On the basis of the data pre-sented in the paper, the migration and breeding status (breeding-resident, breeding-migrant, mi-grant, vagrant, wintering), the regularity of oc-curence over the study period (regular, periodic, sporadic) as well as the frequency of occurrence (very rare, rare, common, numerous, very numer-ous) is given for all species.

Key words: bird fauna, bird list, Pešter, karst polje, Serbia

SažetakU radu je dat pregled fauna ptica Pešterskog polja u Srbiji, koje zauzima površinu od oko 5500 ha i prostire se unutar tri 10 x 10 km UTM kvadrata: DN27, DN26 i DN36. Sistematični pregled


climate and a distinct way of life of the local inhabitants. Pešter is known for its extreme climatic conditions, with long and severe winters when temperatures drop below zero down to -40 oC, and hot and dry summers with temperatures above +30 oC, while annual precipitation is only 633 mm (Krstić 1961). Pešter karst polje covers an area of about 5,500 ha in altitudes between 1,150 and 1,200 m above sea level. The polje is surrounded by high mountains, i.e. Giljeva (1,617 m), Žilindar (1,616 m), Jarut (1,428 m), Ninaja (1,358 m) and Hum (1,322 m). Following to the high mountains, Pešter is a frozen isolated area during winter and a dry and warm area during summer. In the wider area of Pešter there are over 25 mountain villages and hamlets.

The landscape of Pešter was shaped by the harsh climate and water through erosion but also by man through deforestation and intensive grazing. There are peat bogs and wet meadows on the plateaus around mountain streams that often sink into the underground, limestone rocks and peaks as well as gorges and canyons. Formerly, there were more forest patches and the whole Pešter karst polje was regularly flooded in spring. The former lake had flown through abyss and after that, mezotrophic mountain peat bogs which covered about 450 ha and wet meadows with distinctive vegetation remained. Despite numerous streams (Boroštica, Đerekarska river, Rasanska river, Hukovac, Lukovača, Devrečka river, Vapa, Dubočica, Grabovica, Jablanica, Vidrenjak and others), the ground is generally arid, especially towards the western part of the Giljeva Mt. Boroštica, the main watercourse in the Pešter karst polje, was regulated in 1972, when the water from Vapa river was drained through the tunnel, the embankments were constructed and the water reservoir “Jezero” was formed. The reservoir covers a surface area of about 50 ha but during the dry season open water covers only 10%

je napravljen na osnovu publikovanih podataka, nepublikovanih podataka autora, kao i terenskih podataka iz bilježnica J. Šotija I S. D. Matvejeva, koji su hronološki predstavljeni za svaku vrstu zasebno. Za pojedine su dati ukupni brojevi regi-strovanih jedinki, bilo da su one posmatrane po-jedinačno ili u jatima, na istom ili na različitim lokalitetima. Obrađeni su podaci prikupljeni to-kom 141 terenskih dana, u periodu od 1963. do 2018. Najveći broj terenskih izlazaka obavljen je tokom leta i jeseni. Na osnovu podataka pri-kupljenih u periodu 2005-2018, procenjen je broj gnezdećih parova na ovom području, kao i status (gnezdarica-stanarica, gnezdarica-selica, selica, lutalica, zimovalica), pravilnost pojavljivanja to-kom istraživanog perioda (redovna, periodična, sporadična), kao i učestalost (vrlo retka, retka, obična, brojna, vrlo brojna) za svaku vrstu.

Ključne reči: ornitofauna, ptice, pregled, Peštersko polje, Srbija

IntroductionFollowing to specific climatic, edaphic, orographic, hydrographic and other conditions which resulted in the formation of a complex of wetland and peat bog habitats with mesophilic and dry meadows and grasslands, according to its karst relief, habitats and fauna composition, Pešter karst polje is unique in Serbia. Pešter karst polje is an area with a unique biodiversity and geological diversity, one of the largest remaining highland peat bog complexes in Serbia and the Balkans and a refuge of numerous relict, endemic, rare and threatened, nationally and internationally important species of flora and fauna. Situated in the mountains of southwestern Serbia, it is very important area for breeding and migrating birds.

Pešter plateau is a vast region framed by hills, with distinctive landscapes, vegetation,


and the rest of the area is covered by sedges and other marsh vegetation. Permanently open water surfaces are expanding in recent years on the areas of wet meadows, due to the exploitation of peat which is followed by formation of new depressions filled with water.

As the first in the mountainous areas in Serbia, on an area of 3,455 ha Pešter karst polje was designated a Ramsar site in 2006, and the Important Bird Area (IBA) “Pešter”, with a surface area of 43,966 ha, was declared in 2009 (Puzović et al. 2009). The Special nature reserve “Peštersko polje” (3,118 ha) was declared by the Regulation of Proclamation of the Government of Serbia in 2015 with the prevailing level of protection of Regime II, while the management of the protected

area was given to the Tourist Organization Sjenice (Off. gazette of RS, No. 114/2015). Pešter karst polje with its wider environment is further listed as an internationally significant Important Plant Area (IPA) (Stevanović 2005) and Prime Butterflies Areas (PBA) (Jakšić 2008). The area is also included in the list of objects of the geological heritage of Serbia, ProGeo (Karamata & Mijović 2005). Under the name “Pešter”, in 2010, an area of 3,865 ha was also included into the Emerald Network (Sekulić & Šinžar - Sekulić 2010) as well as into the National Ecological Network (Off. gazette of RS, No. 102/2010).

So far, only a few data on the birds of Pešter karst polje were published. The first researcher of the bird fauna was S. D. Matvejev who visited

Fig. 1: Pešter karst polje, view from Trojan hill, 27 June 2005 (Photo: Slobodan Puzović)


Pešter karst polje in the period between 29 May and 2 June 1963 and on 19 June 1978. The first data on birds were published in the paper by Matvejev & Vasić (1973), which refers to the breeding of Aythya fuligula in Pešter karst polje in 1965. Afterwards the area was visited on 19 June 1978, 11 June 1979 and 7 June 1980 by J. Šoti (1983) who reported on the presence of five bird species in the area. In July 1994, N. Simonov (1995) studied the bird fauna for the preparation of a protection study and recorded 21 species. Two years later, on 28 June 1996 S. Puzović and B. Grubač recorded 20 species of birds in the Pešter karst polje. During the first week of August 2000, N. Stojnić (2000) recorded 52 bird species and conducted the first bird ringing in the area. Then, in late June 2005, for several days a expedition was organized by a group of ornithologists, including S. Puzović, N. Stojnić, G. Sekulić, M. Tucakov and M. Raković. The main aim of the expedition was to study the birds for proposing a part of Pešter karst polje as a new Ramsar site and the wider area of the Pešter and Sjenica plateau as an Important Bird Area (IBA). Pešter karst polje was visited by G. Sekulić in July 2006 and several times through shorter visits by B. Grubač.

Map 1: Boundaries of the study area in Pešter karst polje


In 2008, M. Radaković, M. Ružić, B. Rudić and A. Agošton performed detailed bird research in this area and, after that, the Pešter karst polje was visited by many other researchers and birdwatchers. In 2009, with the beginning of the field work of V. Vučković, whose results constitute the framework for this paper, began the period of the most intense research and monitoring of the birds of the Pešter karst polje. In the period from 2008 - 2018 the visits of the area by a number of other bird researchers should be noted: N. Dučić, D. Radišić, M. Raković, I. Medenica, M. Janković, D. Rajković, S. Čuturilov, S. Panjković, M. Šćiban, U. Pantović, D. McCurrach and M. Velevski.

Materials and methodsOnly the data related to birds recorded in Pešter karst polje are presented in this paper. Exceptions will be noted in the text. The morphological borders of the polje are shown in Map 1. With a total area of about 5,500 ha, the study area includes parts of three 10 x 10 km UTM squares: DN27, DN26 and DN36. We used all published literature, unpublished data of the authors as well as field data from the notebooks of J. Šoti and S. D. Matvejev, preserved in the archives of the Serbian Academy of Science and Arts. For the following bird list the collected data for different bird species have been arranged in systematic order and observations per species sorted chronologically. We treated Pešter kast polje as an integral ecological area, i.e. specific locations within the polje for bird data are not cited.

For some species all individuals recorded in one day are summarized, regardless whether they were spotted individually or in groups, on the same or in different locations inside Pešter karst polje. Data on the numbers of adult and young birds, males and females, if available, are presented separately. The behaviour of birds, as noted in the field, is not shown, due to the large

amount of collected data. We used data from 143 days of field work on the bird fauna of Pešter karst polje in the 1963 - 2018 period. More than 70% of field days were spend in the area during the summer and autumn months. Because of difficult field work due to deep snow and low temperatures, the area was visited only once in the period between December and February (Tab. 1). More than half of all one-day excursions (77) were realized by Vladan Vučković, who also collected an extensive photo documentation. We additionally used the data from eBird portal - Serbia as it is mentioned in the text. As of September 2018, a total of 70 visits were made


the hill Trojan were intensively researched. The central, northern and western parts of the karst polje were more visited than the south-eastern part towards the Hum hill. Based on the collected data we have estimated the numbers of breeding pairs for reproductive species for the 2005 - 2018 period. Furthermore, on the basis of the data presented in the paper, the migration and breed-ing status (breeding-resident, breeding-migrant, migrant, vagrant, wintering), the regularity of oc-curence over the study period (regular, periodic, sporadic) as well as the frequency of occurrence (very rare, rare, common, numerous, very numer-ous) is given for all species.

to the area. The largest number of records was contributed by V. Vučković and N. Dučić.

The earliest data used in this paper date back from 1963, while more than 80% of all field re-search was conducted in the 2005–2018 period. In the early stages of field work, the ornithologists stayed in the area for several days, but with long time intervals between visits. In recent years ob-servations are made mostly during one-day visits, but the area is visited in much higher frequency. Until now, the central part of Pešter karst polje, around peat bogs and lakes as well as the vicinity of Karajukića bunari village and the area around

Fig. 2: Wet meadows and open water surfaces in Peštersko polje, 25 May 2014 (Photo: Bojan Milović)


Tab. 1: Number of days of field research of the birds of the Pešter karst polje per month, 1963 - 2018

I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII

1 0 4 15 11 20 27 36 13 9 7 0

Bird list and observations

Abbreavations for the observers: • Vladan Vučković (VV) • Slobodan Puzović (SP) • Nikola Stojnić (NS) • Nenad Dučić (ND) • Brano Rudić (BR) • Milan Ružić (MI) • Bratislav Grubač (BG) • Goran Sekulić (GS) • Marko Tucakov (MT) • Miloš Radaković (MR) • Dimitrije Radišić (DR) • Marko Raković (MA) • Snežana Nena Panjković (NP) • Srđan Čuturilov (SČ) • Metodija Velevski (MV) • Atila Agošton (AA) • Marko Šćiban (MŠ) • Marko Janković (MJ) • Uroš Pantović (UP) • Vukas Vučković (VuV) • Predrag Lazarević (PL) • Sergije Matvejev (SM) • Josip Šoti (JŠ) • Natalija Simonov (SN) •

Other abbreviation: p - present • m - male • f - female • ad. - adult • juv. - juvenile • pull - pullus • ind. - individuals

COMMON QUAIL Coturnix coturnix

Breeding - migrant; rare.19.6.1978 – p (SM) • 11.6.1979 – p (JŠ) • 27.6.2005 – 2 m, calling (SP) • 28.6.2005 – 4 m, calling (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 1.7.2005 – 2 m, calling (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 7.8.2008 – p (MR) • 30.7.2010 – 1 (DR, MI, UP, BR) • 31.7.2010 – 9 (DR, MI, UP, BR) • 26.7.2018 – 15, calling (GS).

ROCK PARTRIDGE Alectoris graeca

Breeding - resident; rare; absence from plain part of the karst polje; 2009 – present on the slopes of Giljeva Mt., and near Buđevo and Dolić villages (BG).

GREY PARTRIDGE Perdix perdix

Breeding - resident; rare; mainly near the edges of the karst polje.19.6.1978 – pair (SM) • 30.11.2012 – 30, hills near Buđevo village (BG) • 2.4.2016 – 2 m, f, northern foothill of Trojan (VV).

TUNDRA SWAN Cygnus columbianus

Sporadic autumn migrant; very rare.30.10.2015 – 2 ad. (VV) (Šćiban et al. 2015/2016).

GREYLAG GOOSE Anser anser

Sporadic autumn migrant; very rare.11.10.2014 – 1 (VV).

GOOSANDER Mergus merganser

Sporadic spring migrant; very rare.1.5.2015 – m, f (VV) • 3.4.2018 – f (VV).

COMMON SHELDUCK Tadorna tadorna

Sporadic autumn migrant; very rare.30.11.2012 – 1 (GS, BG).

COMMON POCHARD Aythya ferina

Periodic migrant; very rare.1.5.2015 – 1 (VV) • 10.8.2016 – f (VV) • 14.9.2016 – f (VV) • 15.9.2016 – 2 (ND) • 30.9.2017 – 16 (VV) • 4.11.2017 – 11 (VV).


FERRUGINOUS DUCK Aythya nyroca

Periodic migrant; possible sporadic breeding; very rare.2.5.2011 – 4 (VV) • 24.6.2011 – ad. (VV) • 25.9.2011 – 1 (VV) • 15.6.2012 – m (VV) • 12.8.2012 – 1 (VV) • 22.3.2014 – 3 (VV) • 3.4.2018 – m (VV).

TUFTED DUCK Aythya fuligula

Sporadic migrant; very rare; formerly probable rare and sporadic breeding.31.5.1963 – m, f (SM) • 1.6.1963 – m, f (SM) • 7.8.2008 – few ind., m (AA) • 30.11.2012 – 20 (GS).

GARGANEY Spatula querquedula

Regular migrant; possibly sporadic breeding; rare, occasionally common.31.5.1963 – several ind. (SM) • 1.6.1963 – several ind. (SM) • July 1994 – p (SN) • 5.–8.8.2000 – 50 f (Stojnić 2000) • 7.8.2008 – 2 (MR) • 4.4.2010 – 8 (VV) • 31.7.2010 – 6 (DR, MI, UP, BR) • 10.10.2010 – p (VV) • 4.4.2011 – 6 (VV) • 2.5.2011 – m ,f (VV) • 13.8.2011 – 3 (VV) • 11.4.2012 – 35 (VV) • 7.8.2012 – 1 (VV) • 6.4.2013 – 9 (VV) • 29.4.2013 – 2 (VV) • 6.8.2013 – 4 (VV) • 22.3.2014 – 3 (VV) • 12.4.2015 – 25 (VV) • 1.5.2016 – 1 (VV) • 15.8.2016 – 1 (VV) • 13.4.2017 – 10 (VV) • 16.4.2017 – 17 (VV) • 1.6.2017 – 1 (VV) • 29.7.2017 – 3 (VV) • 6.8.2017 – 12 (VV) • 9.8.2017 – 12 (VV) • 15.8.2017 – 7 (VV, VuV) • 25.8.2017 – 16 (VV) • 30.9.2017 – 1 (VV) • 30.4.2018 – 2 (VV) • 26.7.2018 – 2 (GS) • 27.7.2018 – 12 (VV) • 4.8.2018 – 27 (VV) • 17.8.2018 – 15 (VV) • 31.8.2018 – 10 (BR).

NORTHERN SHOVELER Spatula clypeata

Regular migrant; very rare.10.10.2010 – 3 (VV) • 4.4.2011 – 2 (VV) • 2.5.2011 – m, f (VV) • 28.7.2011 – f (VV) • 7.11.2011 – 1 (VV) • 7.8.2012 – 2 (VV) • 30.11.2012 – 5 (BG, GS) • 6.4.2013 – m, f (VV) • 29.4.2013 – 4 m, 2 f (VV) • 5.10.2013 – 3 (VV) • 9.11.2013 – 4 (VV) • 22.3.2014 – m, f (VV) • 29.8.2015 – 1 (VV) • 3.10.2015 – 3 (VV) • 16.4.2017 – 2 (VV) • 30.9.2017 – 1 (VV) • 22.10.2017 – 6 (VV) • 4.11.2017 – 30 (VV) • 3.4.2018 – m (VV) • 31.8.2018 – 6 (BR).

GADWALL Mareca strepera

Periodic migrant; very rare.7.8.2008 – 3 (MR) • 30.11.2012 – 10 (BG, GS) • 9.11.2013 – 2 (VV) • 22.3.2014 – m, f (VV) • 13.4.2017 – m (VV) • 30.9.2017 – 2 (VV) • 26.5.2018 – 2 (VV) • 21.9.2018 – 4 (VV) • 29.9.2018 – 2 (MŠ, MJ).

EURASIAN WIGEON Mareca penelope

Regular migrant; rare, occasionally common.11.10.2009 – 8 (VV) • 4.4.2010 – 2 (VV) • 10.10.2010 – 4 (VV) • 4.4.2011 – 14 (VV) • 13.8.2011 – 3 (VV) • 25.9.2011 – 35 (VV) • 7.11.2011 – 38 (VV) • 06.10.2012 – 30 (VV) • 30.11.2012 – 60 (GS, BG) • 5.10.2013 – 30 (VV) • 9.11.2013 – 35 (VV) • 22.3.2014 – 1 (VV) • 10.11.2014 – 5 (VV) • 3.10.2015 – 300 (VV) • 16.4.2017 – 2 (VV) • 30.9.2017 – 30 (VV) • 22.10.2017 – 40 (VV) • 4.11.2017 – 31 (VV) • 29.9.2018 – 2 (MŠ, MJ).

MALLARD Anas platyrhynchos

Regular breeding; migrant; absent during cold winter months; numerous, occasionally very numerous; 15-30 breeding pairs.30.5.1963 – few ind. (SM) • 31.5.1963 – 6 m, f (SM) • 1.6.1963 – 6 m, families (SM) • 19.6.1978 – p (SM) • 11.6.1979 – 3-4 breeding pairs, nest with 6 eggs (Šoti 1983) • July 07.1994 – p (SN) • 28.6.1996 – 20 (SP) • 5.-8.8.2000 – 120 (Stojnić 2000) • 27.6.2005 – 10 (SP) • 28.6.2005 – 42, 2 families (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 29.6.2005 – 8 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 1.7.2005 – 16 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 7.8.2008 – p (MR) • 12.7.2009 – p (BG) • 11.10.2009 – 60 (VV) • 4.4.2010 – 2 (VV) • 30.7.2010 – 50 (DR, MI, UP, BR) • 31.7.2010 – 70 (DR, MI, UP, BR) • 30.8.2010 – 250 (BR) • 5.9.2010 – 300 (BR, VV) • 9.9.2010 – 60 (VV) • 10.10.2010 – 150 (VV) • 2.5.2011 – 30 (VV) • 24.6.2011 – 40 (VV) • 7.7.2011 – 50 (BR) • 28.7.2011 – 20 (VV) • 8.8.2011 – 26 (VV) • 13.8.2011 – 40 (VV) • 25.9.2011 – 100 (VV) • 7.11.2011 – 80 (VV) • • •


MALLARD Anas platyrhynchos

(continuation from page 59)

• • • 11.4.2012 – 10 (VV) • 13.6.2012 – 50 (VV) • 15.6.2012 – 30 (VV) • 7.8.2012 – 120 (VV) • 12.8.2012 – 100 (VV) • 06.10.2012 – 100 (VV) • 30.11.2012 – 300 (BG, GS) • 6.4.2013 – 20 (VV) • 29.4.2013 – 20 (VV) • 6.8.2013 – 90 (VV) • 31.8.2013 – 100 (VV) • 5.10.2013 – 250 (VV) • 9.11.2013 – 110 (VV) • 22.11.2013 – 73 (BG) • 22.3.2014 – 35 (VV) • 13.7.2014 – 30 (VV) • 12.8.2014 – 30 (VV) • 11.10.2014 – 150 (VV) • 10.11.2014 – 50 (VV) • 12.4.2015 – 10 (VV) • 1.5.2015 – p (VV) • 21.5.2015 – 5 (MI) • 14.6.2015 – 50 (VV) • 23.7.2015 – p (VV) • 6.8.2015 – 150 (VV) • 13.8.2015 – 50 (VV) • 23.8.2015 – 100 (VV) • 3.10.2015 – 250 (VV) • 1.5.2016 – 30, dominantly m (VV) • 14.6.2016 – 25 (VV) • 24.7.2016 – 40 (VV) • 31.7.2016 – 50 (VV) • 10.8.2016 – 60 (VV) • 15.8.2016 – 60 (VV) • 14.9.2016 – 200 (VV) • 15.9.2016 – 100 (ND) • 13.4.2017 – 20 (VV) • 16.4.2017 – 35 (VV) • 1.5.2017 – 25 (VV) • 1.6.2017 – 30 (VV) • 26.6.2017 – 20 (VV) • 29.7.2017 – 30 (VV) • 25.8.2017 – 100 (VV) • 30.9.2017 – 200 (VV) • 22.10.2017 – 150 (VV) • 4.11.2017 – 120 (VV) • 3.4.2018 – 45 (VV) • 30.4.2018 – 35 (VV) • 26.5.2018 – 45 (VV) • 26.7.2018 – 55 (GS) • 27.7.2018 – 50 (VV) • 4.8.2018 – 50 (VV) • 10.8.2018 – 50 (VV) • 17.8.2018 – 120 (VV) • 24.8.2018 – 200 (ND) • 31.8.2018 – 40 (BR) • 21.9.2018 – 30 (VV) • 29.9.2018 – 110 (MŠ, MJ).

NORTHERN PINTAIL Anas acuta

Periodic migrant; very rare.5.10.2013 – f (VV) • 22.3.2014 – 3 (VV) • 11.10.2014 – 2 (VV) • 15.9.2016 – 2 (ND) • 13.4.2017 – 4 m, f (VV) • 16.4.2017 – 1 (VV) • 3.4.2018 – 2 m, 2 f (VV).

COMMON TEAL Anas crecca

Regular migrant; periodic presence in the reproductive period, but without breeding proof; common, occasionally numerous.31.5.1963 – several ind. (SM) • July 1994 – p (SN) • 10.10.2010 – 10 (VV) • 4.4.2011 – 6 (VV) • 2.5.2011 – m (VV) • 24.6.2011 – 5 (VV) • 13.8.2011 – 13 (VV) • 25.9.2011 – 100 (VV) • 7.11.2011 – 35 (VV) • 11.4.2012 – 6 (VV) • 7.8.2012 – 15 (VV) • 06.10.2012 – 20 (VV) • 6.4.2013 – 4 (VV) • 5.10.2013 – 5 (VV) • 9.11.2013 – 4 (VV) • 11.10.2014 – 250 (VV) • 10.11.2014 – 100 (VV) • 29.8.2015 – 15 (VV) • 3.10.2015 – 5 (VV) • 31.7.2016 – 7 (VV) • 10.8.2016 – 5 (VV) • 15.8.2016 – 35 (VV) • 14.9.2016 – 25 (VV) • 15.9.2016 – 2 (ND) • 1.6.2017 – 1 (VV) • 29.7.2017 – 4 (VV) • 9.8.2017 – 13 (VV) • 15.8.2017 – 5 (VV, VuV) • 30.9.2017 – 6 (VV) • 4.11.2017 – 40 (VV) • 24.6.2018 – 2 m, 3 f (VV) • 26.7.2018 – 6 (GS) • 27.7.2018 – 2 (VV) • 4.8.2018 – 2 (VV) • 17.8.2018 – 35 (VV) • 31.8.2018 – 15 (BR) • 21.9.2018 – 20 (VV) • 29.9.2018 – 26 (MŠ, MJ).

LITTLE GREBE Tachybaptus ruficollis

Periodic breeding; migrant; very rare; 0-3 breeding pairs.19.6.1978 – p (Šoti 1983) • 6.8.2000 – 3 (Stojnić 2000) • 24.7.2006 – 10 (GS) • 27.7.2006 – 5 (GS) • 7.8.2008 – 4 (MR) • 25.9.2011 – 1 (VV) • 31.8.2013 – 1 (VV) • 11.10.2014 – 1 (VV) • 29.8.2015 – 1 (VV) • 14.9.2016 – 1(VV) • 29.7.2017 – 1 (VV) • 6.8.2017 – 2 (VV) • 26.5.2018 – 1 (VV) • 24.6.2018 – 1 (VV) • 27.7.2018 – 1 (VV) • 4.8.2018 – juv. (VV) • 17.8.2018 – 4 (VV) • 31.8.2018 – 5 (BR) • 29.9.2018 – 9 (MŠ, MJ).

GREAT CRESTED GREBE Podiceps cristatus

Sporadic migrant; possible periodic breeding; very rare.July 1994 – p (SN) • 11.10.2014 – 1 (VV) • 1.6.2017 – 1 (VV) • 3.4.2018 – 1 (VV) • 26.5.2018 – ad. (VV) • 17.8.2018 – 1 (VV).

BLACK-NECKED GREBE Podiceps nigricollis

Sporadic autumn migrant; very rare.19.8.2013 – 1 ad., 1juv. (VV) • 11.10.2014 – juv. (VV).

ROCK (FERAL) DOVE Columba livia

Breeding resident, related to villages; common.19.6.1978 – p (SM) • 28.6.1996 – p (SP) • 27.6.2005 – 40 (SP) • 28.6.2005 – 15 (SP) • 29.6.2005 – 4 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 26.9.2009 – p (BG) • 23.8.2015 – p (VV).


STOCK DOVE Columba oenas

Sporadic vagrant; very rare.24.8.2018 – 1 (ND).

COMMON WOODPIGEON Columba palumbus

Periodic vagrant; rare, occasionally common; breeding in surrounding wooded areas.28.6.1996 – 5 (SP) • 30.7.2010 – p (DR, MI, UP, BR) • 11.10.2014 – 70 (VV) • 23.8.2015 – p (VV) • 19.8.2017 – 8 (VV) • 30.4.2018 – p (VV) • 27.7.2018 – 50 (VV) • 24.8.2018 – 1 (ND).

EUROPEAN TURTLE-DOVEStreptopelia turtur

Periodical vagrant; very rare; breeding in lower forest zones in the surrounding areas.28.6.1996 – 1 (SP) • 7.8.2008 – 12, Rasno village (MR) • 7.8.2012 – 1 (VV) • 6.8.2015 – 2 (VV) • 23.8.2015 – 1 (VV) • 15.8.2016 – 6 (VV) • 1.6.2017 – 1 (VV) • 26.5.2018 – 1 (VV).

COMMON SWIFT Apus apus

Sporadic autumn migrant; very rare.7.8.2000 – 7 (Stojnić 2000) • 31.7.2010 – 100 (DR, MI, UP, BR).

COMMON CUCKOO Cuculus canorus

Sporadic migrant; very rare.1.5.2015 – 1 (VV) • 10.8.2016 – 1 (VV) • 9.8.2017 – 1 (VV) • 26.7.2018 – 1 (GS).

WESTERN WATER RAIL Rallus aquaticus

Probable periodic breeding; very rare; 0-2 breeding pairs.July 1994 – p (SN) • 30.6.2005 – 1, call (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 1.7.2005 – m, call (MT) • 7.8.2008 – 1 (MR) • 12.8.2012 – 1 (VV).

CORNCRAKE Crex crex

Regular breeding; rare; 20-30 breeding pairs.July 1994 – p (SN) • 27.6.2005 – m, calling (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 29.6.2005 – 2 m, calling (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 30.6.2005 – 11 m, calling (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA).

SPOTTED CRAKE Porzana porzana

Sporadic autumn migrant; very rare.July 1994 – p (SN) • 6.8.2015 – m (Vučković 2015/2016).

LITTLE CRAKE Zapornia parva

Sporadic autumn migrant; very rare. 6.8.2013 – 1 (VV).

COMMON MOORHEN Gallinula chloropus

Probable sporadic breeding; periodic autumn migrant; very rare; 0-3 breeding pairs.19.6.1978 – 1 (Šoti 1983) • July 1994 – p (SN) • 5.8.2000 – 1 (Stojnić 2000) • 24.7.2006 – 2 (GS) • 7.8.2008 – p (MR) • 8.8.2011 – 3 ad., 1 juv. (VV) • 13.8.2011 – juv. (VV) • 10.8.2018 – juv. (VV) • 17.8.2018 – juv. (VV).

COMMON COOT Fulica atra

Regular breeding; migrant; common, occasionally very numerous; 20-30 breeding pairs.July 1994 – p (SN) • 28.6.1996 – 50, ad, juv (SP) • 5.-8.8.2000 – 50 (NS) • 27.6.2005 – 20 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 1.7.2005 – 5 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 24.7.2006 – 15 (GS) • 7.8.2008 – p (MR) • 12.7.2009 – p (BG) • 30.7.2010 – 37 (DR, MI, UP, BR) • 31.7.2010 – 35 (DR, MI, UP, BR) • 30.8.2010 – 30 (BR) • 5.9.2010 – 70 (VV, BR) • 4.4.2011 – 25 (VV) • 2.5.2011 – 30 (VV) • 7.7.2011 – 30 (BR) • 28.7.2011 – 6 (VV) • 8.8.2011 – 70 (VV) • 13.8.2011 – 25 (VV) • 15.6.2012 – 30 (VV) • 25.9.2011 – 80 (VV) • 11.4.2012 – 20 (VV) • 13.6.2012 – 50 (VV) • 1.7.2012 – 15 (MR) • 7.8.2012 – 80 (VV) • 12.8.2012 – 80 (VV) • 06.10.2012 – 50 (VV) • 6.4.2013 – 30 (VV) • 29.4.2013 – 15 (VV) • 6.8.2013 – 80 (VV) • 31.8.2013 – 70 (VV) • 5.10.2013 – 70 (VV) • 22.3.2014 – 30 (VV) • 13.7.2014 – 30 (VV) • 11.10.2014 – 100 (VV) • 10.11.2014 – 25 (VV) • 12.4.2015 – 25 (VV) • 1.5.2015 – p (VV) • 21.5.2015 – 10 (MI) • 14.6.2015 – p (VV) • 23.7.2015 – p (VV) • 6.8.2015 – 150 (VV) • 13.8.2015 – 40 (VV) • 23.8.2015 – 150 (VV) • 29.8.2015 – 150 (VV) • 3.10.2015 – 200 (VV) • 30.10.2015 – 150 (VV) • 1.5.2016 – 50 (VV) • 24.7.2016 – 30 (VV) • 10.8.2016 – 45 (VV) • 15.8.2016 – 45 (VV) • 14.9.2016 – 120 (VV) • • •


COMMON COOT Fulica atra


• • • 15.9.2016 – 100 (ND) • 1.6.2017 – 30 (VV) • 26.6.2017 – 25 (VV) • 30.9.2017 – 20 (VV) • 3.4.2018 – 35 (VV) • 30.4.2018 – 25 (VV) • 26.5.2018 – 30 (VV) • 24.6.2018 – 40 (VV) • 27.7.2018 – 50 (VV) • 4.8.2018 – 50 (VV) • 10.8.2018 – 60 (VV) • 17.8.2018 – 80 (VV) • 24.8.2018 – 20 (ND) • 31.8.2018 – 60 (BR) • 21.9.2018 – 60 (VV) • 29.9.2018 – 60 (MŠ, MJ).

COMMON CRANE Grus grus

Present during the breeding period in recent years; very rare.2.5.2011 – 6 (VV) • 1.6.2017 – 1 (VV) • 9.8.2017 – 2 (VV) • 15.8.2017 – 2 ad. (VV, VuV) • 19.8.2017 – 2 (VV) • 26.5.2018 – ad. (VV).

Fig. 3: Pair of Common Crane, Jezero locality, Pešter karst polje, 15 August 2017 (Photo: V. Vučković)

BLACK STORK Ciconia nigra

Sporadic autumn migrant; very rare.25.9.2011 – 3 (VV) • 06.10.2012 – 1 (VV) • 13.8.2015 – 1 (VV) • 23.8.2015 – 1 (VV).

WHITE STORK Ciconia ciconia

Regular breeding; Karajukića bunari village and settlements around the edge of the karst polje (Boroštica, Leskova); 3-4 breeding pairs (Vučković 2013/2014).30.5.1963 – few ind. (SM) • 31.5.1963 – 1 (SM) • 19.6.1978 – 2 (JŠ, SM) • July 1994 – 20 (SN) • 28.6.1996 – 2 ad., 2 pull. (SP) • 6.8.2000 – 20 (Stojnić 2000) • 27.6.2005 – 1 (SP) • 28.6.2005 – 9 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 29.6.2005 – 10 ind. (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 7.8.2008 – 11 (MR) • 30.7.2010 – 3 (DR, MI, UP, BR) • 7.7.2011 – 3 pull. (BR) • 13.8.2011 – 1 (VV) • 25.9.2011 – 1 (VV) • 11.4.2012 – 6 (VV) • 15.6.2012 – 2 (VV) • 6.4.2013 – 2 (VV) • 29.4.2013 – 1 (VV) • 19.7.2013 – 2 juv. (BG) • 6.8.2013 – 2 (VV) • 14.8.2013 – juv. (BG) • 9.5.2014 – 1 (MR) • 13.7.2014 – 16 (VV) • 12.8.2014 – 4 (VV) • 10.4.2015 – 4 (VV) • 1.5.2015 – 3 (VV) • 21.5.2015 – 2 ad. (MI) • 14.6.2015 – 4 (VV) • 23.8.2015 – 1 (VV) • 29.8.2015 – 1 (VV) • 31.5.2016 – 3 (ND) • 24.7.2016 – 1 (VV) • 31.7.2016 – 1 (VV) • 15.5.2017 – two pairs (MR) • 1.6.2017 – 9 (VV) • 29.7.2017 – 4 (VV) • 6.8.2017 – 1 (VV) • 15.8.2017 – 1 (VV, VuV) • 30.4.2018 – 1 (VV) • 26.5.2018 – 13 (VV) • 26.7.2018 – 6 (GS) • 2.8.2018 – 7 (ND) • 10.8.2018 – 1 (VV) • 24.8.2018 – 7 (ND).


Fig. 4: Flock of Glossy Ibis, Jezero locality, Pešter karst polje, 11 April 2012 (Photo: V. Vučković)

EURASIAN SPOONBILL Platalea leucorodia

Sporadic migrant; very rare.27.8.2014 – 1 (VV) • 3.10.2015 – 1 (VV) • 13.4.2017 – ad. (VV) • 16.4.2017 – 1 (VV) • 27.7.2018 – juv. (VV).

GLOSSY IBIS Plegadis falcinellus

Sporadic migrant; in recent years more regular; rare.11.4.2012 – 12 (VV) • 23.8.2015 – juv. (VV) • 1.5.2016 – 10 (VV) • 31.7.2016 – 26 (VV) • 10.8.2016 – 10 ind. (VV) • 15.8.2016 – 19 (VV) • 30.4.2018 – 2 ad. (VV).

EURASIAN BITTERN Botaurus stellaris

Probably regular breeding; very rare; 1-3 breeding pairs.30.6.2005 – m, calling (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 30.7. 2010 – 1 (DR, MI, UP, BR) • 13.6.2012 – 1 (VV) • 15.6.2012 – m, calling (VV) • 23.7.2015 – 1 (VV) • 1.5.2016 – m, calling (VV).

COMMON LITTLE BITTERN Ixobrychus minutus


BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON

Nyticorax nycticorax

Periodic migrant; very rare.7.8.2000 – juv. (Stojnić 2000) • 2.5.2011 – 6 (VV) • 14.6.2016 – 1 (VV) • 27.7.2018 – 8 (VV) • 4.8.2018 – 8 (VV) • 10.8.2018 – 2 (VV).

SQUACCO HERON Ardeola ralloides

Regular migrant; very rare.7.8.2008 – 1 (MR) • 31.7.2010 – 4 (DR, MI, UP, BR) • 2.5.2011 – 1 (VV) • 13.6.2012 – ad. (VV) • 29.4.2013 – 2 ad. (VV) • 31.8.2013 – 1 (VV) • 13.7.2014 – 1 (VV) • 1.5.2015 – 2 (VV) • 1.5.2017 – ad. (VV) • 30.4.2018 – 1 (VV).


GREY HERON Ardea cinerea

Resident (except very cold part of the winter); no breeding attempts in the study area; common, occasionally numerous.30.5.1963 – few ind. (SM) • 31.5.1963 – 1 (SM) • 19.6.1978 – 1 (SM) • 1978–1980 - p (JŠ) • 28.6.1996 – 10 (SP) • 5.-8.8.2000 – 30 (Stojnić 2000) • 27.6.2005 – 20 (SP) • 28.6.2005 – 27 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 29.6.2005 – 5 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 1.7.2005 – 8 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 24.7.2006 – 6 (GS) • 25.7.2006 – 2 (GS) • 7.8.2008 – p (MR) • 26.9.2009 – 15 (BG) • 11.10.2009 – 6 (VV) • 4.4.2010 – 1 (VV) • 30.7. 2010 – 23 (DR, MI, UP, BR) • 31.7.2010 – 35 (DR, MI, UP, BR) • 30.8.2010 – 60 (BR) • 5.9.2010 – 35 (BR, VV) • 9.9.2010 – 13 (VV) • 10.10.2010 – 5 (VV) • 4.4.2011 – 10 (VV) • 2.5.2011 – 9 (VV) • 24.6.2011 – 10 (VV) • 7.7.2011 – 10 (BR) • 08.8.2011 – 8 (VV) • 13.8.2011 – 3 (VV) • 25.9.2011 – 15 (VV) • 7.11.2011 – 1 (VV) • 13.6.2012 – 8 (VV) • 15.6.2012 – 6 (VV) • 1.7.2012 – 4 (MR) • 7.8.2012 – 12 (VV) • 12.8.2012 – 10 (VV) • 06.10.2012 – 15 (VV) • 30.11.2012 – p (BG) • 6.4.2013 – 1 (VV) • 29.4.2013 – 4 (VV) • 6.8.2013 – 19 (VV) • 31.8.2013 – 10 (VV) • 5.10.2013 – 10 (VV) • 9.11.2013 – 8 (VV) • 22.11.2013 – 1 (BG) • 22.3.2014 – 4 (VV) • 13.7.2014 – 10 (VV) • 12.8.2014 – 4 (VV) • 11.10.2014 – 10 (VV) • 10.11.2014 – 5 (VV) • 12.4.2015 – 9 (VV) • 1.5.2015 – 8 (VV) • 21.5.2015 – 1 (MI) • 14.6.2015 – 15 (VV) • 23.7.2015 – 20 (VV) • 6.8.2015 – 25 (VV) • 13.8.2015 – 8 (VV) • 23.8.2015 – 20 (VV) • 29.8.2015 – 10 (VV) • 3.10.2015 – 25 (VV) • 30.10.2015 – 10 (VV) • 1.5.2016 – 5 (VV) • 14.6.2016 – 1 (VV) • 24.7.2016 – 12 (VV) • 31.7.2016 – 15 (VV) • 10.8.2016 – 1 (VV) • 15.8.2016 – 8 (VV) • 14.9.2016 – 2 (VV) • 15.9.2016 – 10 (ND) • 13.4.2017 – 12 (VV) • 16.4.2017 – 11 (VV) • 1.5.2017 – 3 (VV) • 1.6.2017 – 3 (VV) • 26.6.2017 – 2 (VV) • 29.7.2017 – 7 (VV) • 6.8.2017 – 9 (VV) • 9.8.2017 – 15 (VV) • 19.8.2017 – 6 (VV) • 25.8.2017 – 12 (VV) • 30.9.2017 – 4 (VV) • 22.10.2017 – 4 (VV) • 15.3.2018 – 3 (ND) • 30.4.2018 – 3 (VV) • 24.6.2018 – 4 (VV) • 27.7.2018 – 10 (VV) • 4.8.2018 – 10 (VV) • 10.8.2018 – 12 (VV) • 17.8.2018 - 12 (VV) • 24.8.2018 – 12 (ND) • 31.8.2018 – 15 (BR) • 21.9.2018 – 13 (VV) • 29.9.2018 – 14 (MŠ, MJ).

PURPLE HERON Ardea purpurea

Regular migrant; very rare.7.8.2008 – 1 (MR) • 2.5.2011 – 1 (VV) • 8.8.2011 – 1 (VV) • 29.4.2013 – 1 (VV) • 19.8.2013 – 1 (VV) • 12.8.2014 – 1 (VV) • 27.8.2014 – 1 (VV) • 1.5.2015 – 2 (VV) • 6.8.2015 – 1 (VV) • 23.8.2015 – 1 (VV) • 24.7.2016 – 1 (VV) • 31.7.2016 – 1 (VV) • 13.4.2017 – 2 (VV) • 16.4.2017 – 3 (VV) • 1.6.2017 – 2 (VV) • 29.7.2017 – 1 (VV) • 9.8.2017 – 2 (VV) • 27.7.2018 – 1 (VV) • 4.8.2018 – 1 (VV) • 17.8.2018 - 5 (VV) • 24.8.2018 – 5 (ND) • 31.8.2018 – 1 (BR) • 21.9.2018 – 1 (VV) • 29.9.2018 – juv. (MŠ, MJ).

GREAT WHITE EGRET Ardea alba

Regular migrant, especially in the second half of the year; rare.5.8.2000 – 1 (Stojnić 2000) • 7.8.2008 – 2 (MR) • 26.9.2009 – 1 (BG) • 11.10.2009 – 4 (VV) • 9.9.2010 - 1 (VV) • 10.10.2010 – 6 (VV) • 8.8.2011 – 8 (VV) • 13.8.2011 – 1 (VV) • 25.9.2011 – 5 (VV) • 7.11.2011 – 5 (VV) • 7.8.2012 – 3 (VV) • 12.8.2012 – 2 (VV) • 06.10.2012 – 5 (VV) • 5.10.2013 – 3 (VV) • 9.11.2013 – 4 (VV) • 13.7.2014 – 2 (VV) • 11.10.2014 – 2 (VV) • 10.11.2014 – 2 (VV) • 23.7.2015 – 4 (VV) • 6.8.2015 – 4 (VV) • 13.8.2015 – 2 (VV) • 23.8.2015 – p (VV) • 29.8.2015 – 2 (VV) • 3.10.2015 – 3 (VV) • 30.10.2015 – 7 (VV) • 14.6.2016 – 1 (VV) • 24.7.2016 – 1 (VV) • 31.7.2016 – 3 (VV) • 10.8.2016 – 1 (VV) • 15.8.2016 – 2 (VV) • 14.9.2016 – 4 (VV) • 1.6.2017 – 2 (VV) • 26.6.2017 – 2 (VV) • 29.7.2017 – 2 (VV) • 6.8.2017 – 2 (VV) • 9.8.2017 – 5 (VV) • 19.8.2017 – 6 (VV) • 25.8.2017 – 5 (VV) • 30.9.2017 – 6 (VV) • 22.10.2017 – 6 (VV) • 4.11.2017 – 1 (VV) • 15.3.2018 – 1 (ND) • 27.7.2018 – 3 (VV) • 10.8.2018 – 4 (VV) • 17.8.2018 – 6 (VV) • 24.8.2018 – 7 (ND) • 31.8.2018 – 5 (BR) • 21.9.2018 – 14 (VV) • 29.9.2018 – 6 (MŠ, MJ).


LITTLE EGRET Egretta garzetta

Regular migrant; also present in the breeding period; no breeding attempts; rare.5.-8.8.2000 – 3 (Stojnić 2000) • 24.7.2006 – 10 (GS) • 7.8.2008 – 4 (MR) • 11.10.2009 – 8 (VV) • 5.9.2010 – 5 (VV, BR) • 9.9.2010 – 16 (VV) • 10.10.2010 – 2 (VV) • 2.5.2011 – 2 (VV) • 8.8.2011 – 1 (VV) • 13.8.2011 – 1 (VV) • 1.7.2012 – 2 (MR) • 6.8.2013 – 1 (VV) • 19.8.2013 – 6 (VV) • 31.8.2013 – 5 (VV) • 1.5.2015 – 2 (VV) • 14.6.2015 – 2 (VV) • 23.7.2015 – 2 (VV) • 6.8.2015 – 3 (VV) • 23.8.2015 – p (VV) • 29.8.2015 – 2 (VV) • 3.10.2015 – 1 (VV) • 14.6.2016 – 1 (VV) • 31.7.2016 – 5 (VV) • 10.8.2016 – 3 (VV) • 15.8.2016 – 1 (VV) • 13.4.2017 – 6 (VV) • 16.4.2017 – 5 (VV) • 1.5.2017 – 3 (VV) • 29.7.2017 – 3 (VV) • 6.8.2017 – 7 (VV) • 9.8.2017 – 2 (VV) • 19.8.2017 – 9 (VV) • 25.8.2017 – 14 (VV) • 24.6.2018 – 2 (VV) • 27.7.2018 – 2 (VV) • 4.8.2018 – 4 (VV) • 10.8.2018 – 1 (VV) • 17.8.2018 – 1 (VV) • 31.8.2018 – 2 (BR) • 21.9.2018 – 30 (VV).

PYGMY CORMORANT Microcarbo pygmaeus

Regular autumn migrant; very rare, occasionally rare.8.8.2011 – 1 (VV) • 6.8.2013 – ad. (VV) • 19.8.2013 – 2 ad. (VV) • 11.10.2014 – 1 (VV) • 30.10.2015 – 2 (VV) • 10.8.2016 – 22 (VV) • 15.8.2016 – 3 (VV) • 14.9.2016 – 8 (VV) • 9.8.2017 – 4 (VV) • 25.8.2017 – 1 (VV) • 4.8.2018 – 1 (VV) • 10.8.2018 – 1 (VV) • 17.8.2018 -10 (VV) • 31.8.2018 – 5 (BR).

Fig. 5: Flock of Pygmy Cormorant, Jezero locality, Pešter karst polje, 10 August 2016 (Photo: V. Vučković)

GREAT CORMORANT Phalacrocorax carbo

Regular vagrant, mainly during autumn; very rare.6.8.2000 – 6 (Stojnić 2000) • 11.10.2009 – 1 (VV) • 8.8.2011 – 1 (VV) • 25.9.2011 – 1 (VV) • 11.4.2012 – 1 (VV) • 11.10.2014 – 2 (VV) • 10.11.2014 – 1 (VV) • 30.10.2015 – 2 (VV) • 15.9.2016 – 1 (ND) • 1.5.2017 – 1 (VV).

PIED AVOCET Recurvirostra avosetta

Sporadic spring migrant; very rare.2.5.2011 – 1 (VV).

BLACK-WINGED STILT Himantopus himantopus

Regular, mainly spring migrant; very rare.31.7.2010 – 2 (DR, MI, UP, BR) • 4.4.2011 – 1 (VV) • 6.8.2013 – 1 (VV) • 22.3.2014 – 4 ad. (VV) • 1.5.2016 – 2 (VV) • 14.6.2016 – 1 (VV) • 13.4.2017 – 3 (VV) • 16.4.2017 – 1 (VV) • 9.8.2017 – 1 (VV) • 30.4.2018 – 1 (VV).

GREY PLOVER Pluvialis squatarola

Sporadic autumn migrant; very rare.7.8.2008 – ad. (MR) • 10.10.2010 – 4 (VV) • 25.9.2011 – 2 (VV).


EURASIAN GOLDEN PLOVER Pluvialis apricaria

Sporadic migrant; very rare.4.4.2011 – 5 (VV) • 8.8.2011 – 1 (VV) • 30.9.2017 – 1 (VV) • 22.10.2017 – 15 (VV).

COMMON RINGED PLOVER Charadrius hiaticula


LITTLE RINGED PLOVER Charadrius dubius

Regular autumn migrant; very rare; possible sporadic and rare breeding species in surrounding areas.7.8.2000 – 2 (NS) • 26.7.2006 – 2 (GS) • 5.9.2010 - 1 (VV) • 23.7.2015 – 2 juv. (VV) • 6.8.2015 – 3 imm., 2 ad. (NP) • 27.7.2016 – 4 (VV) • 29.7.2017 – 1 (VV) • 6.8.2017 – 1 (VV) • 9.8.2017 – 1 (VV) • 15.8.2017 – ad. (VV, VuV) • 30.9.2017 – 1 (VV).

NORTHERN LAPWING Vanellus vanellus

Regular breeding; migrant; numerous, occasionally very numerous; 15-35 breeding pairs.31.5.1963 – several ind. (SM) • 19.6.1978 – 10 (SM) • June 1978 - 1980 – at least 10 breeding pairs (Šoti 1983) • July 1994 – p (SN) • 28.6.1996 – 8 (SP) • 5.-7.8.2000 – 3 (Stojnić 2000) • 27.6.2005 – 50 (SP) • 28.6.2005 – 75 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 24.7.2006 – 15 (GS) • 12.7.2009 – 20 (BG) • 11.10.2009 – 20 (VV) • 4.4.2010 – 2 (VV) • 30. – 31.7.2010 – 2 (DR, MI, UP, BR) • 30.8.2010 – 25 (BR) • 5.9.2010 – 35 (BR, VV) • 9.9.2010 – 8 (VV) • 10.10.2010 – 2 (VV) • 2.5.2011 – 15+ nest with 4 eggs (VV) • 24.6.2011 – 5 (VV) • 7.7.2011 – 25 (BR) • 28.7.2011 – 20 (VV) • 8.8.2011 – 18 (VV) • 13.6.2012 – 20 (VV) • 15.6.2012 – 5 (VV) • 7.8.2012 – 100 (VV) • 12.8.2012 – 35 (VV) • 06.10.2012 – 63 (VV) • 6.4.2013 – 4 (VV) • 29.4.2013 – 5 (VV) • 6.8.2013 – 20 (VV) • 5.10.2013 – 5 (VV) • 9.11.2013 – 15 (VV) • 22.3.2014 – 40 (VV) • 9.5.2014 – 20+ nest with 3 eggs (MR) • 13.7.2014 – 32 (VV) • 12.4.2015 – 5 (VV) • 1.5.2015 – p (VV) • 21.5.2015 – 10 (MI) • 14.6.2015 – 25 (VV) • 23.7.2015 – p (VV) • 6.8.2015 – 52 (VV) • 13.8.2015 – 5 (VV) • 3.10.2015 – 48 (VV) • 1.5.2016 – 20 (VV) • 24.7.2016 – 75 (VV) • 27.7.2016 – 4 (VV) • 31.7.2016 – 55 (VV) • 10.8.2016 – 80 (VV) • 15.8.2016 – 100 (VV) • 13.4.2017 – 2 (VV) • 16.4.2017 – 3 (VV) • 1.5.2017 – 5 (VV) • 15.5.2017 – 8 (MR) • 1.6.2017 – 5 (VV) • 26.6.2017 – 2 (VV) • 29.7.2017 – 100 (VV) • 6.8.2017 – 66 (VV) • 9.8.2017 – 7 (VV) • 25.8.2017 – 1 (VV) • 30.9.2017 – 41 (VV) • 22.10.2017 – 55 (VV) • 4.11.2017 – 35 (VV) • 15.3.2018 – 30 (ND) • 30.4.2018 – 5 (VV) • 26.5.2018 – 5 (VV) • 24.6.2018 – 20 (VV) • 4.8.2018 – 200 (VV) • 10.8.2018 – 228 (VV) • 31.8.2018 – 25 (BR) • 21.9.2018 – 60 (VV) • 29.9.2018 – 55 (MŠ, MJ).

WHIMBREL Numenius phaeopus

Sporadic autumn migrant; very rare.26.7.2017 – 2 (MV) • 6.8.2017 – 1 (VV) • 15.8.2017 – 1 (VV, VuV) • 25.8.2017 – 2 (VV).

EURASIAN CURLEW Numenius arquata

Periodic autumn migrant; very rare.30.8.2010 – 6 (BR) • 5.9.2010 – 3 (VV) • 6.8.2013 – 1 (VV) • 31.8.2018 – 2 (BR).

BLACK-TAILED GODWIT Limosa limosa

Sporadic autumn migrant; very rare.7.8.2012 – 1 (VV) • 10.8.2016 – 1 (VV) • 19.8.2017 – 3 (VV) • 25.8.2017 – 3 (VV).

RUDDY TURNSTONE Arenaria interpres

Sporadic migrant; very rare.5.8.2000 – ad. (Stojnić 2000) • 1.5.2016 – 2 (Vučković 2015/2016).

RUFF Calidris pugnax

Regular migrant; common, occasionally very numerous.July 1994 – p (SN) • 5.8.2000 – f (NS) • 7.8.2000 – m (Stojnić 2000) • 30.7.2010 – 60 (DR, MI, UP, BR) • 5.9.2010 – 5 (VV) • 9.9.2010 – 10 (VV) • 10.10.2010 – 1 (VV) • 4.4.2011 – 5 (VV) • 2.5.2011 – 15 (VV) • 8.8.2011 – 10 (VV) • 13.8.2011 – 4 (VV) • 25.9.2011 – 6 (VV) • 11.4.2012 – 55 (VV) • 30.4.2012 – 35 (VV) • 6.8.2013 – 1 (VV) • 22.3.2014 – 2 (VV) • 12.4.2015 – 8 (VV) • • •


RUFF Calidris pugnax


• • • 1.5.2015 – 22 (VV) • 23.7.2015 – 5 (VV) • 6.8.2015 – 3 m, 2f (NP) • 13.8.2015 – 2 (VV) • 23.8.2015 – 1 (VV) • 29.8.2015 – 1 (VV) • 3.10.2015 – 7 (VV) • 1.5.2016 – 80 (VV) • 24.7.2016 – 6 (VV) • 27.7.2016 – 2 (VV) • 15.8.2016 – 2 (VV) • 14.9.2016 – 7 (VV) • 16.4.2017 – 30 (VV) • 13.4.2017 – 400+ (VV) • 1.5.2017 – 80 (VV) • 6.8.2017 – 4 (VV) • 9.8.2017 – 1 (VV) • 25.8.2017 – 4 (VV) • 30.9.2017 – 3 (VV) • 4.11.2017 – 1 (VV) • 30.4.2018 – 90 (VV) • 26.5.2018 – 2 (VV) • 27.7.2018 – 10 ind. (VV) • 10.8.2018 – 7 (VV) • 17.8.2018 – 8 (VV) • 21.9.2018 – 2 (VV).

BROAD-BILLED SANDPIPER Calidris falcinellus


CURLEW SANDPIPER Calidris ferruginea

Periodic migrant; very rare.2.8.2008 – 1 (PL) • 18.8.2010 -1 (VV) • 28.7.2011 – ad. (VV) • 31.8.2013 – 1 (VV) • 24.7.2016 – 2 (VV) • 14.9.2016 – 6 (VV) • 30.4.2018 – 5 (VV).

TEMMINCK’S STINT Calidris temminckii

Sporadic autumn migrant; very rare.13.8.2015 – 1 (VV) • 29.7.2017 – 1 (VV) • 17.8.2018 - 1 (VV).

DUNLIN Calidris alpina

Regular autumn migrant; very rare.25.9.2011 – 6 (VV) • 6.8.2013 – 1 (VV) • 11.10.2014 – 3 (VV) • 10.11.2014 – 2 (VV) • 13.8.2015 – 1 (VV) • 10.8.2016 – 1 (VV) • 14.9.2016 – 6 (VV) • 6.8.2017 – 2 (VV) • 9.8.2017 – 2 (VV) • 15.8.2017 – 1 (VV, VuV) • 30.9.2017 – 12 (VV) • 22.10.2017 – 11 (VV) • 17.8.2018 - 4 (VV).

LITTLE STINT Calidris minuta

Regular migrant; very rare, occasionally common.9.9.2010 – 7 (VV) • 10.10.2010 – 3 (VV) • 28.7.2011 – 8 (VV) • 13.8.2011 – 2 (VV) • 31.8.2013 – 2 (VV) • 5.10.2013 – 7 (VV) • 13.8.2015 – 3 (VV) • 27.7.2016 – 8 (VV) • 31.7.2016 – 1 (VV) • 1.5.2017 – 4 (VV) • 29.7.2017 – 11 (VV) • 6.8.2017 – 2 (VV) • 9.8.2017 – 2 (VV) • 15.8.2017 – 1 (VV, VuV) • 30.9.2017 – 3 (VV) • 30.4.2018 – 38 (VV) • 4.8.2018 – 1 (VV) • 21.9.2018 – 1 (VV).

EURASIAN WOODCOCK Scolopax rusticola

2005 - according to local hunters, periodical presence of species during autumn migration at the edge of karst polje in habitats with bushes and other vegetations (SP) • nearby breeding areas with regular males roding situated at Golija and Zlatar Mountains (Puzović 2000).

COMMON SNIPE Gallinago gallinago

Regular migrant; rare; no indications of breeding.July 1994 – p (SN) • 5.8.2000 – 3 (Stojnić 2000) • 24.7.2006 – 2 (GS) • 11.10.2009 – 1 (VV) • 30.7.2010 – 3 (DR, MI, UP, BR) • 10.10.2010 – 6 (VV) • 8.8.2011 – 5 (VV) • 13.8.2011 – 6 (VV) • 7.8.2012 – 5 (VV) • 06.10.2012 – 3 (VV) • 6.8.2013 – 5 (VV) • 31.8.2013 – 5 (VV) • 5.10.2013 – 4 (VV) • 22.3.2014 – 5 (VV) • 11.10.2014 – 5 (VV) • 23.7.2015 – p (VV) • 6.8.2015 – 25 (VV) • 13.8.2015 – 5 (VV) • 23.8.2015 – p (VV) • 3.10.2015 – 15 (VV) • 30.10.2015 – 10 (VV) • 1.5.2016 – 5 (VV) • 24.7.2016 – 5 (VV) • 27.7.2016 – 10 (VV) • 31.7.2016 – 5 (VV) • 15.8.2016 – 10 (VV) • 14.9.2016 – 5 (VV) • 29.7.2017 – 4 (VV) • 6.8.2017 – 10 (VV) • 9.8.2017 – 2 (VV) • 15.8.2017 – 10 (VV, VuV) • 19.8.2017 – 2 (VV) • 25.8.2017 – 3 (VV) • 30.9.2017 – 1 (VV) • 22.10.2017 – 3 (VV) • 4.11.2017 – 2 (VV) • 26.7.2018 – 20 (GS) • 27.7.2018 – 5 (VV) • 10.8.2018 – 15 (VV) • 17.8.2018 – 10 (VV) • 31.8.2018 – 2 (BR) • 21.9.2018 – 15 (VV) • 29.9.2018 – 4 (MŠ, MJ).

RED-NECKED PHALAROPE Phalaropus lobatus


COMMON SANDPIPER Actitis hypoleucos

Periodic migrant; very rare.7.8.2000 – 5 (Stojnić 2000) • 7.8.2008 – 1 (MR) • 4.4.2010 – 1 (VV) • 30.7.2010 – 4 (DR, MI, UP, BR) • 31.7.2010 – 1 (DR, MI, UP, BR) • 30.4.2012 – 1 (VV) • 13.7.2014 – 1 (VV) • 1.5.2015 – 1 (VV) • 29.7.2017 – 3 (VV) • 31.8.2018 – 4 (BR).


GREEN SANDPIPER Tringa ochropus

Periodic migrant; very rare.24.7.2006 – 3 (GS) • 26.7.2006 – 2 (GS) • 31.7.2010 – 6 (DR, MI, UP, BR) • 28.7.2011 – 2 (VV) • 13.8.2011 – 2 (VV) • 7.8.2012 – 3 (VV) • 23.7.2015 – 1 (VV) • 16.4.2017 – 5 (VV) • 29.7.2017 – 1 (VV) • 9.8.2017 – 1 (VV) • 3.4.2018 – 1 (VV) • 26.7.2018 – 10 (GS) • 27.7.2018 – 1 (VV) • 31.8.2018 – 2 (BR) • 29.9.2018 – 3 (MŠ, MJ).

SPOTTED REDSHANK Tringa erythropus

Regular migrant; very rare.9.9.2010 – 2 (VV) • 4.4.2011 – 1 (VV) • 11.4.2012 – 2 (VV) • 6.8.2013 – 1 (VV) • 31.8.2013 – 1 (VV) • 29.8.2015 – 3 (VV) • 10.8.2016 – 1 (VV) • 15.8.2016 – 2 ad. (VV) • 16.4.2017 – 1 (VV) • 1.5.2017 – 1 (VV) • 9.8.2017 – 1 (VV) • 15.8.2017 – 2 (VV, VuV) • 25.8.2017 – 4 (VV) • 30.9.2017 – 21 (VV) • 22.10.2017 – 11 (VV) • 17.8.2018 – 1 (VV) • 21.9.2018 – 3 (VV) • 29.9.2018 – 8 (MŠ, MJ).

COMMON GREENSHANK Tringa nebularia

Regular migrant; rare.5.8.2000 – 6 (Stojnić 2000) • 7.8.2000 – 4 (Stojnić 2000) • 28.6.2005 – 2 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 1.7.2005 – 2 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 30.7.2010 – 8 (DR, MI, UP, BR) • 31.7.2010 – 2 (DR, MI, UP, BR) • 8.8.2011 – 1 (VV) • 13.8.2011 – 1 (VV) • 11.4.2012 – 1 (VV) • 7.8.2012 – 1 (VV) • 12.8.2012 – 1 (VV) • 6.8.2013 – 2 (VV) • 5.10.2013 – 1 (VV) • 13.7.2014 – 2 (VV) • 1.5.2015 – 1 (VV) • 13.8.2015 – 1 (VV) • 23.8.2015 – 1 (VV) • 29.8.2015 – 1 (VV) • 1.5.2016 – 5 (VV) • 24.7.2016 – 1 (VV) • 27.7.2016 – 4 (VV) • 31.7.2016 – 3 (VV) • 10.8.2016 – 2 (VV) • 15.8.2016 – 3 (VV) • 14.9.2016 – 1 (VV) • 13.4.2017 – 12 (VV) • 16.4.2017 – 6 (VV) • 1.5.2017 – 6 (VV) • 29.7.2017 – 1 (VV) • 6.8.2017 – 1 (VV) • 9.8.2017 – 2 (VV) • 25.8.2017 – 1 (VV) • 30.4.2018 – 1 (VV) • 4.8.2018 – 1 (VV) • 17.8.2018 - 1 (VV) • 21.9.2018 – 2 (VV) • 29.9.2018 – 1 (MŠ, MJ).

COMMON REDSHANK Tringa totanus

Regular breeding; migrant; rare; 2-6 breeding pairs.31.5.1963 – m, f (SM) • 1.6.1963 – 2 (SM) • 11.6.1979 – pairs with breeding behaviour (Šoti 1983) • 7.6.1980 – pairs with breeding behaviour (Šoti 1983) • July 1994 – p (SN) • 28.6.1996 – 4 (SP) • 27.6.2005 – 2 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 28.6.2005 – 10 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 1.7.2005 – 2 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 26.7.2006 – 1 (GS) • 7.8.2008 – 1 (MR) • 25.9.2011 – 14 (VV) • 31.8.2013 – 1 (VV) • 14.6.2015 – m, display flight (Vučković 2015/2016) • 3.10.2015 – 7 (VV) • 1.5.2016 – 1 (VV) • 24.7.2016 – 1 (VV) • 27.7.2016 – 2 (VV) • 31.7.2016 – 1 (VV) • 29.7.2017 – 2 (VV) • 6.8.2017 – 1 (VV) • 9.8.2017 – 2 (VV) • 15.8.2017 – 1 (VV) • 24.6.2018 – 2 ad. (VV).

Fig. 6: Adult Common Redshank, display flight, Jezero locality, Pešter karst polje, 14 June 2015 (Photo: V. Vučković)


WOOD SANDPIPER Tringa glareola

Regular migrant, mainly during the second half of the year; rare, occasionally common.28.6.2005 – 3 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MR) • 5-8.8.2000 – 40 (Stojnić 2000) • 7.8.2008 – 10 (MR) • 30.7.2010 – 5 (DR, MI, UP, BR) • 31.7.2010 – 11 (DR, MI, UP, BR) • 2.5.2011 – 3 (VV) • 8.8.2011 – 5 (VV) • 13.8.2011 – 18 (VV) • 11.4.2012 – 5 (VV) • 30.4.2012 – 5 (VV) • 7.8.2012 – 5 (VV) • 12.8.2012 – 10 (VV) • 29.4.2013 – 21 (VV) • 6.8.2013 – 5 (VV) • 5.10.2013 – 3 (VV) • 22.3.2014 – 1 (VV) • 13.7.2014 – 22 (VV) • 12.8.2014 – 6 (VV) • 27.8.2014 – 1 (VV) • 12.4.2015 – 4 (VV) • 1.5.2015 – p (VV) • 23.7.2015 – 15 (VV) • 6.8.2015 – 30 (VV) • 13.8.2015 – 10 (VV) • 23.8.2015 – p (VV) • 29.8.2015 – 15 (VV) • 1.5.2016 – 10 (VV) • 24.7.2016 – 6 (VV) • 27.7.2016 – 20 (VV) • 31.7.2016 – 25 (VV) • 10.8.2016 – 5 (VV) • 15.8.2016 – 20 (VV) • 13.4.2017 – 4 (VV) • 1.5.2017 – 20 (VV) • 26.7.2017 – 10 (MV) • 29.7.2017 – 20 (VV) • 6.8.2017 – 1 (VV) • 9.8.2017 – 2 (VV) • 15.8.2017 – 15 (VV, VuV) • 19.8.2017 – 5 (VV) • 25.8.2017 – 3 (VV) • 30.4.2018 – 25 (VV) • 26.7.2018 – 3 (GS) • 27.7.2018 – 25 (VV) • 4.8.2018 – 25 (VV) • 10.8.2018 – 20 (VV) • 17.8.2018 – 20 (VV) • 21.9.2018 – 5 (VV).

MARSH SANDPIPER Tringa stagnatilis

Sporadic migrant, mainly in spring; very rare.4.4.2010 – 3 (VV) • 4.4.2011 – 5 (VV) • 6.8.2013 – 2 (VV) • 23.8.2015 – 2 (VV) • 13.4.2017 – 2 (VV) • 16.4.2017 – 1 (VV) • 6.8.2017 – 1 (VV).

COLLARED PRATINCOLE Glareola pratincola

Sporadic autumn migrant; very rare.15.8.2017 – juv. (VV, VuV).

BLACK-HEADED GULL Larus ridibundus

Regular migrant and vagrant; also present during the breeding period; no breeding attempts; rare.1.6.1963 – several ind. (SM) • July 1994 – p (SN) • 28.6.1996 – 6 ad. (SP) • 12.7.2009 – p (BG) • 11.10.2009 – 7 (VV) • 31.7.2010 – 8 (DR, MI, UP, BR) • 30.8.2010 – 8 (BR) • 24.6.2011 – 3 ad. (VV) • 28.7.2011 – 2 ad., 9 juv. (VV) • 8.8.2011 – 9 (VV) • 13.8.2011 – 3 (VV) • 7.11.2011 – 4 (VV) • 7.8.2012 – 1 (VV) • 06.10.2012 – 1 (VV) • 30.11.2012 – 1 (BG, GS) • 19.8.2013 – 1 (VV) • 13.7.2014 – 10 (VV) • 27.8.2014 – 4 (VV) • 10.11.2014 – 1 (VV) • 1.5.2015 – 5 (VV) • 29.8.2015 – 7 (VV) • 3.10.2015 – 1 (VV) • 1.6.2017 – 1 (VV) • 26.6.2017 – 6 (VV) • 30.9.2017 – 1 (VV) • 3.4.2018 – 6 (VV) • 24.6.2018 – 6 ad., 1 juv. (VV) • 27.7.2018 – 16 (VV) • 10.8.2018 – 1 (VV) • 17.8.2018 – 6 (VV) • 24.8.2018 – 7 (ND) • 31.8.2018 – 6 (BR) • 29.9.2018 – 1 (MŠ, MJ).

MEDITERRANEAN GULL Larus melanocephalus

Sporadic migrant, vagrant; very rare.6.4.2013 – ad. (VV) • 27.7.2016 – juv. (Vučković 2015/2016).

YELLOW-LEGGED/CASPIAN GULL

Larus michahellis/cachinnans

Sporadic autumn migrant, vagrant; very rare.July 1994 – p (SN).

WHISKERED TERN Chlidonias hybrida

Periodic migrant; sporadically present during the breeding period; no breeding attempts; very rare.July 1994 – p (SN) • 30.7.2010 – 2 ad. (DR, MI, UP, BR) • 2.5.2011 – 1 (VV) • 13.8.2011 – 3 (VV) • 29.4.2013 – 1 (VV) • 1.5.2015 – 3 (VV) • 21.5.2015 – 16 (MI) • 1.5.2016 – 5 (VV) • 1.6.2017 – 2 (VV) • 30.4.2018 – 3 (VV) • 26.5.2018 – 2 (VV).

WHITE-WINGED TERN Chlidonias leucopterus

Sporadic migrant; very rare.31.5.1963 – 1 (SM) • 2.5.2011 – 5 (VV) • 30.4.2012 – 1 (VV) • 1.5.2016 – 1 (VV) • 6.8.2017 – 1 (VV).


BLACK TERN Chlidonias niger

Periodic migrant; sporadic present during the breeding period; no breeding attempts; very rare. 31.5.1963 – a few ind. (SM) • 1.6.1963 – a few ind. (SM) • 30.4.2012 – 1 (VV) • 27.8.2014 – 6 (VV) • 1.5.2016 – 1 (VV) • 10.8.2016 – 3 juv. (VV) • 1.6.2017 – 2 (VV) • 26.7.2017 – 6 (MV) • 29.7.2017 – 3 (VV) • 26.5.2018 – ad. (VV) • 26.7.2018 – 1 (GS).

COMMON TERN Sterna hirundo

Sporadic autumn migrant; very rare.July 1994 – p (SN) • 15.9.2016 – 5 (ND).

LITTLE OWL Athene noctua

Breeding - resident; 4-8 breeding pairs in villages (Doliće, Karajukića bunari); very rare.28.6.1996 – 1 (SP) • 26.7.2006 – 1 (GS) • 12.7.2009 – 1 (BG) • 26.9.2009 – p (BG).

EURASIAN SCOPS OWL Otus scops

Breeding - migrant; very rare; probable breeding at the edge of the karst polje.2009 – calling m near Doliće village (BG).

NORTHERN LONG-EARED OWL

Asio otus

Breeding – probable resident, villages with trees; very rare.Spring 1999 – juv., Draževići village (VV) • 27. – 29.6.2005 – 3 juv., Karajukića bunari village (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 30.11.2012 – p, Karajukića bunari village (BG).

SHORT-EARED OWL Asio flammeus

Sporadic autumn migrant; possible former sporadic breeding; very rare.6.-7.8.2000 – 1 (Stojnić, 2000).

SHORT-TOED SNAKE EAGLE Circaetus gallicus

Sporadic migrant; breeding in the surroundings areas; very rare.28.6.1996 – ad (SP) • 7.8.2008 – m (MR) • 18.7.2012 – 1 (BR) • 23.7.2015 – 1 (VV).

GRIFFON VULTURE Gyps fulvus

Regular vagrant; breeding in the surrounding areas with gorges; rare.28.6.1996 – 12 (SP) • 8.8.2000 – 1 (Stojnić 2000) • 28.6.2005 – 15 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 1.7.2005 – 5 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 7.8.2008 – 15 (MR) • 1.10.2009 – 15 (BG) • 4.4.2010 – 3 (VV) • 30.7.2010 – 6 (DR, MI, UP, BR) • 5.9.2010 – 26 (BR) • 4.4.2011 – 25 (VV) • 11.4.2012 – 50 (VV) • 1.7.2012 – 1 (MR) • 18.7.2012 – 3 (BR) • 22.3.2014 – 1 (VV) • 6.4.2013 – 2 (VV) • 23.8.2015 – 5 (VV) • 13.4.2017 – 2 (VV) • 15.5.2017 – 2 (MR) • 15.3.2018 – 20 (ND) • 30.4.2018 – 13 (VV) • 4.8.2018 – 3 (VV) • 17.8.2018 – 7 (VV) • 24.8.2018 – 4 (ND).

GOLDEN EAGLE Aquila chrysaetos

Sporadic vagrant; breeding species in the surrounding areas with gorges; very rare.1.6.1963 – m, f, Pešter kast polje and later again at Gutavica hill near Ugao village (SM).

BOOTED EAGLE Hieraaetus pennatus

Sporadic autumn migrant; very rare.7.8.2008 – ad., pale phase, surrounding western area (Ružić et al. 2008).

WESTERN MARSH-HARRIER Circus aeruginosus

Regular migrant; possible sporadic breeding; rare.5.-8.8.2000 – 1-2, f (Stojnić 2000) • 7.8.2008 – f (MR) • 11.10.2009 – f (VV) • 30.7.2010 – f (DR, MI, UP, BR) • 31.7.2010 – 2 f (DR, MI, UP, BR) • 30.8.2010 – 3 juv., m (BR) • 5.9.2010 – 3 juv (BR) • 4.4.2011 – m (VV) • 11.4.2011 – p (ND) • 29.4.2011 – 1 (VV) • 2.5.2011 – 1 (VV) • 24.6.2011 – 1 (VV) • 7.7.2011 – f (BR) • 8.8.2011 – 1 (VV) • 13.8.2011 – 1 (VV) • 13.6.2012 – 1 (VV) • 15.6.2012 – 2 (VV) • 1.7.2012 – f (MR) • 18.7.2012 – 2 f (BR) • 7.8.2012 – 2 (VV) • 12.8.2012 – 3 (VV) • 06.10.2012 – 1 (VV) • 6.8.2013 – 1 (VV) • 31.8.2013 – 2 (VV) • 5.10.2013 – 3 (VV) • 9.5.2014 – f (MR) • 11.10.2014 – 2 (VV) • 21.5.2015 – f (MI) • 23.7.2015 – p (VV) • 6.8.2015 – 2 f, m (VV) • 13.8.2015 – 3 (VV) • 23.8.2015 – p (VV) • 29.8.2015 – f (VV) • 3.10.2015 – 2 (VV) • 1.5.2016 – 3 f (VV) • 24.7.2016 – 2 (VV) • 31.7.2016 – 1 (VV) • 10.8.2016 – juv. (VV) • 15.8.2016 – f, 2 juv. (VV) • 14.9.2016 – 1 (VV) • 15.9.2016 – 1 (ND) • 13.4.2017 – 1 (VV) • 16.4.2017 – 1 (VV) • 1.6.2017 – 1 (VV) • 29.7.2017 – 1 (VV) • 6.8.2017 – 1 (VV) • • •


WESTERN MARSH-HARRIER Circus aeruginosus


• • • 9.8.2017 – 1 (VV) • 19.8.2017 – 3 (VV) • 25.8.2017 – 1 (VV) • 30.9.2017 – 2 (VV) • 22.10.2017 – 1 (VV) • 26.5.2018 – 1 (VV) • 15.8.2017 – 2 f (VV, VuV) • 26.5.2018 – f (VV) • 4.8.2018 – 2 (VV) • 10.8.2018 – 4 (VV) • 17.8.2018 - 4 (VV) • 24.8.2018 – 1 (ND) • 31.8.2018 – 3 (BR) • 21.9.2018 – 1 (VV) • 29.9.2018 – f, juv. (MŠ, MJ).

HEN HARRIER Circus cyaneus

Periodic migrant, sporadic wintering; very rare.10.10.2010 – p (VV) • 06.10.2012 – f (VV) • 30.11.2012 – f (BG, GS) • 10.11.2014 – f (VV) • 10.4.2015 – m (VV) • 22.9.2015 – 1 (ND) • 8.1.2016 – 1, 2 f (VV) • 30.9.2017 – 1 (VV) • 4.11.2017 – 1 (VV).

MONTAGU’S HARRIER Circus pygargus

Regular breeding; migrant; rare; 6-8 breeding pairs.5.8.2000 – 1 f (NS) • 6.8.2000 – 7 f, 1 m (NS) • 7.8.2000 – 4 f (NS) • 8.8.2000 – 2 f (Stojnić 2000) • 27.6.2005 – 4 f, 5 m (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 28.6.2005 – 6 f, 4 m (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 29.6.2005 – 2 f, 2 m (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 1.7.2005 – 2 f, 2 m (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 24.7.2006 – f (GS) • 25.7.2006 – 2 m, f (GS) • 26.7.2006 – f (GS) • 7.8.2008 – 2 f, 3 m (MR, AA) • 4.4.2010 – m (VV) • 12.7.2009 – 2 m (BG) • 17.7.2010 – m (MA) • 30.7.2010 – 2 m (DR, MI, UP, BR) • 31.7.2010 – 2 m, f (DR, MI, UP, BR) • 30.8.2010 – 2 f, 2 m (BR) • 5.9.2010 – f (BR) • 11.4.2011 – m (ND) • 7.7.2011 – 2 m (BR) • 13.8.2011 – m (VV) • 11.4.2012 – m (VV) • 30.4.2012 – f (VV) • 18.7.2012 – f, m (BR) • 7.8.2012 – m (VV) • 12.8.2012 – f (VV) • 19.8.2013 – m (VV) • 31.8.2013 – 1 (VV) • 9.5.2014 – 2 f (MR) • 27.8.2014 – 1 (VV) • 21.5.2015 – m (MI) • 14.6.2015 – m (VV) • 6.8.2015 – f (VV) • 13.8.2015 – f (VV) • 23.8.2015 – m (VV) • 15.9.2015 – 1 (ND) • • •

Fig. 7: Male Montagu’s Harrier, Pešter karst polje, 15 August 2017 (Photo: V. Vučković)


MONTAGU’S HARRIER Circus pygargus


• • • 1.5.2016 – 7 (VV) • 10.8.2016 – juv. (VV) • 16.4.2017 – 1 (VV) • 29.7.2017 – 2 (VV) • 6.8.2017 – 1 (VV) • 15.8.2017 – m, f (VV, VuV) • 19.8.2017 – 1 (VV) • 25.8.2017 – 1 (VV) • 15.3.2018 – m (ND) • 30.4.2018 – m, 2 f (VV) • 26.5.2018 – m (VV) • 4.8.2018 – juv, m (VV) • 17.8.2018 – 2 (VV).

EURASIAN SPARROWHAWK Accipiter nisus

Sporadic vagrant; breeding in the surrounding wooded areas; very rare.26.7.2006 – 1 (GS) • 30.11.2012 – 1 (BG, GS) • 16.4.2017 – 1 (VV) • 15.8.2017 – 1 (VV, VuV).

NORTHERN GOSHAWK Accipiter gentilis

Sporadic vagrant; breeding in the surrounding areas with forests; very rare.30.5.1963 – 1 (SM) • 1.6.1963 – 1 (SM) • 5.8.2000 – 1 (Stojnić 2000) • 5.9.2010 – 1 (BR) • 7.11.2011 – 1 (VV) • 30.4.2012 – 1 (VV) • 16.4.2017 – 1 (VV) • 4.11.2017 – 1 (VV) • 3.4.2018 – m (VV) • 30.4.2018 – 1 (VV) • 10.8.2018 – 1 (VV).

EURASIAN BUZZARD Buteo buteo

Regular vagrant; breeding in the surrounding areas with forests; rare, occasionally common.5.8.2000 – 1 (Stojnić 2000) • 6. – 7.8.2000 – 2 (NS) • 17.7.2004 – p (BG) • 28.6.2005 – 9 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 29.6.2005 – 1 (GS) • 30.6.2005 – 1 (NS) • 1.7.2005 – 2 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 7.8.2008 – p (MR) • 26.9.2009 – 10 (BG) • 11.10.2009 – p (VV) • 30.7.2010 – few ind. (DR, MI, UP, BR) • 31.7.2010 – 1 (DR, MI, UP, BR) • 30.8.2010 – 15 (BR) • 5.9.2010 – 20 (BR,VV) • 9.9.2010 – 5 (VV) • 10.10.2010 – 6 (VV) • 29.4.2011 – 1 (VV) • 2.5.2011 – 3 (VV) • 7.7.2011 – 9 (BR) • 28.7.2011 – 1 (VV) • 8.8.2011 – 5 (VV) • 13.8.2011 – 2 (VV) • 25.9.2011 – 5 (VV) • 7.11.2011 – 1 (VV) • 6.4.2013 – 2 (VV) • 13.6.2012 – 1 (VV) • 18.7.2012 – 3 (BR) • 7.8.2012 – 3 (VV) • 12.8.2012 – 5 (VV) • 30.11.2012 – 2 (BG) • 6.8.2013 – 5 (VV) • 31.8.2013 – 3 (VV) • 5.10.2013 – 3 (VV) • 22.11.2013 – 1 (BG) • 13.7.2014 – 5 (VV) • 12.8.2014 – 1 (VV) • 11.10.2014 – 3 (VV) • 10.11.2014 – 5 (VV) • 30.11.2014 – p (BG) • 10.4.2015 – 10 (VV) • 12.4.2015 – 2 (VV) • 1.5.2015 – 5 (VV) • 14.6.2015 – p (VV) • 23.7.2015 – p (VV) • 6.8.2015 – 20 (VV) • 13.8.2015 – 10 (VV) • 23.8.2015 – p (VV) • 29.8.2015 – 8 (VV) • 15.9.2015 – p (ND) • 22.9.2015 – 20 (ND) • 3.10.2015 – p (VV) • 30.10.2015 – p (VV) • 8.1.2016 – 1 (VV) • 1.5.2016 – 3 (VV) • 14.6.2016 – 3 (VV) • 24.7.2016 – 3 (VV) • 10.8.2016 – 7 (VV) • 15.8.2016 – 7 (VV) • 14.9.2016 – 3 (VV) • 13.4.2017 – 1 (VV) • 16.4.2017 – 5 (VV) • 1.6.2017 – 3 (VV) • 26.6.2017 – 2 (VV) • 29.7.2017 – 1 (VV) • 6.8.2017 – 3 (VV) • 9.8.2017 – 1 (VV) • 15.8.2017 – 15 (VV, VuV) • 19.8.2017 – 5 (VV) • 25.8.2017 – 1 (VV) • 30.9.2017 – 3 (VV) • 22.10.2017 – 2 (VV) • 4.11.2017 – 3 (VV) • 15.3.2018 – 1 (ND) • 3.4.2018 – 2 (VV) • 30.4.2018 – 2 (VV) • 26.5.2018 – 3 (VV) • 24.6.2018 – 2 (VV) • 26.7.2018 – 5 (GS) • 27.7.2018 – 10 (VV) • 2.8.2018 – 2 (ND) • 4.8.2018 – 15 (VV) • 10.8.2018 – 10 (VV) • 24.8.2018 – 3 (ND) • 21.9.2018 – 1 (VV) • 29.9.2018 – 6 (MŠ, MJ).

LONG-LEGGED BUZZARD Buteo rufinus

Periodic breeding; vagrant; very rare.5.8.2000 – 1 (Stojnić 2000) • 6. – 8.8.2000 – 3 (Stojnić 2000) • 28.6.2005 – 1 (SP) • 25.7.2006 – 1 (GS) • 27.7.2006 – 1 (GS) • 17.7.2010 – 1 (MA) • 30.7.2010 – 2 ad., 3 juv. (DR, MI, UP, BR) • 31.7.2010 – 2 (DR, MI, UP, BR) • 30.8.2010 – 4 (BR) • 5.9.2010 – 2 (BR) • 9.9.2010 – 1 (VV) • 5.10.2010 – 1 (VV) • 24.6.2011 – 1, between Štavalj and Žitnić villages (VV) • 26.9.2011 – juv. (VV) • 18.7.2012 – 1 (BR) • 06.10.2012 – 1 (VV) • 6.8.2015 – 1 (NP) • 13.8.2015 – 1 (VV) • 23.8.2015 – 1 (VV).

COMMON HOOPOE Upupa epops

Regular breeding near villages; rare; 4-7 breeding pairs.19.6.1978 – p (SM) • 5.8.2000 – 1 (Stojnić 2000) • 7.8.2000 – 1 (Stojnić 2000) • 28.6.2005 – 1 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 30.6.2005 – 2 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 1.7.2005 – 2 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 26.7.2006 – 1 (GS) • 27.7.2006 – 1 (GS) • 4.4.2011 – 1 (VV) • 29.4.2011 – 2 (VV) • 24.6.2011 – 6 (VV) • 13.8.2011 – 1 (VV) • 13.6.2012 – 1 (VV) • 6.4.2013 – 1 (VV) • 12.8.2014 – 1 (VV) • 1.5.2015 – 2 (VV) • 14.6.2016 – 1 (VV) • 15.8.2016 – 2 (VV) • 13.4.2017 – 1 (VV) • • •


COMMON HOOPOE Upupa epops


• • • 1.5.2017 – 3 (VV) • 1.6.2017 – 1 (VV) • 29.7.2017 – 2 (VV) • 15.8.2017 – 9 (VV, VuV) • 30.4.2018 – 3 (VV) • 26.5.2018 – 3 (VV) • 4.8.2018 – 1 (VV).

EUROPEAN BEE-EATER Merops apiaster

Sporadic autumn migrant; breeding in the surrounding areas; very rare.29.8.2015 – 1 (VV) • 4.8.2018 – migration flock (VV).

COMMON KINGFISHER Alcedo atthis

Sporadic autumn migrant; very rare.4.8.2018 – 1 (VV) • 10.8.2018 – 1 (VV).

EURASIAN WRYNECK Jynx torquilla

Sporadic breeding near villages; very rare; 2-5 breeding pairs.14.6.2016 – 1 (VV) • 1.5.2017 – ad. (VV) • 25.8.2017 – 1 (VV).

EURASIAN GREEN WOODPECKER

Picus viridis

Sporadic vagrant; breeding in the surrounding wooded habitats; very rare.25.9.2011 – 1 (VV).

LESSER KESTREL Falco naumanni

Sporadic autumn migrant; very rare.15.8.2017 – m (VV, VuV) • 19.8.2017 – m (VV) • 30.9.2017 – m (VV).

Fig. 8: Lesser Kestrel, male, Pešter karst polje, 19 August 2017 (Photo: V. Vučković)


COMMON KESTREL Falco tinnunculus

Regular breeding; resident; rare, occasionally common; 5-8 breeding pairs.1.6.1963 – 2 (SM) • 19.6.1978 – p (SM) • 28.6.1996 – 8 (SP) • 5.8.2000 – 20 (NS) • 6. – 8.8.2000 – p (Stojnić 2000) • 29.6.2005 – 2 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 17.7.2004 – p (BG) • 1.7.2005 – 2 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 7.8.2008 – p (MR) • 26.9.2009 – 1 (BG) • 17.7.2010 – 3 juv., 2 m (MA) • 31.7.2010 – 27 (DR, MI, UP, BR) • 30.8.2010 – 40 (BR) • 5.9.2010 – 40 (BR, VV) • 7.7.2011 – 2 (BR) • 28.7.2011 – 1 (VV) • 8.8.2011 – 5 (VV) • 13.8.2011 – 2 (VV) • 25.9.2011 – 3 (VV) • 7.8.2012 – 1 (VV) • 12.8.2012 – 5 (VV) • 6.8.2013 – 3 (VV) • 30.11.2014 – 3 (BG) • 10.4.2015 – 5 (VV) • 9.5.2014 – 1 (MR) • 12.8.2014 – 1 (VV) • 12.4.2015 – 1 (VV) • 1.5.2015 – p (VV) • 21.5.2015 – 2 ad. (MI) • 23.7.2015 – p (VV) • 6.8.2015 – 10 (VV) • 13.8.2015 – 7 (VV) • 23.8.2015 – p (VV) • 29.8.2015 – 2 (VV) • 15.9.2015 – p (ND) • 22.9.2015 – 10 (ND) • 3.10.2015 – p (VV) • 8.1.2016 – 1 (VV) • 31.7.2016 – 2 (VV) • 10.8.2016 – 3 (VV) • 15.8.2016 – 3 (VV) • 14.9.2016 – 2 (VV) • 15.9.2016 – 1 (ND) • 26.6.2017 – 2 (VV) • 29.7.2017 – 2 (VV) • 6.8.2017 – 3 (VV) • 9.8.2017 – 1 (VV) • 15.8.2017 – 5 (VV) • 19.8.2017 – 7 (VV) • 25.8.2017 – 4 (VV) • 30.9.2017 – 1 (VV) • 15.3.2018 – 1 (ND) • 26.7.2018 – 2 (GS) • 4.8.2018 – 5 (VV) • 10.8.2018 – 5 (VV) • 31.8.2018 – 1 (BR) • 29.9.2018 – m, f (MŠ, MJ).

RED-FOOTED FALCON Falco vespertinus

Periodic spring migrant; very rare, occasionally numerous.9.5.2014 – 11 (MR) • 21.5.2015 – 20 (MI) • 1.5.2016 – 250, resting and feeding during migration (Vučković 2015/2016) • 1.5.2017 – m (VV) • 15.5.2017 – 1 (MR).

EURASIAN HOBBY Falco subbuteo

Regular breeding; migrant; rare; 1-2 breeding pairs.31.5.1963 – 1 (SM) • 28.6.1996 – 2 (SP) • 7.-8.8.2000 – 1 (Stojnić 2000) • 27.6.2005 – 1 (SP) • 28.6.2005 – 3 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 1.7.2005 – 1 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 24.7.2006 – 1 (GS) • 7.8.2008 – 2 (MR, AA) • 12.7.2009 – 1 (BG) • 26.9.2009 – 2 (BG) • 2.5.2011 - 1 (VV) • 24.6.2011 – 1 (VV) • 8.8.2011 – 1 (VV) • 13.8.2011 – 1 (VV) • 15.6.2012 – 1 (VV) • 18.7.2012 – 1 (BR) • 7.8.2012 – 1 (VV) • 12.8.2012 – 1 (VV) • 6.8.2013 – 1 (VV) • 21.5.2015 – 1 (MI) • 14.6.2016 – 2 ad. (VV) • 24.7.2016 – 1 (VV) • 10.8.2016 – juv. (VV) • 15.8.2016 – 1 (VV) • 1.5.2017 – ad. (VV) • 1.6.2017 – 1 (VV) • 29.7.2017 – 1 (VV) • 6.8.2017 – 1 (VV) • 15.8.2017 – 2 ad. (VV, VuV) • 24.6.2018 – 2 ad. (VV) • 27.7.2018 – 1 (VV) • 2.8.2018 – 2 (ND) • 4.8.2018 – 1 (VV) • 17.8.2018 – 2 (VV) • 31.8.2018 – 1 (BR).

PEREGRINE FALCON Falco peregrinus

Periodic vagrant; breeding in the surrounding areas; very rare.July 1994 – 2 (SN) • 28.6.1996 – 2 ad., juv. (SP) • 27.6.2005 – 1 (SP) • 28.6.2005 – 1 (GS) • 25.7.2006 – 1 (GS) • 30.8.2010 – 1 (BR) • 5.9.2010 – 1 (BR) • 18.7.2012 – 1 (BR) • 11.10.2014 – 1 (VV).

RED-BACKED SHRIKE Lanius collurio

Regular breeding; migrant; rare; 5-10 breeding pairs.28.6.1996 – 4 (SP) • 5.-6.8.2000 – f (Stojnić 2000) • 27.6.2005 – 2 (SP) • 29.6.2005 – m (GS) • 30.6.2005 – 2 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 1.7.2005 – m (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 7.8.2008 – p (MR) • 30. – 31.7.2010 – p (DR, MI, UP, BR) • 28.7.2011 – 1 (VV) • 8.8.2011 – 10 (VV) • 25.9.2011 – 5 (VV) • 15.6.2012 – 1 (VV) • 9.5.2014 – 1 (MR) • 23.7.2015 – p (VV) • 6.8.2015 – 5 (VV) • 23.8.2015 – p (VV) • 15.9.2015 – p (ND) • 14.6.2016 – 3 (VV) • 14.9.2016 – 2 (VV) • 1.6.2017 – 1 (VV) • 15.8.2017 – 25 (VV, VuV) • 25.8.2017 – 1 (VV) • 4.8.2018 – m (VV) • 10.8.2018 – 3 (VV) • 17.8.2018 – 3 (VV) • 24.8.2018 – 3 (ND).

LESSER GREY SHRIKE Lanius minor

Sporadic breeding; migrant; very rare; 2-3 breeding pairs.30.6.2005 – ad. (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 6.8.2015 – 3 (VV) • 13.8.2015 – 1 (VV) • 15.8.2016 – 2 (VV) • 15.8.2017 – 12 ind. (VV, VuV) • 19.8.2017 – 3 (VV) • 4.8.2018 – 3, juv. (VV) • 10.8.2018 – 5 ind. (VV) • 29.9.2018 – 1 (MŠ, MJ).


WOODCHAT SHRIKE Lanius senator

Sporadic vagrant; very rare.14.6.2015 – m (Vučković 2015/2016).

EURASIAN JAY Garrulus glandarius

Sporadic vagrant; breeding in the surrounding areas with forests; very rare.11.10.2014 – 1 (VV).

BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE Pica pica

Regular breeding in villages; rare; 5-8 breeding pairs.19.6.1978 – p (SM) • 28.6.1996 – 12 (SP) • 6.8.2000 – 2 (Stojnić 2000) • 27.6.2005 – 1 (SP) • 29.6.2005 – 10 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 30.6.2005 – 2 (GS) • 21.3.2008 – p (BG) • 7.8.2008 – p (MR) • 26.9.2009 – p (BG) • 31.8.2013 – 3 (VV) • 5.10.2013 – 15 (VV) • 1.5.2015 – p (VV) • 23.8.2015 – p (VV) • 30.10.2015 – p (VV) • 1.5.2016 – 10 (VV) • 25.8.2017 – 9 (VV) • 4.8.2018 – 3 (VV) • 10.8.2018 – 3 (VV) • 31.8.2018 – 30 (BR) • 29.9.2018 – 3 (MŠ, MJ).

SPOTTED NUTCRACKER Nucifraga caryocatactes

Sporadic vagrant; breeding in mixed coniferous forests in the surrounding mountains; very rare.11.4.2011 – p (ND) • 5.10.2013 – 2 (VV).

YELLOW-BILLED CHOUGH Pyrrhocorax graculus

Sporadic vagrant; breeding in rocky pastures in the surrounding mountains (Giljeva) with crevices; very rare.1.6.1979 – pair near village Doliće (JŠ) • July 1994 – p (SN) • 19.6.2017 – 11 (SČ).

EURASIAN JACKDAW Corvus monedula

Regular breeding in villages; resident; Karajukića bunari village flock of up to 500 ind.; in Pešter karst polje villages after the breeding period there are several thousands of ind.; more than 1,000 breeding pairs.19.6.1978 – p (SM) • 28.6.1996 – 150 (SP) • 5.-7.8.2000 – 30 (Stojnić 2000) • 17.7.2004 – very numerous (BG) • 27.6.2005 – 100 (SP) • 28.6.2005 – 30 (SP) • 28. – 29.6.2005 – 500 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 30.6.2005 – 25 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 21.3.2008 – 100+ (BG) • 7.8.2008 – p (MR) • 12.7.2009 – p (BG) • 26.9.2009 – 200 (BG) • 30. – 31.7.2010 – 100 (DR, MI, UP, BR) • 1.7.2012 – 3 (MR) • 30.11.2012 - p (BG) • 5.10.2013 – 70 (VV) • 9.11.2013 – 50 (VV) • 22.11.2013 – very numerous (BG) • 12.4.2015 – 120 (VV) • 1.5.2015 – p (VV) • 21.5.2015 – 500 (MI) • 14.6.2015 – p (VV) • 13.8.2015 – 25 (VV) • 23.8.2015 – p (VV) • 30.10.2015 – 200 (VV) • 1.5.2016 – 25 (VV) • 15.8.2016 – 70 (VV) • 15.9.2016 – 200 (ND) • 1.6.2017 – 30 (VV) • 15.3.2018 – 100 (ND) • 3.4.2018 – 150 (VV) • 30.4.2018 – p (VV) • 24.6.2018 – 50 (VV) • 27.7.2018 – 100 (VV) • 4.8.2018 – 350 (VV) • 10.8.2018 – 150 (VV) • 17.8.2018 – 150 (VV) • 31.8.2018 – few hundreds (BR) • 29.9.2018 – 150 (MŠ, MJ).

HOODED CROW Corvus cornix

Regular breeding in villages and on the edges of the karst polje; resident; common, occasionally numerous; 30-50 breeding pairs.30.5.1963 – few ind. (SM); 31.5.1963 – few ind. (SM); 1.6.1963 – few ind. (SM); 2.6.1963 – few ind. (SM); 19.6.1978 – p (SM); 11.6.1979 – p (JŠ); 28.6.1996 – 40 (SP); 5.-8.8.2000 – 80 (Stojnić 2000); 17.7.2004 – p (BG); 27.6.2005 – 3 (SP); 28.6.2005 – 33 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA); 29.6.2005 – 7 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA); 30.6.2005 – 15 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA); 21.3.2008 – p (BG); 7.8.2008 – p (MR); 26.9.2009 – p (BG); 30.-31.7.2010 – 100 (DR, MI, UP, BR); 1.7.2012 – 2 (MR); 30.11.2012 – p (BG); 5.10.2013 – 10 (VV); 9.5.2014 – 15 (MR); 12.4.2015 – 1 (VV); 1.5.2015 – p (VV); 21.5.2015 – p (MI); 6.8.2015 – p (NP); 13.8.2015 – 3 (VV); 23.8.2015 – p (VV); 29.8.2015 – 1 (VV); 30.10.2015 – p (VV); 8.1.2016 – 10 (VV); 1.5.2016 – 5 (VV); 15.8.2016 – 5 (VV); 15.9.2016 – 150 (ND); 15.5.2017 – 10 (MR); 30.4.2018 – 5 (VV); 27.7.2018 – 5 (VV); 2.8.2018 – 50 (ND); 4.8.2018 – 5 (VV); 10.8.2018 – 5 (VV); 24.8.2018 – 5 (ND); 31.8.2018 – a few hundred ind. (BR); 21.9.2018 – 5 (VV); 29.9.2018 – 10 (MŠ, MJ).


COMMON RAVEN Corvus corax

Regular vagrant; breeding in surrounding hilly areas; rare, occasionally numerous.28.6.1996 – 2 (SP) • 5.8.2000 – 4 (Stojnić 2000) • 28.6.2005 – 2 (SP) • 7.8.2008 – p (MR) • 31.7.2010 – 10 (DR, MI, UP, BR) • 24.6.2011 – 2 (VV) • 7.11.2011 – 1 (VV) • 1.7.2012 – 3 (MR) • 6.4.2013 – 1 (VV) • 5.10.2013 – 3 (VV) • 11.10.2014 – 2 (VV) • 12.4.2015 – 25 (VV) • 1.5.2015 – p (VV) • 23.8.2015 – 5 (VV) • 30.10.2015 – 150, feeding on carcasses (VV) • 24.7.2016 – 3 (VV) • 15.8.2016 – 1 (VV) • 16.4.2017 – 1 (VV) • 15.5.2017 – 1 (MR) • 1.6.2017 – 1 (VV) • 25.8.2017 – 1 (VV) • 30.9.2017 – 1 (VV) • 4.11.2017 – 1 (VV) • 3.4.2018 – 1 (VV) • 25.7.2018 – 2 (GS) • 17.8.2018 -1 (VV).

COAL TIT Parus ater

Sporadic vagrant; breeding in the surrounding mountains with mixed coniferous forests; very rare.7.8.2000 – 1 (Stojnić 2000) • 3.4.2018 – ad. (VV).

GREAT TIT Parus major

Sporadic vagrant; breeding in the surrounding mountains with forests; very rare.12.8.2014 – 1 (VV).

EURASIAN PENDULINE TIT Remiz pendulinus

Sporadic autumn migrant; very rare.11.10.2009 – 4 (VV) • 11.10.2014 – 1 (VV).

SAND MARTIN Riparia riparia

Sporadic migrant; very rare.12.8.2012 – 1 (VV) • 1.5.2016 – 3 (VV) • 16.4.2017 – 1 (VV).

BARN SWALLOW Hirundo rustica

Sporadic former and present breeding; migrant; very rare; 0-5 breeding pairs.31.5.1963 – few ind. (SM) • 2.6.1963 – 1 (SM) • 19.6.1978 – 1 (SM) • 6.8.2000 – 3 (Stojnić 2000) • 6.4.2013 – 1 (VV) • 31.8.2013 – 1 (VV) • 12.4.2015 – 1 (VV) • 6.8.2015 – p (NP) • 13.8.2015 – 2 (VV) • 23.8.2015 – 20 (VV) • 1.5.2016 – 50 (VV) • 16.4.2017 – 1 (VV) • 25.8.2017 – 1 (VV) • 4.8.2018 – 1 (VV).

CRESTED LARK Galerida cristata

Sporadic breeding; near villages and roads; very rare; 0-3 breeding pairs.29.5.1963 – 1, village Rasno (SM) • 19.6.1978 – ad., juv. (SM) • 15.8.2016 – 1 (VV).

WOOD LARK Lullula arborea

Sporadic vagrant; migrant; breeding in the surrounding hilly areas; very rare.30.6.2005 – 1 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 26.7.2006 – 5 (GS) • 11.4.2011 – p (ND) • 1.7.2012 – 1 (MR).

EURASIAN SKYLARK Alauda arvensis

Regular breeding; migrant; common, occasionally numerous; 1,000-1,500 breeding pairs.30.5.1963 – several ind. (SM) • 31.5.1963 – numerous (SM) • 2.6.1963 – numerous (SM) • 19.6.1978 – p (SM) • 11.6.1979 – p (JŠ) • 28.6.1996 – 6 (SP) • 5.-8.8.2000 – 4 – 8 (Stojnić 2000) • 27.6.2005 – 13 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 28.6.2005 – 47 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 29.6.20005 – 37 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 30.6.2005 – 13 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 1.7.2005 – 23 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 26.9.2009 – p (BG) • 4.4.2010 – p (VV) • 30.7.2010 – 3 (DR, MI, UP, BR) • 31.7.2010 – 43 (DR, MI, UP, BR) • 11.10.2009 – 1 (VV) • 4.4.2011 – 25 (VV) • 2.5.2011 – 30 (VV) • 28.7.2011 – 1 (VV) • 11.4.2012 – 5 (VV) • 30.4.2012 – 25 (VV) • 1.7.2012 – 23 (MR) • 6.4.2013 – 11 (VV) • 29.4.2013 – 10 (VV) • 22.3.2014 – 5 (VV) • 9.5.2014 – 15 (MR) • 12.8.2014 – 1 (VV) • 10.4.2015 – 5 (VV) • 12.4.2015 – 5 (VV) • 1.5.2015 – p (VV) • 21.5.2015 – p (MI) • 14.6.2015 – p (VV) • 1.5.2016 – 25 (VV) • 31.5.2016 – 3 (ND) • 14.6.2016 – 5 (VV) • 24.7.2016 – 5 (VV) • 31.7.2016 – 1 (VV) • 15.8.2016 – 5 (VV) • 14.9.2016 – 5 (VV) • 13.4.2017 – 6 (VV) • 16.4.2017 – 1 (VV) • 1.5.2017 – 10 (VV) • 15.5.2017 – 10 (MR) • 1.6.2017 – 3 (VV) • 26.6.2017 – 3 (VV) • 25.8.2017 – 1 (VV) • 30.9.2017 – 2 (VV) • 4.11.2017 – 1 (VV) • 15.3.2018 – 50 (ND) • • •


EURASIAN SKYLARK Alauda arvensis


• • • 3.4.2018 – 10 (VV) • 30.4.2018 – 10 (VV) • 26.5.2018 – 5 (VV) • 24.6.2018 – 5 (VV) • 25.7.2018 – 2 (GS) • 26.7.2018 – 2 (GS) • 27.7.2018 – 5 (VV) • 4.8.2018 – 5 (VV) • 17.8.2018 - 5 (VV) • 31.8.2018 – 30 (BR) • 21.9.2018 – 1 (VV) • 29.9.2018 – 14 (MŠ, MJ).

HORNED LARK Eremophila alpestris

Breeding; vagrant; only at Trojan hill; very rare; 2-3 breeding pairs.28.6.2005 – 2 m, 1 f, 1 juv. (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 26.7.2006 – m, 2 f (GS) • 17.7.2010 – 2 m (MA) • 22.3.2014 – m (VV) • 10.11.2014 – 25 (Vučković 2015/2016a).

SAVI’S WARBLER Locustella luscinioides

Sporadic autumn migrant; very rare.July 1994 – p (SN) • 5-6.8.2000 – ad. (Stojnić 2000).

AQUATIC WARBLER Acrocephalus paludicola

Sporadic autumn migrant; very rare.24.7.2016 – 1 (Vučković 2015/2016b) which is the first sighting in western Serbia and the third one in Serbia after 1950 (Šćiban et al. 2015).

SEDGE WARBLER Acrocephalus

schenobaeunus

Regular migrant; possible periodic breeding; rare; 0-10 breeding pairs.July 1994 – p (SN) • 5.-8.8.2000 –10 ad. ringed (Stojnić 2000) • 8.8.2000 – 2 (Stojnić 2000) • 24.7.2006 – several ind. (GS) • 26.7.2006 – p (GS) • 7.8.2008 – 1 (MR) • 28.7.2011 – 1 (VV) • 8.8.2011 – 3 (VV) • 13.8.2011 – 5 (VV) • 7.8.2012 – 1 (VV) • 6.8.2013 – 3 (VV) • 5.10.2013 – 5 (VV) • 1.5.2015 – 1 (VV) • 23.7.2015 – 1 (VV) • 6.8.2015 – 4 (NP) • 13.8.2015 – 1 (VV) • 27.7.2016 – 2 (VV) • 29.7.2017 – 3 (VV) • 6.8.2017 – 3 (VV) • 9.8.2017 – 1 (VV) • 25.8.2017 – 1 (VV) • 27.7.2018 – 1 (VV) • 10.8.2018 – 5 (VV) • 21.9.2018 – 3 (VV).

MARSH WARBLER Acrocephalus palustris

Sporadic migrant; possible periodic breeding; very rare; 0-10 breeding pairs.5.-6.8.2000 – ad. (Stojnić 2000) • 29.6.2005 – 2 ad., singing (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 7.8.2008 – 1 (MR) • 28.7.2011 – 1 (VV) • 8.8.2011 – 1 (VV) • 7.8.2012 – 1 (VV).

Fig. 9: Horned Lark, male, Trojan locality, Pešter karst polje, 22 March 2014 (Photo: V. Vučković)


GREAT REED WARBLER Acrocephalus arundinaceus

Sporadic autumn migrant; very rare.7.8.2008 – 2 (MR).

WILLOW WARBLER Phylloscopus trochilus


COMMON CHIFFCHAFF Phylloscopus collybita

Sporadic migrant; very rare.7.8.2000 – 2 (Stojnić 2000) • 31.8.2013 – 1 (VV) • 10.4.2015 – 1 (VV).

GARDEN WARBLER Sylvia borin

Sporadic, possible breeding; very rare; 0-5 breeding pairs.29.6.2005 – m, singing (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA).

COMMON WHITETHROATSylvia communis

Sporadic migrant; possible periodic breeding at the karst polje edges; very rare; 0-5 breeding pairs.2.5.2011 – 1 (VV) • 6.8.2013 – 1 (VV) • 6.8.2015 – 1 (VV) • 30.4.2018 – 1 (VV).

COMMON STARLING Sturnus vulgaris

Regular breeding; vagrant; villages and cattle pens; flocks after reproductive period, maxima of a few thousand ind.; 30-60 breeding pairs.19.6.1978 – ad., juv. (SM) • 28.6.1996 – 15 (SP) • 5.8.2000 – 40 (Stojnić 2000) • 17.7.2004 – p (BG) • 29.6.2005 – 4 (NS) • 30.6.2005 – 2 (GS) • 7.8.2008 – p (MR) • 26.9.2009 – p (BG) • 11.10.2009 – 20 (VV) • 31.7.2010 – 200 (DR, MI, UP, BR) • 5.9.2010 – 30 (VV) • 13.8.2011 – 1,000 (VV) • 12.8.2012 – 50 (VV) • 6.8.2013 – 150 (VV) • 5.10.2013 – 1,500 (VV) • 13.7.2014 – 10 (VV) • 12.8.2014 – 1 (VV) • 11.10.2014 – 65 (VV) • 14.6.2015 – p (VV) • 6.8.2015 – 40 (VV) • 13.8.2015 – 100 (VV) • 23.8.2015 – p (VV) • 22.9.2015 – 200 (ND) • 30.10.2015 – 15 (VV) • 24.7.2016 – 25 (VV) • 15.9.2016 – 200 (ND) • 29.7.2017 – 20 (VV) • 15.8.2017 – 150 (VV, VuV) • 30.9.2017 – 50 (VV) • 22.10.2017 – 100 (VV) • 15.3.2018 – 20 (ND) • 27.7.2018 – 200 (VV) • 2.8.2018 – 3,000 (ND) • 17.8.2018 - 200 (VV) • 24.8.2018 – 100 (ND) • 31.8.2018 – a few hundreds (BR) • 21.9.2018 – 100 (VV) • 29.9.2018 – 110 (MŠ, MJ).

EURASIAN BLACKBIRD Turdus merula

Sporadic vagrant; breeding in the surrounding forests in hilly areas; very rare.19.6.1978 – p (SM) • 8.1.2016 – m (VV).

FIELDFARE Turdus pilaris

Sporadic vagrant; breeding in the surrounding areas; very rare.8.1.2016 – 3 (VV) • 22.10.2017 – 1 (VV).

MISTLE THRUSH Turdus viscivorus

Sporadic vagrant; breeding in the surrounding areas with forests; very rare.25.9.2011 – 2 (VV) • 29.4.2013 – 1 (VV) • 10.11.2014 – 3 (VV) • 8.1.2016 – 1 (VV) • 4.11.2017 – 1 (VV) • 26.5.2018 – 3 (VV).

EUROPEAN ROBIN Erithacus rubecula

Sporadic spring migrant; breeding in the surrounding forests in hilly areas; very rare.22.3.2014 – 1 (VV) • 10.4.2015 – 2 (VV).

BLACK REDSTART Phoenicurus ochrurus

Periodic migrant and breeding in villages and surrounding rocky mountain pastures; very rare; 10-20 breeding pairs.28.6.1996 – 4 (SP) • 5.–8.8.2000 – p (Stojnić 2000) • 29.6.2005 – 3 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 30.6.2005 – 5 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 1.7.2005 – 2 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 8.8.2011 – 1 (VV) • 12.8.2012 – 1 (VV) • 27.8.2014 – 1 (VV) • 15.9.2015 – p (ND) • 1.5.2017 – 1 (VV) • 4.11.2017 – 1 (VV).

WHINCHAT Saxicola rubetra

Regular breeding; common; 150-250 breeding pairs.19.6.1978 – p (SM) • June 1978-1980 – p (JŠ) • 28.6.1996 – 8 (SP) • 5.8.2000 – 2 (Stojnić 2000) • 8.8.2000 – 2 (Stojnić, 2000) • 17.7.2004 – p (BG) • 27.6.2005 – 3 (SP) • • •


WHINCHAT Saxicola rubetra


• • • 28.6.2005 – 6 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 29.6.2005 – 11 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 30.6.2005 – 11 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 1.7.2005 – 18 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 31.7.2010 – 5 families (DR, MI, UP, BR) • 5.9.2010 – 1 (VV) • 29.4.2011 – 5 (VV) • 24.6.2011 – 2 (VV) • 8.8.2011 – 15 (VV) • 13.8.2011 – 2 (VV) • 30.4.2012 – 5 (VV) • 13.6.2012 – 1 (VV) • 7.8.2012 – 10 (VV) • 29.4.2013 – 1 (VV) • 6.8.2013 – 15 (VV) • 9.5.2014 – 3 (MR) • 1.5.2015 – p (VV) • 6.8.2015 – 10 (VV) • 23.8.2015 – 20 (VV) • 29.8.2015 – 1 (VV) • 24.7.2016 – 10 (VV) • 10.8.2016 – 5 (VV) • 15.8.2016 – 5 (VV) • 14.9.2016 – 5 (VV) • 1.5.2017 – 1 (VV) • 15.5.2017 – 10 (MR) • 15.8.2017 – 10 (VV, VuV) • 19.8.2017 – 1 (VV) • 19.8.2017 – 2 (VV) • 30.4.2018 – 2 (VV) • 24.8.2018 – 20 (ND) • 31.8.2018 – p (BR) • 21.9.2018 – 1 (VV) • 29.9.2018 – 7 (MŠ, MJ).

NORTHERN WHEATEAR Oenanthe oenanthe

Regular breeding; common; 100-150 breeding pairs.29.5.1963 – ad., juv. (SM) • 2.6.1963 – several ind. (SM) • 19.6.1978 – p (SM) • 28.6.1996 – 6 (SP) • 5.8.2000 – 2 (NS) • 8.8.2000 – 2 (NS) • 28.6.2005 – 29 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 29.6.2005 – 6 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 1.7.2005 – 7 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 7.8.2008 – p (MR) • 17.7.2010 – 2 m, 2 f, juv. (MA) • 31.7.2010 – 20 (DR, MI, UP, BR) • 4.4.2011 – 10 (VV) • 29.4.2011 – 10 (VV) • 2.5.2011 - 10 (VV) • 24.6.2011 – 2 (VV) • 28.7.2011 – 1 (VV) • 8.8.2011 – 10 (VV) • 11.4.2012 – 1 (VV) • 15.6.2012 – 1 (VV) • 1.7.2012 – 3 (MR) • 12.8.2012 – 5 (VV) • 22.3.2014 – 5 (VV) • 6.4.2013 – 3 (VV) • 9.5.2014 – 5 (MR) • 27.8.2014 – 5 (VV) • 10.4.2015 – 10 (VV) • 12.4.2015 – 5 (VV) • 1.5.2015 – p (VV) • 14.6.2015 – p (VV) • 6.8.2015 – p (VV) • 23.8.2015 – p (VV) • 29.8.2015 – 10 (VV) • 15.9.2015 – p (ND) • 1.5.2016 – 15 (VV) • 14.6.2016 – 10 (VV) • 24.7.2016 – 15 (VV) • 10.8.2016 – 15 (VV) • 15.8.2016 – 15 (VV) • 14.9.2016 – 5 (VV) • 13.4.2017 – 5 (VV) • 16.4.2017 – 4 (VV) • 1.5.2017 – 10 (VV) • 15.5.2017 – 5 (MR) • 1.6.2017 – 8 (VV) • 26.6.2017 – 1 (VV) • 29.7.2017 – 3 (VV) • 15.8.2017 – 10 (VV, VuV) • 19.8.2017 – 1 (VV) • 3.4.2018 – 10 (VV) • 30.4.2018 – 15, m, f (VV) • 26.5.2018 – 10 (VV) • 25.7.2018 – 1 (GS) • 27.7.2018 – 10 (VV) • 10.8.2018 – 15 (VV) • 17.8.2018 – 10 (VV) • 29.9.2018 – 1 (MŠ, MJ).

RUFOUS-TAILED ROCK - TRUSH

Monticola saxatilis

Sporadic migrant and possible breeding; breeding in surrounding rocky mountain pastures; very rare.13.7.2014 – 1 (VV) • 1.5.2016 – 1 (VV) • 1.5.2017 – m (VV).

HOUSE SPARROW Passer domesticus

Regular breeding in villages; rare; 80-100 breeding pairs.29.5.1963 – p, village Rasno (SM) • 1.6.1963 – several ind. (SM) • 19.6.1978 – p (SM) • 28.6.1996 – p (SP) • 5.-8.8.2000 – p (Stojnić 2000) • 29.6.2005 – 5 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 30.6.2005 – 3 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 7.8.2008 – p (MR) • 13.8.2011 – 2 (VV) • 30.4.2012 – 3 (VV) • 15.6.2012 – 1 (VV) • 31.7.2016 – 1 (VV).

EURASIAN TREE SPARROW Passer montanus

Regular breeding in villages; rare, sporadically common; 100-150 breeding pairs19.6.1978 – p (SM) • 28.6.1996 – p (SP) • 7.8.2008 – p (MR) • 26.9.2009 – 30 (BG) • 5.10.2013 – 50 (VV) • 30.10.2015 – 10 (VV) • 15.8.2016 – 25 (VV).

WHITE WAGTAIL Motacilla alba

Regular breeding near villages and streams; migrant; rare; 30-50 breeding pairs.29.5.1963 – 2 (SM) • 19.6.1978 – p (SM) • 4.7.1994 – p (SN) • 28.6.1996 – 4 (SP) • 6.8.2000 – 1 (Stojnić 2000) • 27.6.2005 – 2 (SP) • 28.6.2005 – 5 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 29.6.2005 – 8, nest with 6 eggs (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 30.6.2005 – 6 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 1.7.2005 – 1 (GS) • 11.10.2009 – 4 (VV) • 31.7.2010 – 3 (DR, MI, UP, BR) • 4.4.2011 – 5 (VV) • 29.4.2011 – 5 (VV) • 13.8.2011 – 1 (VV) • 13.6.2012 – 1 (VV) • 6.4.2013 – 3 (VV) • 29.4.2013 – 1 (VV) • 5.10.2013 – 3 (VV) • 10.4.2015 – 20 (VV) • 12.4.2015 – 1 (VV) • 1.5.2015 – p (VV) • 23.7.2015 – p (VV) • 23.8.2015 – p (VV) • 1.5.2016 – 10 (VV) • 31.5.2016 – 4 (ND) • 15.9.2016 – 10 (ND) • 13.4.2017 – 1 (VV) • 16.4.2017 – 1 (VV) • 15.5.2017 – 5 (MR) • 1.6.2017 – 1 (VV) • 22.10.2017 – 1 (VV) • 15.3.2018 – 1 (ND) • 3.4.2018 – 3 (VV) • 30.4.2018 – 3 (VV).


YELLOW WAGTAIL Motacilla flava

Regular breeding near water habitats; migrant; rare, sporadically common; 100-200 breeding pairs.31.5.1963 – 2 (SM) • 1.6.1963 – 2 (SM) • 19.6.1978 – p (SM) • 19.6.1978 – p (JŠ) • 29.5.1979 – p (JŠ) • 28.6.1996 – 10 (SP) • 5.-8.8.2000 – p, common (Stojnić 2000) • 27.6.2005 – 3 m (SP) • 28.6.2005 – 12 ind. (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 29.6.2005 – 23 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 1.7.2005 – 4 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 7.8.2008 – p (MR) • 30.7.2010 – 30 (DR, MI, UP, BR) • 31.7.2010 – 14 (DR, MI, UP, BR) • 5.9.2010 – 10 (VV) • 10.10.2010 – 2 (VV) • 24.6.2011 – 5 (VV) • 8.8.2011 – 10 (VV) • 13.8.2011 – 4 (VV) • 15.6.2012 – 2 (VV) • 25.9.2011 – 10 (VV) • 13.6.2012 – 2 (VV) • 7.8.2012 – 10 (VV) • 12.8.2012 – 25 (VV) • 6.8.2013 – 10 (VV) • 5.10.2013 – 100 (VV) • 12.4.2015 – 1 (VV) • 21.5.2015 – p (MI) • 14.6.2015 – p (VV) • 23.7.2015 – p (VV) • 6.8.2015 – 15 (NP) • 13.8.2015 – 3 (VV) • 23.8.2015 – p (VV) • 29.8.2015 – 5 (VV) • 1.5.2016 – 5 (VV) • 31.5.2016 – 4 (ND) • 24.7.2016 – 10 (VV) • 31.7.2016 – 4 (VV) • 10.8.2016 – 5 (VV) • 15.8.2016 – 10 (VV) • 14.9.2016 – 8 (VV) • 13.4.2017 – 2 (VV) • 16.4.2017 – 3 (VV) • 15.5.2017 – 4 (MR) • 1.6.2017 – 2 (VV) • 26.6.2017 – 1 (VV) • 29.7.2017 – 3 (VV) • 6.8.2017 – 7 (VV) • 19.8.2017 – 1 (VV) • 25.8.2017 – 1 (VV) • 30.4.2018 – 5 (VV) • 26.5.2018 – 5 (VV) • 24.6.2018 – 5 (VV) • 26.7.2018 – 2 (GS) • 2.8.2018 – 20 (ND) • 4.8.2018 – 5 (VV) • 24.8.2018 – 5 (ND) • 31.8.2018 – 20 (BR) • 21.9.2018 – 10 (VV) • 29.9.2018 – 9 (MŠ, MJ).

TAWNY PIPIT Anthus campestris

Periodic breeding; very rare; 0-10 breeding pairs.29.6.2005 – 1 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 30.6.2005 – 1 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 26.7.2006 – 3 (GS) • 17.7.2010 – m, f, juv. (MA) • 29.4.2011 – 1 (VV) • 14.6.2015 – 1 (VV) • 14.6.2016 – 2, display flight (VV).

TREE PIPIT Anthus trivialis

Sporadic migrant; breeding in surrounding areas with forests and near karst polje edges; very rare.7.8.2008 – p (MR) • 31.7.2010 – 1 (DR, MI, UP, BR) • 14.6.2016 – 1 (VV) • 1.6.2017 – 1 (VV) • 25.8.2017 – 1 (VV).

MEADOW PIPIT Anthus pratensis

Sporadic autumn migrant; very rare.3.10.2015 – 1 (VV) • 30.10.2015 – 30 (VV) • 29.9.2018 – 2 (MŠ, MJ).

RED-THROATED PIPIT Anthus cervinus

Sporadic migrant; very rare.3.10.2015 – 1 (VV) • 1.5.2017 – 4 ad. (VV) • 30.9.2017 – 4 (VV) • 29.9.2018 – 6 (MŠ, MJ).

WATER PIPIT Anthus spinoletta

Sporadic vagrant; very rare.22.10.2017 – 1 (VV).

EURASIAN CHAFFINCH Fringilla coelebs

Sporadic migrant and breeding; breeding in surrounding areas with forests; very rare.7.8.2000 – 7 (Stojnić 2000) • 28.6.2005 – 1 (SP) • 1.7.2005 – 1 (NS) • 2.5.2011 – 1 (VV) • 11.10.2014 – 1 (VV) • 6.8.2015 – m (VV) • 30.10.2015 – 2 (VV) • 25.8.2017 – 1 (VV) • 30.4.2018 – 1 (VV).

EUROPEAN SERIN Serinus serinus

Sporadic autumn migrant; very rare.29.9.2018 – 1 (MŠ, MJ).

EUROPEAN GREENFINCH Carduelis chloris

Sporadic vagrant; very rare.22.3.2014 – m (VV).

EUROPEAN GOLDFINCH Carduelis carduelis

Sporadic vagrant and breeding; very rare; 10-20 breeding pairs.19.6.1978 – p (SM) • 28.6.1996 – 1 (SP) • 6.8.2000 – 4 (Stojnić 2000) • • •


EUROPEAN GOLDFINCH Carduelis carduelis


• • • 30.6.2005 – 6 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 1.7.2005 – 1 (SP) • 7.8.2008 – p (MR) • 26.9.2009 – p (BG) • 5.9.2010 – 25 (VV) • 25.9.2011 – 25 (VV) • 30.4.2012 – 15 (VV) • 5.10.2013 – 15 (VV) • 10.4.2015 – 2 (VV) • 23.7.2015 – p (VV) • 23.8.2015 – p (VV) • 15.9.2016 – 5 (ND) • 13.4.2017 – 2 (VV) • 3.4.2018 – 6 (VV).

EURASIAN LINNET Carduelis cannabina

Regular breeding, mainly near karst polje edges; vagrant; breeding in surrounding rocky mountain pastures with bushes; rare; 30-50 breeding pairs.19.6.1978 – p (SM) • 28.6.1996 – 4 (SP) • 6.8.2000 – f (Stojnić 2000) • 27.6.2005 – 2 (SP) • 28.6.2005 – 6 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 29.6.2005 – 9 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 30.6.2005 – 12 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 1.7.2005 – 6 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 7.8.2008 – p (MR) • 26.9.2009 – 250 (BG) • 10.10.2010 – 9 (VV) • 29.4.2011 – 3 (VV) • 2.5.2011 – 2 (VV) • 24.6.2011 – 1 (VV) • 28.7.2011 – 2 (VV) • 8.8.2011 – 10 (VV) • 13.8.2011 – 2 (VV) • 11.4.2012 – 1 (VV) • 30.4.2012 – 5 (VV) • 1.7.2012 – 4 (MR) • 12.8.2012 – 5 (VV) • 06.10.2012 – 2 (VV) • 29.4.2013 – 1 (VV) • 6.8.2013 – 10 (VV) • 5.10.2013 – 50 (VV) • 11.10.2014 – 1 (VV) • 14.6.2015 – m (VV) • 23.7.2015 – p (VV) • 23.8.2015 – p (VV) • 29.8.2015 – 3 (VV) • 1.5.2016 – 2 (VV) • 31.5.2016 – 4 (ND) • 14.6.2016 – 1 (VV) • 24.7.2016 – 3 (VV) • 31.7.2016 – 3 (VV) • 14.9.2016 – 3 (VV) • 13.4.2017 – 1 (VV) • 1.6.2017 – 3 (VV) • 26.6.2017 – 1 (VV) • 15.8.2017 – 5 (VV, VuV) • 30.9.2017 – 4 (VV) • 24.6.2018 – 1 (VV) • 10.8.2018 – m, f (VV) • 29.9.2018 – 245 (MŠ, MJ).

Fig. 10: Adult Red-throated Pipit, Pešter karst polje, 1 May 2017 (Photo: V. Vučković)


EURASIAN BULLFINCH Pyrrhula pyrrhula

Sporadic vagrant; breeding in surrounding areas with forests; very rare.27.7.2006 – a few ind. (GS).

HAWFINCH Coccothraustes coccothraustes

Sporadic vagrant; breeding in surrounding areas with forests; very rare.27.7.2006 – 5 (GS).

CORN BUNTING Miliaria calandra

Probable regular breeding; rare; 20-40 breeding pairs.19.6.1978 – p (SM) • 28.6.1996 – 5 (SP) • 27.6.2005 – 4 (SP) • 29.6.2005 – 2 (NS) • 30.6.2005 – 6 (SP, NS, MT, GS, MA) • 24.6.2011 – 1 (VV) • 13.6.2012 – 1 (VV) • 15.6.2012 – 1 (VV) • 1.7.2012 – 1 (MR) • 14.6.2015 – 1 (VV) • 6.8.2015 – 1 (VV) • 15.9.2015 – p (ND) • 1.5.2016 – 1 (VV) • 26.6.2017 – 1 (VV) • 21.9.2018 – 1 (VV).

YELLOW HAMMER Emberiza citrinella

Probable regular breeding at karst polje edges, near villages and stables; vagrant; very rare; 5-10 breeding pairs.29.5.1963 – 2, village Rasno (SM) • 1.6.1963 – a few ind. (SM) • 2.6.1963 – several ind. (SM) • 19.6.1978 – p (SM) • 28.6.1996 – m (SP) • 11.10.2009 – 10 (VV) • 29.4.2011 – 5 (VV) • 8.8.2011 – 1 (VV) • 15.6.2012 – 1 (VV) • 1.7.2012 – 1 (MR) • 30.11.2012 – p (BG) • 29.4.2013 – 2 (VV) • 9.5.2014 – 2 (MR) • 27.8.2014 – 1 (VV) • 11.10.2014 – 2 (VV) • 1.5.2016 – 3 (VV) • 1.6.2017 – 1 (VV) • 30.4.2018 – 2 (VV) • 25.7.2018 – 2 (GS).

ROCK BUNTING Emberiza cia

Sporadic vagrant; breeding in rocky habitats in the surrounding hills; very rare.26.7.2006 – a few ind. (GS).

ORTOLAN BUNTING Emberiza hortulana

Sporadic migrant; very rare.25.7.2006 – a few ind. (GS) • 30.4.2012 – 1 (VV).

REED BUNTING Emberiza schoeniclus

Sporadic autumn migrant; very rare.11.10.2009 – 8 (VV) • 7.11.2011 – 1 (VV) • 6.10.2012 – 1 (VV) • 30.10.2015 – 1 (VV) • 4.11.2017 – 1 (VV).

DiscussionThe birds of Pešter karst polje are a rather well researched faunistic group. Between 1963 and 2018 a total number of 165 species have been recorded in this area. Of these 107 species (64%) belong to the non-Passeriformes and 58 spe-cies (36%) to the Passeriformes. The comparably high number of non-Passeriformes is one of the characteristics of the area and indicates the spe-cific conditions in which the birds live. Bearing in mind that Pešter polje is a relatively small area, with extreme climates and relatively low habitat diversity (absence of forests, groups of trees and bushes, and larger rock formations) bird species

diversity is very high. Besides a total of 47 breed-ing species (28%), the majority of 118 species (72%) occurs only during migration and dispersal outside the breeding season. Almost no species is continually present over the winter months in the area. Especially during long periods of frost, when waters and soil are frozen, most birds leave the area. Several resident species overwinter mainly within settlements and cattle stables.

Over the study period of 55 years some species (Aythya nyroca, Spatula querquedula, Anas crecca, Podiceps cristatus, Charadrius dubius, Gallinago gallinago, Larus ridibundus, Chlidonias


than 13 species, but at the end of July numbers begin to rise significantly.

Across the mountains of southwestern Serbia bird migration occurs regularly in autumn and spring. Especially for species who depend on aquatic and open grassland habitats, Pešter karst polje is one of the most important migration stopovers. In recent years, this has been confirmed by data on the spring migration of Falco vespertinus and the late summer dispersal of Falco naumanni.

The breeding of several bird species in the area is of particular importance. For Botaurus stellaris the Pešter karst polje is only known breeding place in southwestern Serbia and the only one in the mountainous areas of the country. For a long time, it was the only known breeding site of Circus pygargus in Serbia south of the Vojvodina, before the species appeared in other regions during summer. Additionally, the Pešter karst polje is a rather isolated area were Buteo rufinus is regularly present during summer, located about 200 km from the nearest known breeding sites in Serbia. One of only two breeding sites of Eremophila alpestris in the western part of Serbia is recorded in the Trojan hill. The numbers of Crex crex in Pešter karst polje and the surrounding areas is one of the largest in Serbia. For Tringa totanus the polje is the most important and most regular breeding site in the mountainous part of Serbia. Except Vojvodina, the breeding numbers of Vanellus vanellus are the highest in Serbia. Furthermore, the only stable mountain population of Ciconia ciconia in Serbia exists on the Sjenica-Pešter plateau. Notably, various species of Acrocephalus were registered. Especially for A. schoenobaenus and A. palustris Pešter polje is, together with Vlasina, a unique breeding site in Serbia of over 1,000 meters a.s.l. The sighting of A. paludicola in Pešter karst polje is the third accepted in Serbia since 1950.

niger, Chlidonias hybrida, Asio flammeus and Circus aeruginosus) may have occasionally bred in Pešter polje, but so far no definitive proof for breeding has been found. For the only breeding record of Aythya fuligula the year of breeding is unclear. According to Matvejev & Vasić (1973) the species has bred in 1965, while according to the notebooks of S. D. Matvejev in the Archives of the Serbian Academy for Sciences and Arts, a single breeding pair was observed in Pešter karst polje in May - June 1963. Although we have no information that he visited the area in 1965, it remains unclear in which year the breeding of the species was really proved. During the breeding season, several species which breed in the surrounding woodlands and mountains (Giljeva, Žilindar, Ninaja, Hum), visit the polje for feeding.

Of the total number of bird species recorded in Pešter karst polje, 28 are residents (stay around edge of the kast polje and the surrounding hills, near villages), 19 breeding migrants, 86 migratory species and 32 vagrants. It should be noted that among migrant visitors 37 species were seen only during autumn migration, but only 4 species during spring migration. This could be partly due to the very small number of field visits in the March - May period.

The numbers of birds on the Pešter karst polje vary between seasons, but also over the years. The highest concentration of individual waterfowl and waterbird species is in late summer and early autumn, when numbers reach up to several hundred individuals (ind.) with maximum of 870 ind. of 18 species recorded on 3 October, 2015. During the spring months from March to the end of May, the numbers of waterfowl fluctuate between 100 and 200 ind., with a maximum of 246 ind. of 17 waterbird species on 4 March, 2018. In June and July the numbers of waterbirds normally do not exceed 100 ind., with a total of no more


Pešter karst polje is one of the largest remaining highland peat bog complexes in Serbia and the Balkans and a refuge of numerous relict, endemic, rare and threatened, nationally and internationally important species of flora and fauna. Up to now no special measures were undertaken to protect sensitive peat bog habitats and wet meadows nor for the protection of important bird species.

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the poisoning of “pest” animals also birds are af-fected (Puzović et al. 2009). On the hills east of Pešter karst polje a wind turbine was erected, to herald a new danger for birds, especially those that regularly migrate through the area.

Up to now no special measures were undertaken to protect sensitive peat bog habitats and wet meadows nor for the protection of important bird species. In particular, it is necessary to sig-nificantly reduce or completely prohibit the fur-ther commercial exploitation of peat and to pre-vent the disruption of the water regime. Similarly, traditional grazing and livestock farming should be preserved. The further ploughing of pastures as well as the construction of new transmission lines and wind farms have to be prevented. In or-der to prevent negative anthropogenic impacts on this unique natural area, it will be necessary to conclude on binding contracts through a spa-tial planning process to place all future infra-

For a large number of bird species the observa-tions in Pešter karst polje constitute the only re-cord for their presence in the southwestern part of Serbia. Among these the following are espe-cially important: Cygnus columbianus, Porzana porzana, Zapornia parva, Pluvialis squatarola, Pluvialis apricaria, Arenaria interpres, Calidris fer-ruginea, Calidris temminckii, Calidris falcinellus, Phalaropus lobatus, Tringa stagnatilis, Glareola pratincola, Numenius phaeopus, Larus melano-cephalus, Chlidonias leucopterus, Asio flammeus, Falco naumanni, Acrocephalus paludicola and Anthus cervinus.

Negative anthropogenic impacts concern primar-ily large-scale peat extraction, started in 1988, and the change of the water regime. Peat bog habitats are now threatened by over-exploitation. The drainage acitvities in the entire Boroštica river plain, including the construction of channels and tunnels towards the Vapa and Uvac rivers are very problematic. There are plans for increasing the area of arable land for the sowing of pota-toes and buckwheat in some parts of Pešter and Sjenica karst poljes, which would increase the use of biocides and fertilizers. Pastures are in-tensively grazed by livestock (cattle, horses and sheep) while the meadows are regularly mown. The numbers of livestock on the Pešter plateau were recently estimated at about 60,000 sheep and 30,000 cattle. A few decades ago these num-bers amounted to approximately 300,000 live-stock. But, in recent years livestock populations increase again, due to favorable governmental subsidies. Forestry that is restricted to the slopes of adjoining mountains above the karst polje, is mainly based on conifers and beech stands. The area is futher used for hunting, telecommunica-tions, by water management, agriculture, col-lecting of medicinal herbs and others. The high presence of people during the breeding season is another main disturbance. Occasionally, with


structural projects, especially new roads, out or at the edges of the Pešter karst polje.

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Šćiban M., Vučković V., Manasijević Z., Hulo I., Medenica I., Mirić R., Vučković Č., Rajkov S., Jovanović M., Vračarić M., Jovanović S. & Popović M. (2015/2016): Nova posmatranja malog labuda Cygnus columbianus u Srbiji. Ciconia 24/25: 26-27.

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Popovo polje (Photo: Biljana Topić)


Results of two years of research of the bird fauna of Popovo polje

Aleksandar Vukanović1

1 Center for Sustainable Development and Ecology CORIE, Aleksina međa BB, 89000 Trebinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina, E-mail: [email protected]

SummaryThis paper presents the results of two years of research on the bird fauna of Popovo polje (Bosnia and Herzegovina) in cooperation with the Center for Sustainable Development and Ecology CORIE, Trebinje during the 2016-2017 period. Because of the mild climate and the diversity of its flora and fauna, Popovo polje harbors favorable bird habitats during the whole year. In January 2017, during the International Waterbird Census (IWC), 469 birds from 13 species were counted along the Trebišnjica river. During 30 field excursions, which were performed in all seasons, 54 bird species were registered in Popovo polje. Because the present study covered only a small part of the polje, much more bird species are expected to exist in the area.

Key words: Popovo polje, Bosnia and Herzegovina, bird fauna, research

SažetakU ovom radu su predstavljeni rezultati dvogo-dišnjeg istraživanja prostora Popova polja u kome su učestvovali članovi Centra za održivi razvoj i ekologiju CORIE iz Trebinja u periodu 2016. i 2017. godine. Zbog blage klime i raznolikosti flore i faune, Popovo polje pruža povoljne uslove za stanište velikog broja ptica tokom čitave godine. U januaru 2017. godine, tokom Zimskog cenzusa

ptica vodenih staništa (IWC), na rijeci Trebišnjici prebrojano je 469 jedinki iz 13 vrsta ptica. Tokom 30 terenskih izlazaka, koji su vršeni tokom cijele godine, u Popovom polju su zabilježene 54 vrste ptica. S obzirom na činjenicu da je ovim istraži-vanjem pokriven samo mali dio Popovog polja, može se pretpostaviti da se na ovom području nalazi znatno veći broj vrsta.

Ključne riječi: Popovo polje, Bosna i Hercegovina, ornitofauna, istraživanje

IntroductionVery few data on the bird fauna of Popovo polje and the wider area exist. The greatest number of records (but not completely relevant) were collected by people living in Popovo polje and its immediate surroundings. Following to the presence of different habitat types in the research area, we assumed that the area is important for numerous breeding, migrating and wintering bird species.

In this work we present the results of bird observations in Popovo polje, gathered by the members of the Center for Sustainable Development and Ecology (CORIE) from Trebinje and Ornithological Society “Naše ptice” from Sarajevo within the International Waterbird Census (IWC). This census has the intention to


collect worldwide data on the numbers and long-term changes of waterbird populations which are most sensitive to human activities. The counts further help to determine the important areas for waterbirds as well as strategies for their protection. The data presented in this paper were collected in Trebišnjica river basin in Popovo polje in 2016 and 2017.

Study area and methodsPopovo polje is a karst polje situated in southern region of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is 37 km long, 1-3 km wide and covers a surface area of 68,4 km2 (Milanović 1983). The elevation of the bottom of Popovo polje varies between 220 and 250 metres.

Popovo polje harbors the most fertile soils in the south-eastern part of Europe. It is surrounded by high mountains: Vjetrenik, Gradina, Čavaška gradina, Mala gradina, Vranjak and Bjelasnica in the north and northeast, and Veliki Lisac, Rujnica

Fig. 1: Popovo polje in summer (Photo: Aleksandar Vukanović)

and Oblo brdo in the south and southwest. The area is dominated by the Mediterranean climate with hot and dry summers and mild and rainy winters. Besides the Trebišnjica river, which was the longest karst river in Europe until embedding of riverbed in 1970s, Popovo polje harbors many sink holes, as well as the famous Vjetrenica cave.

Beside the data from winter counts within the International Waterbird Census (IWC), in 2016 and 2017, additional field trips and bird observations were conducted in the other months of both years. In the field, binoculars with 8x40 zoom and Nikon coolpix P900 were used for identification and the documentation of bird observations, and the birds were identified using the illustrated field guide by Heinzel et al. (1997).

ResultsResults of the IWC in January 2017 are shown in Tab. 1.


Fig. 2: Popovo polje flooded during the rainy period in autumn and winter (Photo: Aleksandar Vukanović)

Tab. 1: Results of the winter bird counting along the Trebišnjica river, Popovo polje, 19.-21.1.2017

No. Species Tvrdoša Lug Lug Mrkonjići Mrkonjići bridge Velja međa bridge Velja međa sink Total1. Anas platyrhynchos 21 - 13 5 9 48 2. Anas crecca 12 - - - 7 19 3. Tachybaptus ruficollis - - 11 - - 114. Ardea cinerea 1 3 9 4 1 18 5. Phalacrocorax carbo 5 3 5 2 6 216. Larus ridibundus - - - - 12 12 7. Larus michahellis 33 14 29 11 31 118 8. Accipiter nisus 3 1 2 2 1 9 9. Buteo buteo 2 - 1 1 1 5

10. Alcedo atthis 2 5 8 5 5 25 11. Troglodytes troglodytes 6 3 10 3 5 27 12. Motacilla alba 10 11 25 12 17 75 13. Motacilla cinerea 14 22 16 10 21 83

Total 109 62 129 53 116 469


Tab. 2: Bird species observed in Popovo polje in the years 2016 and 2017

NO SPECIES 2016 2017 NO SPECIES 2016 2017

1. Coturnix coturnix + + 28. Falco tinnunculus + +

2. Anas platyrhynchos + + 29. Lanius collurio + +

3. Anas crecca + + 30. Lanius minor + +

4. Tachybaptus ruficollis + + 31. Oriolus oriolus + +

5. Columba palumbus + + 32. Garrulus glandarius + +

6. Streptopelia turtur + + 33. Corvus cornixv + +

7. Streptopelia decaocto + + 34. Parus major + +

8. Tachymarptis melba + + 35. Hirundo rustica + +

9. Apus apus + + 36. Hirundo daurica + +

10. Cuculus canorus + + 37. Delichon urbicum + +

11. Grus grus + + 38. Galerida cristata + +

12. Ardea cinerea + + 39. Alauda arvensis + +

13. Ardea alba + + 40. Phylloscopus collybita + +

14. Phalacrocorax carbo + + 41. Sylvia atricapilla + +

15. Larus ridibundus + + 42. Sylvia cantillans + +

16. Larus michahellis + + 43. Sylvia communis + +

17. Otus scops + + 44. Parus major + +

18. Pernis apivorus + + 45. Troglodytes troglodytes + +

19. Circaetus gallicus + + 46. Turdus merula + +

20. Circus cyaneus + + 47. Luscinia megarhynchos + +

21. Acipiter nisus + + 48. Oenanthe hispanica + +

22. Acipiter gentilis + + 49. Monticola solitarius + +

23. Buteo buteo + + 50. Passer domesticus + +

24. Upupa epops + + 51. Passer hispaniolensis + +

25. Alcedo atthis + + 52. Motacilla alba + +

26. Dendrocopos major + + 53. Motacilla cinerea + +

27. Dryobates minor + + 54. Emberiza melanocephala + +


During 30 field excursions the CORIE team from Trebinje collected the data for 46 bird species in the surveyed area. Because the present study covered only a small part of the polje, we expect that much more bird species may be found along the edges of Popovo polje.

”

“As Tab. 1 shows, a total of 469 individuals (ind.) of 13 bird species were observed in Trebišnjica, downstream from Tvrdoš to Svitava lake. All species now represent relatively small numbers compared to the numbers before embedding the Trebišnjica riverbed. The most numerous species was Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis (118 ind.). This species is present during the entire year, mainly in accumulating lakes. Additionally, we counted 83 individuals of Grey Wagtail Mota-cilla cinerea and 75 White Wagtails Motacilla alba. Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) was counted only in small numbers (5 ind.), but the species is present in Popovo polje during the entire year.

Tab. 2 presents the overview of total number of birds observed during the field work in 2016 and 2017. It is interesting that the same species were observed during these two years, which is the sign of their long stay at this area. A total of 54 bird species were registered.

Discussion and conclusionsThe significance of the present study is that the new data help to mitigate the data deficiency on the bird fauna of the area. Very few observation data exist for the area of Popovo polje. During 30 field excursions the CORIE team from Trebinje collected the data for 46 bird species in the sur-veyed area. Because the present study covered only a small part of the polje, we expect that much more bird species may be found along the edges of Popovo polje.

If we consider the whole area of the polje, there is the need of much more research and field observations. It is interesting that all bird species were observed during the two-year research, which indicates that they inhabit this area. A systematic research of the whole surface area or even a bigger part of Popovo polje is required

in the coming years in order to compile a more comprehensive and correct dataset. Popovo polje has a great significance because of its vicinity to Hutovo blato - most birds that breed or winter in Hutovo blato usually fly to Popovo polje for feeding. During the research, a smaller number of species has been observed relative to earlier data from the middle of the 20th century. The reason is a construction work from the 70s, when a riverbed of Trebišnjica river has been concreted, which caused destruction of habitats and a loss of the great number of waterbirds.

ReferencesHeinzel, H., Fitter R.S. R. & Parslow J. (1992): Birds

of Britain and Europe with North Africa and the Middle East. Collins Pocket Guide, London.

Milanović, P.T. (1983): Uticaj hidrosistema Trebiš-njice na režim površinskih i podzemnih voda u Popovom Polju. Naš krš, IX. 14-15. pp. 41-62.


Analysis of the occurrence of Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) and Red-footed Falcon (Falco vespertinus) in the karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 2012-2017 period

Goran Topić1, Biljana Topić1, Dražen Kotrošan1, Mirko Šarac1 & Josip Vekić1

1 Ornithological Society „Naše ptice“, Semira Frašte 6, 71000 Sarajevo

SummaryLesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) and Red-footed Falcon (Falco vespertinus) are highly social migratory birds. Both species have a holarctic distribution. Ornithological surveys conducted between 2012 and 2017 indicated that, during spring and autumn migration, these birds make relatively long stop-overs in the karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Red-footed Falcon was recorded in 11 and the Lesser Kestrel in 10 karst poljes. The numbers of Red-footed Falcon in Bosnia and Herzegovina surpass the criteria for the designation of Important Bird Areas (IBAs). Over 40 individuals (ind.) were registered in Duvanjsko polje, Kupreško polje and Mostarsko blato. The maximal numbers of Red-footed Falcon were registered in Duvanjsko polje during spring migration, in the fourth week of April 2013 and 2016, when there were 1,600 and 1,500 ind., respectively. In summer, with some signs of nesting, the species was seen on 10 July 2017, in Mostarsko blato. During autumn migration maximal abundances were registered in mid-August. Lesser Kestrel was rarely recorded during spring migration. The latest spring observation was on 26 May 2012, when 6 ind. were observed in Mostarsko blato. In autumn the species was observed from mid-August to the first week of

October. The highest number of 202 ind. was recorded on 21 August 2017 in Kupreško polje, where two roosting sites were discovered in August 2016, one in Zlosela and another in Rilić. Both, Lesser Kestrel and Red-footed Falcon, used the roosting site in Zlosela in 2016. The birds were observed in open grasslands without trees and shrubs, grazed by numerous large ruminants. The latter again illustrates that extensive grazing and cattle breeding is extremely important for the preservation of karst poljes and their bird faunas. The breeding areas of these individuals are unknown. To answer this question, it will be necessary to start a colour ringing program and to collect data on migration routes with the help of satellite telemetry from several birds.

Keywords: Lesser Kestrel, Red-footed Falcon, karst poljes, Bosnia and Herzegovina, migration, roosting sites

SažetakBjelonokta (Falco naumanni) i siva vjetruška (Falco vespertinus) su mali migratorni, socijalni sokolovi holarktičkog rasprostranjenja. Istraživa-nja iz perioda 2012-2017. godine pokazala su da se ove vrste, pored preleta na proljećnjoj i jesenjoj


migraciji, u značajnom broju zadržavaju na kraš-kim poljima Bosne i Hercegovine. Siva vjetruška je bilježena na 11, a bjelonokta na 10 kraških polja. Siva vjetruška je kriterijumska vrsta za proglašenje IBA područja u Bosni i Hercegovini, a norma od preko 40 primjeraka ispunjena je na Duvanjskom i Kupreškom polju i na Mostarskom blatu. Najve-ća brojnost sive vjetruške registrovana je na Du-vanjskom polju, gdje se na proljećnjoj migraciji u četvrtoj nedjelji aprila 2013. i 2016. godine za-državalo 1.600, odnosno 1.500 jedinki. Najkasnije posmatranje ove vrste, sa elementima gniježđe-nja, na proljećnoj migraciji registrovano je 10. jula 2017. godine na Mostarskom blatu. Na jesenjoj migraciji maksimalne brojnosti dostiže sredinom avgusta. Bjelonokta vjetruška je na proljećnoj migraciji bilježena rijetko i u malim brojevima. Najkasniji podatak za ovaj period godine je od 26. maja 2012., kada je na Mostarskom blatu za-bilježeno 6 jedinki. Na jesenjoj migraciji regi-strovana je od sredine avgusta do prve sedmice oktobra. Najveća brojnost od 202 jedinke zabi-lježena je 21. avgusta 2017. godine na Kupreškom polju. Na ovom kraškom polju su tokom avgusta 2016. otkrivena dva spavališta, jedno u Zloselima i jedno u Riliću. Spavalište u Zloselima su tokom 2016. zajedno sa bjelonoktim koristile i sive vje-truške. Zadržavanje ptica vezano je za otvorene zone u poljima sa niskom travom bez drveća i grmlja, na kojima se napasa veći broj krupnih preživara, zbog čega ekstenzivno stočarstvo i pa-šarenje imaju neprocjenjiv značaj za očuvanje kraških polja i ptica na njima. Još uvijek nije po-znato gdje se nalaze gnjezdilišta ovih jedinki. Da bismo odgovorili na ovo pitanje, neophodno je sabrati telemetrijske podatke većeg broja ptica i pokrenuti program kolor markiranja.

Ključne riječi: bjelonokta vjetruška, siva vjetruška, kraška polja, Bosna i Hercegovina, migracija, noćilišta

IntroductionLesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) and Red-footed Falcon (Falco vespertinus) are highly social migratory birds. Both species have a holarctic distribution. The Lesser Kestrel inhabits the Mediterranean region. Eastwards its breeding distribution extends to Central Asia, Mongolia and northeastern China (Hagemeijer & Iankov 1997). In the eastern Adriatic region the species is known to breed on the small island of Dolin near Rab Island, Croatia, where 25 breeding pairs were recorded (Mikulić et al. 2013). In Montenegro Lesser Kestrel is an extinct breeding species and is rarely observed during migration (Saveljić & Jovićević 2015). In Serbia it is considered a rare and occasional breeding species (Puzović et al. 2015). The breeding status of the species in Bosnia and Herzegovina is unclear. In his work on the bird fauna of the karst poljes Obratil (1984) listed it as a breeding species for the period until 1920, but without data on population size and the locations of breeding colonies. Matvejev & Vasić (1973) described the species as a passage migrant during spring and autumn migration. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Lesser Kestrel is currently listed as a breeding species (Kotrošan 2008/09). In the paper by Kotrošan & Hatibović (2012) the species is listed as a regular breeding species of up to 10 breeding pairs, but the locations of the colonies are not given. During the breeding season Lesser Kestrel inhabits the lowlands and after breeding disperses and appears at higher altitudes. Before migrating towards the wintering sites in sub-Saharan Africa in autumn, Lesser Kestrels gather in roosting sites (Olea et al. 2004, Bondi & Sara 2016). The largest roosting site of this species in the Western Balkans is located in the valley of the Drina river in Albania, where 4,000-6,000 individuals (ind.) were recorded (Minias et al. 2009, Bino et al. 2016). The largest roosting site in Bosnia and Herzegovina is in Kupreško polje (Topić et al. 2014/16). The Lesser Kestrel migrates,


often together with other falcons (Ferguson-Lees & Christie 2001), in flocks containing from a couple of dozens up to several hundred ind. The species returns to its breeding grounds between February and April (del Hoyo et al. 1994).

According to Red List criteria, until 2011 the Lesser Kestrel was listed by the IUCN as Vulnerable (VU), but after a series of active protection measures the population has stabilized and even slightly increased in some parts of the range (Iñigo & Barov 2010), including Europe (BirdLife Interna-tional 2015). The world population is currently estimated at 30,600-48,000 breeding pairs (Brazil 2009, BirdLife International 2015). Given the fact that the population trend is considered stable during the last three generations (i.e. 17 years) the species was downlisted to Least Concern (LC).

Red-footed Falcon breeds in Eastern Europe and Western and Central Asia. The range extends northwards to Belarus, Hungary, into northern parts of Serbia, Romania, Moldova and eastern Bulgaria in the south. To the east the distribution extends through the Ukraine, northwestern and southern Russia, North Kazakhstan to the northwest of China and the upper Lena river. In the Western Balkans Red-footed Falcon breeds in Serbia where the breeding population is estimated at 262-335 breeding pairs (Puzović et al. 2015). In Bosnia and Herzegovina the species is present only during spring and autumn migration (Obratil 1972, Matvejev & Vasić 1973, Kotrošan & Hatibović 2012). In Central Europe, in August and September, after the breeding season, Red-footed Falcons gather in large migratory flocks (Palatitz et al. 2015). Migrating flocks can contain more than hundred ind. and the species often migrates with other falcons (Ferguson-Lees & Christie 2001). On migration Red-footed Falcons cross the Balkans in a wide front (Brown et al. 1982, del Hoyo et al. 1994, Snow & Perrins 1998).

The species winters in South Africa and returns to its breeding grounds between February and June (del Hoyo et al. 1994, Ferguson-Lees & Christie 2001).

The world population of Red-footed Falcon may amount to 300,000-800,000 ind. (Ferguson-Lees & Christie 2001), but recent surveys indicate that the population is rapidly decreasing in some parts of the distribution range. The European population is currently estimated to 30,300-63,400 ind. which is 40% of the total world population (BirdLife International 2015). Between 1970 and 1990 there was a sharp decline of its numbers (Tucker & Heath 1994), a trend that continued over the next decades. Over the last 17 years (three generations) the abundance of the species dropped for 30% (BirdLife International 2015). Hence, for the current edition of the IUCN Red List (2016) the conservation status of Red-footed Falcon has been assessed as Near Threatened.

Although both species were the subject of numerous studies, the major stop-over sites and migratory routes are still not sufficiently known (Bondi & Sara 2016). Therefore, every observation is important for the knowledge of the ecology and the protection of these species. The present paper summarizes observation data of Lesser Kestrel and Red-footed Falcon in the karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the years 2012-2017. We particularly refer to Kupreško polje for the years 2016 and 2017 from which we have the most complete data.

Material and methodsData on the presence of Lesser Kestrel and Red-footed Falcon were collected within the bird monitoring in the karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina, conducted by the Ornithological Society “Naše ptice” in the 2012-2017 period.


Between 2012 and 2015 ornithological data were collected occasionally. Since 2016 the bird surveys were intensified as part of the „Revision of potential karst polje IBAs and establishment of sustainable development in Duvanjsko and Livanjsko polje“ project (“Karst poljes 2”), so the largest number of data on the two species were collected in 2016 and 2017 (Fig. 1).

In order to achieve the most precise mapping of bird species, each karst polje is divided into sev-eral sub-areas. Kupreško polje is divided in 10, Glamočko polje in 18, and Livanjsko polje, with Buško lake and Lipa reservoir, in 25 sub-areas. The remaining poljes were not divided into sub-areas. All birds which could be seen or heard were counted during 10-20 minute long point counts from fixed observation points along paved roads. With the maximum distance of 1,000-2,000 m, the observation points were, as far as possi-ble, distributed in a way that the whole area of the poljes was covered. The number of observa-tion points depended on the surface area of each polje, but also on its accessibility. Each observa-tion was recorded by NaturaList application and thus georeferenced. At roosting sites, the birds were counted while returning from their foraging grounds in the evening hours, from 18:00 to 19:00.

Following to the intensive surveys in Kupreško polje and the relatively large number of field days which we spend in August and in the first half of September 2017 in the area, it was possible to investigate the seasonal dynamics of the arrival and departure of Lesser Kestrels and documented the spatial distribution of the species in Kupreško polje during day-time foraging.

In order to present and explain climate condi-tions in karst poljes, we made simplified Walter’s climate diagrams (Walter 1983) (Fig. 6), using the data available given on the website of Federal Hydrometeorological Institute of Bosnia and Herzegovina (http://www.fhmzbih.gov.ba/latinica/KLIMA/godisnjaci.php). Fig. 6 shows the temperature, precipitation (the ratio between the values for temperature and precipitation on Y axis is 1:2), and distribution of wet and dry periods (Fig. 6a); where the precipitation curve is above the temperature curve, the period is relatively humid; where the precipitation curve falls below

Fig. 1: Proportion of field days, 2012–2017, on which Red-footed Falcon (Falco vespertinus) and Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) were observed. F. naumanni: n = 17, F. vespertinus: n = 44 field days, i.e. the total number of field days, 2012–2017, with observations of F. vespertinus and F. naumanni

In the frame of the “Karst poljes 2” project each of the 22 most important karst poljes in Bosnia and Herzegovina were visited at least once a month. The research covered all bird species, with special attention to criterion species for the designation of Important Bird Areas (IBAs) which include the Red-footed Falcon.


the temperature curve, the period is dry, and where the precipitation curve goes above 100 mm, the period is humid. In Fig. 6b (the ratio between the values for temperature and precipitation on Y axis is 1:3), where the precipitation curve is below the temperature curve, the period is relatively dry. Weather records are given for the following localties: Dubljani in Popovo polje, Mostar near Mostarsko blato, Tomislavgrad in Duvanjsko polje, Kupres in Kupreško polje and Resanovci near Bosansko Grahovo, for the period from 1986 to 1990, because the more recent data were not available.

This paper summarizes the observations of Lesser Kestrel and Red-footed Falcon in 14 karst poljes, i.e. Bjelajsko polje, Duvanjsko polje, Gatačko polje, Glamočko polje, Kupreško polje, Livanjsko polje, Polje Marinkovci, Mostarsko blato, Pašića polje,

Popovo polje, Ravanjsko polje, Vukovsko polje as well as Kruško polje and Zijemlje polje which were not covered by the “Karst poljes 2” project.

ResultsPhenology of Red-footed Falcon and Lesser Kestrel migrationIn all, during the present research, Lesser Kestrel was observed in 10 karst poljes: Glamočko polje (on 5 sub-areas out of 18), Kruško polje, Kupreško polje (8 out of 10 sub-areas), Polje Marinkovci, Mo-starsko blato, Pašića polje, Popovo polje, Ravanj-sko polje, Vukovsko polje and Zijemlje polje (Fig. 2).Red-footed Falcon was recorded on 11 karst po-ljes, i.e. Bjelajsko polje, Duvanjsko polje, Gatačko polje, Glamočko polje, Kupreško polje, Livanjsko polje, Mostarsko blato, Pašića polje, Popovo polje, Vukovsko polje and Zijemlje polje (Fig. 2).

Fig. 2: Geographical location of karst poljes in which Red-footed Falcon (Falco vespertinus) and Lesser Kestrel (F. naumanni) were observed. The size of symbols indicates the maximum number of ind. for each species in each polje during spring and autumn migration.


The observation data for both species that were collected during 52 field days of bird surveys, 2012-2017, are presented in Tab. 1.

Tab. 1: Overview of the collected data on the appearance of Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) and Red-footed Falcon (F. vespertinus) in the karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the years 2012-2017. * in front of the number of individuals indicates that the data were collected at roosting sites

Species Area Date Number of individuals Observer/data source

Falco naumanni Mostarsko blato 26.05.2012 6 Dražen Kotrošan, Ilhan Dervović

Falco naumanni Kruško polje 08.09.2012 7 Dražen Kotrošan, Ilhan Dervović

Falco naumanni Zijemlje polje 08.05.2016 1 Dražen Kotrošan, Ilhan Dervović

Falco naumanni Kupreško polje (Zlosela) 26.08.2016 *50 Goran Topić, Jovica Sjeničić, Draško Adamović

Falco naumanni Kupreško polje (Rilić) 01.09.2016 45 Ilhan Dervović

Falco naumanni Kupreško polje (Zlosela) 01.09.2016 *84 Goran Topić

Falco naumanni Ravanjsko polje 01.09.2016 25 Ilhan Dervović

Falco naumanni Vukovsko polje 01.09.2016 22 Ilhan Dervović

Falco naumanni Kupreško polje (Rilić) 08.09.2016 *12 Goran Topić


Falco naumanni Mostarsko blato 25.04.2017 8 Josip Vekić

Falco naumanni Mostarsko blato 04.05.2017 5 Dražen Kotrošan


Falco naumanni Kupreško polje (Rastičevo) 21.08.2017 27 Goran Topić, Biljana Topić

Falco naumanni Kupreško polje (Zlosela) 21.08.2017 *150 Goran Topić, Biljana Topić

Falco naumanni Kupreško polje (Suhova) 21.08.2017 3 Goran Topić, Biljana Topić

Falco naumanni Kupreško polje (Otinovci) 21.08.2017 3 Goran Topić, Biljana Topić

Falco naumanni Kupreško polje (Milač) 21.08.2017 19 Goran Topić, Biljana Topić

Falco naumanni Glamočko polje (Krasinac) 23.08.2017 24 Goran Topić, Biljana Topić

Falco naumanni Glamočko polje (Podgreda) 23.08.2017 2 Goran Topić, Biljana Topić

Falco naumanni Glamočko polje (Medena selišta) 23.08.2017 8 Goran Topić, Biljana Topić

Falco naumanni Glamočko polje (Hrast) 23.08.2017 2 Goran Topić, Biljana Topić

Falco naumanni Kupreško polje (Rilić) 28.08.2017 *34 Goran Topić, Biljana Topić

Falco naumanni Kupreško polje (Milač) 28.08.2017 27 Goran Topić, Biljana Topić

Falco naumanni Marinkovci 28.08.2017 31 Goran Topić, Biljana Topić



Falco naumanni Pašića polje 28.08.2017 27 Goran Topić, Biljana Topić

Falco naumanni Kupreško polje (Rilić) 29.08.2017 40 Goran Topić, Biljana Topić

Falco naumanni Kupreško polje (Kupres) 29.08.2017 7 Goran Topić, Biljana Topić

Falco naumanni Kupreško polje (Rastičevo) 29.08.2017 28 Goran Topić, Biljana Topić

Falco naumanni Kupreško polje (Blagaj) 29.08.2017 15 Goran Topić, Biljana Topić

Falco naumanni Kupreško polje (Blagaj) 10.09.2017 27 Goran Topić, Biljana Topić

Falco naumanni Kupreško polje (Zlosela) 10.09.2017 4 Goran Topić, Biljana Topić

Falco naumanni Kupreško polje (Rilić) 10.09.2017 38 Goran Topić, Biljana Topić

Falco naumanni Kupreško polje (Rilić) 10.09.2017 *40 Goran Topić, Biljana Topić

Falco naumanni Glamočko polje (Krasinac) 12.09.2017 25 Goran Topić, Biljana Topić

Falco naumanni Glamočko polje (Dubrave) 12.09.2017 11 Goran Topić, Biljana Topić

Falco naumanni Popovo polje 05.10.2017 2 Goran Topić, Biljana Topić

Falco vespertinus Mostarsko blato 18.05.2012 10 Dražen Kotrošan, Ilhan Dervović



Falco vespertinus Kupreško polje 08.09.2012 16 Dražen Kotrošan, Ilhan Dervović

Falco vespertinus Glamočko polje 09.09.2012 4 Dražen Kotrošan, Ilhan Dervović


Falco vespertinus Duvanjsko polje 24.04.2013 1,600 Mirko Šarac



Falco vespertinus Duvanjsko polje 02.05.2015 2 Mirko Šarac

Falco vespertinus Glamočko polje (Krasinac) 03.05.2016 1 Goran Topić

Falco vespertinus Kupreško polje (Milač) 19.04.2016 2 Goran Topić

Falco vespertinus Duvanjsko polje 22.04.2016 1,500 Mirko Šarac

Falco vespertinus Livanjsko polje (Buško lake) 28.-29.04.2016 4 Ilhan Dervović

Falco vespertinus Zijemlje polje (Hrušte) 08.05.2016 2 Dražen Kotrošan, Ilhan Dervović


Falco vespertinus Glamočko polje (Medena selišta) 11.05.2016 18 Goran Topić

Falco vespertinus Gatačko polje (Avtovac) 15.05.2016 2 Dražen Kotrošan, Ilhan Dervović

Falco vespertinus Pašića polje 21.05.2016 1 Goran Topić

Table 1 • (continuation from page 98)



Falco vespertinus Mostarsko blato (Biograci) 05.06.2016 2 Josip Vekić

Falco vespertinus Mostarsko blato (Biograci) 11.06.2016 1 Josip Vekić

Falco vespertinus Kupreško polje 25.06.2016 10 Ilhan Dervović

Falco vespertinus Mostarsko blato 10.07.2016 1 Josip Vekić



Falco vespertinus Kupreško polje (Zlosela) 26.08.2016 *150 Goran Topić, Jovica Sjeničić, Draško Adamović

Falco vespertinus Zijemlje polje 20.08.2016 3 Ilhan Dervović

Falco vespertinus Duvanjsko polje 27.08.2016 300 Mirko Šarac

Falco vespertinus Mostarsko blato 19.09.2016 6 Dražen Kotrošan

Falco vespertinus Kupreško polje (Zlosela) 01.09.2016 2 Goran Topić

Falco vespertinus Vukovsko polje 01.09.2016 15 Ilhan Dervović

Falco vespertinus Kupreško polje (Blagaj) 18.04.2017 7 Goran Topić

Falco vespertinus Livanjsko polje (Buško lake) 23.04.2017 2 Goran Topić

Falco vespertinus Livanjsko polje (Ždralovac) 23.04.2017 2 Goran Topić



Falco vespertinus Livanjsko polje (Buško lake) 10.05.2017 4 Goran Topić

Falco vespertinus Livanjsko polje (Ždralovac) 10.05.2017 4 Goran Topić

Falco vespertinus Kupreško polje (Suhova) 10.05.2017 3 Goran Topić

Falco vespertinus Kupreško polje (Milač) 10.05.2017 3 Goran Topić

Falco vespertinus Bjelajsko polje 12.05.2017 2 Goran Topić


Falco vespertinus Kupreško polje (Zlosela) 20.05.2017 11 Goran Topić

Falco vespertinus Kupreško polje (Rilić) 20.05.2017 2 Goran Topić




Falco vespertinus Kupreško polje (Milač) 29.08.2017 1 Goran Topić, Biljana Topić

Falco vespertinus Popovo polje 05.10.2017 1 Goran Topić, Biljana Topić



The analysis of the seasonal dynamics indicates that in spring both species arrive in the karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina in April. The Lesser Kestrel was rarely recorded during spring migration. In this part of the year, in April and May, the Lesser Kestrel was only registered in Mostarsko blato and Zijemlje polje. The latest date during spring migration is the 26 May 2012 when 6 ind. were recorded in Mostarsko blato. But it may be that the species was occasionally overlooked due to its similarity to the much more frequent and numerous Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus).

The Red-footed Falcon (Fig. 3.) was more numerous and more frequent during spring migration. In spring the species was registered in 9 karst poljes, namely in Bjelajsko polje,

Duvanjsko polje, Gatačko polje, Glamočko polje, Kupreško polje, Livanjsko polje, Mostarsko blato, Pašića polje and Zijemlje polje. Most birds were observed in Duvanjsko polje where 1,600 and 1,500 ind. were registered during the fourth week of April in 2013 and 2016, respectively. The species was also numerous in May. Evidence for the possible breeding of Red-footed Falcon was observed in Mostarsko blato in June (B. Rubinič pers. comm., I. Dervović pers. comm.). We have only one observation in July (10 July 2016), also from Mostarsko blato. Because the breeding of the species could not be fully confirmed these data were not published previously.

In both species during autumn migration the first birds and the highest numbers as well were observed in mid-August.

Fig. 3: Red-footed Falcon (F. vespertinus) in Duvanjsko polje (Photo: Mirko Šarac)


From mid-August to early October Lesser Kestrel was observed in 8 karst poljes: Glamočko polje, Kruško polje, Kupreško polje, Polje Marinkovci, Pašića polje, Popovo polje, Ravanjsko polje and Vukovsko polje. The latest autumn observation of 2 Lesser Kestrel was recorded in Popovo Polje on 5 October 2017.

The Red-footed Falcon has an intense autumn migration with short stops in karst poljes which is illustrated by satellite images (www.satellitetracking.eu). During this period Red-footed Falcons were observed in 7 karst poljes:

Duvanjsko polje, Glamočko polje, Kupreško polje, Mostarsko blato, Popovo polje, Vukovsko polje and Zijemlje polje. In August and September 2016 both species - Lesser Kestrel and Red-footed Falcon - were recorded on the roosting site in Zlosela in Kupreško polje. Most Red-footed Falcons were observed in Mostarsko polje. The latest autumn date was registered on 10 October 2014, when three ind. were observed in Kupreško polje. More than 40 ind. which is the lower limit for the designation of an IBA, were registered in Duvanjsko polje, Kupreško polje and in Mostarsko blato.

Fig. 4: Spatial distribution and seasonal abundances

of Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) and Red-footed

Falcon (F. vespertinus) in the karst poljes of Bosnia and

Herzegovina in 2017


Spatial distribution and seasonal abundances of Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) and Red-footed Falcon (F. vespertinus) in the karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2017 are presented in Fig. 4.

Roosting behaviour and feeding habitats of Lesser KestrelIn late summer 2017 the first ind. of Lesser Kestrel were observed on 14 August when ca. 200 birds were counted at the roosting site in Zlosela. On that day the birds were not counted in other parts of the polje. On the next field visit, i.e. on 21 August, 202 ind. were counted in the entire polje. Afterwards the numbers decreased during the following surveys. The last ind. were observed on 10 September (Fig. 5).

sylvestris) but also on electric and telephone lines and rooftops in the center of the village. In 2017 with 200 ind. the maximum number of Lesser Kestrels was counted at this roosting site on 14 August. Seven days later, on 21 August, at a time when about 150 ind. were approaching the roosting site, several shots were heard after which the birds flew away. During the following surveys no birds were observed at this roosting site. Red-footed Falcon was observed on this roosting site only once, on August 26 2016, when 150 individuals were counted.

The second roosting site was located on abandoned barns in the village of Rilić where a maximum of 40 ind. was observed on 10 September 2017. Due to the inaccessibility of the terrain and the fact that the individuals hide under the roofs of the barns it is possible that we missed several birds. Subsequently, the numbers of birds at this roosting site may have been even larger.

The birds were not counted systematically at the roosting sites, so it was not possible to determine the total number of ind. who used them. As the foraging radius of Lesser Kestrel in the premigra-tory period varies between 8 and 34 km (Stara & Tsiakiris 2009) and birds were regularly recorded in Glamočko polje and poljes around Bosansko Grahovo (i.e. Pašića polje and Polje Marinkovci, which are approximately 30 km and 60 km apart from Kupreško polje), it is expected that several other roosting sites exist in this part of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Lesser Kestrel (Fig. 6-7) was registered in 8 out of a total of 10 surveyed sub-areas in Kupreško polje (Blagaj, Zlosela, Rilić, Rastičevo, Suhova, Otinovci, Milač and Kupres), i.e. in about 60% of the total area of the polje. The analysis of the spatial distribution of the foraging sites of Lesser

Fig. 5: Numbers of Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) in Kupreško polje in August and September 2017. The graph doesn’t show the numbers recorded on 28 August because only a small part of the polje was covered during this field day

In August and September 2016 two roosting sites of Lesser Kestrel and Red-footed Falcon were registered in Kupreško polje, one in Zlosela (Topić et al. 2014/16) and another one in Rilić (G. Topić, unpubl. data). Both roosting sites were also active in 2017.

In Zlosela the birds gathered in the evening on Norway spruce (Picea abies), Scots pine (Pinus


Kestrel in Kupreško polje indicates that managed grasslands, i.e. grazed pastures and regularly mowed meadows are the optimal feeding habitats. Lesser Kestrels were not registered in the area around Bili potok, Stražbenica and Mrđe bare which is overgrown with Common juniper

(Juniperus communis), Scots pine and wild roses (Rosa spp.). With the exception of the area around the sinking holes of Mrtvica river, where several Lesser Kestrels were observed (Fig. 8), the area along the Mrtvica river was not surveyed due to the presence of land mines.

Fig. 6: Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) in Kupreško polje (Photo: Biljana Topić)


Fig. 8: Spatial distribution of feeding and roosting sites of Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) in Kupreško polje and maximum numbers recorded on foraging sites in August and September 2017. The symbol “X” shows the surveyed area in which the birds were not recorded and the symbol “ * ” marks areas that were not surveyed due to the presence of land mines

Fig. 7: Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) in Kupreško polje (Photo: Biljana Topić)


DiscussionMigration pattern and behaviour of Lesser KestrelIn Bosnia and Herzegovina, in autumn, most Lesser Kestrels were noted in karst poljes which are located in higher altitudes, such as Ku-preško polje (1,150 m), Vukovsko polje (1,170 m), Ravanjsko polje (1,140 m), Glamočko polje (900 m), Pašića polje (800 m) and Polje Marinkovci (800 m). This species was not observed during autumn migration in karst poljes located in the lower altitudes, except for one late observation in Popovo polje. The numbers, abundances and spatial distribution of Lesser Kestrel in karst poljes depends on the quantity and quality of available food, which further depends on the climatic conditions and vegetation. Data from the area around Ionannina in Greece show that in August almost three times more individuals were recorded in altitudes above 1,000 m then in lower altitudes. During this time of the year the birds mostly feed on Orthoptera, especially on locusts (Bounas et al. 2016, Bounas & Sotiropoulos 2017).

It is still not known where the Lesser Kestrels which were observed in Bosnia and Herzegovina are coming from. Greek studies show that, in addition to local breeding populations, birds from southern Italy are present in northwestern Greece during the premigratory period (Bounas & Sotiropoulos 2016), so it is possible that birds from various breeding areas cross Bosnia and Herzegovina during autumn migration. The largest roosting site of Lesser Kestrel in the Balkans is known in the valley of the Drino river in Albania where 1,500 ind. were recorded in mid-June 2016. Until the end of the same month the numbers increased to 3,500-4,000 ind. High numbers were recorded until the end of August (Bino et al. 2016). The end of August is also the period when the migration peak occurs in Greece (Bounas & Sotiropoulos 2016), while in Bosnia

and Herzegovina a 7-10 day migration peak was observed in mid-August.

The analysis of 1986-1990 climate data for five localities - Mostar, Duvanjsko polje, Livanjsko polje, Resanovci near Bosansko Grahovo and Ku-preško polje - indicates that in early spring the average amount of rainfall is highest in Mostarsko blato and around Bosansko Grahovo. In March and April, the precipitation is also high in Du-vanjsko polje. On the other hand, the average daily temperatures decrease with altitude, so the temperature in Mostarsko blato (220-240m a.s.l.) is on average 7-8 ºC higher than in Livanjsko polje (700-800m a.s.l.), Grahovsko polje (800m a.s.l.) and Duvanjsko polje (860-900m a.s.l.), and 10 ºC higher than in Kupreško polje (1,100-1,200m a.s.l.). In summer the amount of rainfall is lowest in Mostarsko blato, Duvanjsko polje and Kupreško polje. Fig. 9a shows that a dry period is typical only for Mostarsko blato (and it lasts during July and August) (see Material and methods). The semi-arid period (Fig. 9b) is typical for all poljes except Livanjsko, but in Grahovsko polje it occurs only in the first half of July.

Mowing and late grazing are known to increase plant diversity. It particularly favours small vascular plants (Simán et al. 1998). Vessby et al. (2002) and Söderström et al. (2001) showed the diversity of butterflies and bumblebees in seminatural grasslands was negatively affected by short-grazing. Guido and Gianelle (2001) showed that orthopteran dispersal patterns changed as a result of mowing. This is probably the reason why only few Lesser Kestrels were recorded in the area around the sinkholes of Mrtvica river, where cattle and sheep are grazing year-round. Quite the opposite, most birds were observed in areas along Milač river in Kupreško polje which are mown and grazed only when the plant cover is well developed.


Fig. 9: Climate diagram according to Walter (1983) for 1986-1990 period for Mostar, Livno, Duvno, Kupres and Resanovci near Bosansko Grahovo1; a) dry period, b) semi-arid period

1 The only available climate data for surveyed poljes are from the 1986-1990 period

In spring, the vegetation period starts earlier in southern poljes and in poljes that are situated at lower elevations. The higher average temperatures and precipitation favour the fast develop-ment of numerous insect species. In autumn, the conditions are more fa-vourable at higher elevations, where the vegetation period starts later and semi-arid period lasts shorter. Therefore, in autumn insects are more abundant in higher altitudes and stop-over dura-tion is longer in these altitudes. In mid-September temperatures significantly decrease in high-altitude poljes, which changes the feeding conditions and forces the last birds to leave Kupreško polje.

Satellite tracking (www.satellitetracking.eu) as well as the present observations indicate that the karst poljes of the Western Balkans are significant resting sites during migration for Lesser Kestrel and Red-footed Falcon. By considering the turn-over of individuals which rest in karst poljes, the numbers of Lesser Kestrels and Red-footed Falcons may be considerably larger than the numbers we have recorded in the last years. Favourable conditions for roosting and hunting during spring and autumn are necessary to allow these species to prepare for both migration and breeding (Olea et al. 2004; Bondi & Sara 2016). Lesser Kestrel is quite conservative and uses the same trees over many years. When such roosting sites are destroyed, this part of the life cycle of the species is disrupted, which may increase mortality during migration (Iñigo & Barov 2010). Known roosting sites in Kupreško polje


The main cause for the decline of both the Lesser Kestrel and the Red-footed Falcon has been habitat degradation, mainly as a result of agricultural intensification and associated land use changes.

”

“

as well as others that still need to be detected should be protected as well as suitable foraging habitats within 9 km around roosting sites (De Frutos et al. 2009).

Habitat conditions and conservationThe main cause for the decline of both the Lesser Kestrel and the Red-footed Falcon has been habi-tat degradation, mainly as a result of agricultural intensification and associated land use changes. The replacement of grazed grasslands and exten-sive dry cereals with taller and denser crops (e.g., sunflower, maize, vineyards and other perennial plantations) which currently happens in some parts of karst poljes, i.e. Popovo polje, Glamočko polje and Mostarsko blato, cause two important pressures: reduced abundances of large insects and decreased access to prey (Iñigo & Barov 2010; Palatitz et al. 2009). The development of intensive agricultural techniques pushed back the extensive farming resulting in the decrease of traditional livestock husbandry (especially ex-tensive grazing) which is presumed to be key for Red-footed Falcon habitat selection. Overgrow-ing of grasslands and fallow lands after depopu-lation and land abandonment after the war has presumably reduced accessibility of insect prey for both species in Livanjsko polje, Popovo polje, Mostarsko Blato, Glamočko Polje, Kupreško polje and smaller parts of Duvanjsko Polje. In addition, the use of pesticides and fertilizers in modern farming reduces prey populations (Donázar et al. 1993, Tella et al. 1998). Due to extensive grazing by livestock and little to no use of pesticides some karst poljes of the Dinaric Alps, such as Ravanjsko polje, Vukovsko polje, Zijemlje, Duvanjsko polje, Kupreško polje, all poljes around Petrovac as well as some parts of Mostarsko Blato, still harbour extensive and often well-preserved grassland habitats and, therefore, appear to constitute im-portant stop-oversites for both falcon species.

It is believed that parallel to the increase of population densities, dispersal intensity and distances may also increase (Negro et al. 1997) which may reduce intraspecific competition (Morton et al. 1991; Baker 1993). Before migration towards the wintering areas in sub-Saharan Africa Lesser Kestrels gather in roosting sites where they moult and accumulate sufficient energy reserves for long and exhausting migration (Olea et al. 2004, Bondi & Sara 2016). In addition, in post-breeding flocks and during premigratory movements through social learning juveniles learn (Blanco et al. 1993, Blanco & Tella 1999) how to find adequate feeding habitats and food, how to avoid predators and dangers when they come in contact with humans (Anders et al. 1998, Beauchamp 1999, Blanco & Tella 1999).

Conservation considerationsThe present paper summarizes observation data which were collected during bird monitoring of karst poljes in the years 2012-2017. Despite the fact that the data on Lesser Kestrel and Red-


footed Falcon were not collected systematically and that the coverage of the investigated area is relatively low, the present results indicate that the karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina are important stop-over and resting sites during spring migration and the post-breeding movements of these species. With 1,600 observed Red-footed Falcons Duvanjsko polje is one of the most important stop-over sites for this species in the Balkans. Satellite tracking (www.satellitetracking.eu) as well as the present observations indicate that the karst poljes of the Western Balkans are significant resting sites for Red-footed Falcon. By considering the turn-over of individuals which rest in karst poljes, the numbers of Lesser Kestrels and Red-footed Falcons may be considerably larger than the numbers we have recorded in the last years. The numbers of birds in karst poljes depend on the quantity and quality of available food. Due to extensive grazing by livestock the karst poljes of the Dinaric Alps, such as Duvanjsko polje and Kupreško polje, harbour extensive and often well-preserved grassland habitats. Hence, at present the protection of semi-natural habitats is not in conflict with human needs. The preservation of wet grasslands is only possible through extensive grazing with cattle.

Future projects in karst poljes should include detailed surveys on the occurrence of Lesser Kestrel and Red-footed Falcon which should be ideally use methods like colour marking and telemetry for investigating the origin and stop-over duration of the birds which cross the Bosnian-Herzegovinian karst poljes during premigratory dispersal and migration. It will be further necessary to locate and map the most important feeding sites in, ideally, all karst poljes in order to protect roosting sites and to forestall negative impacts on the species’ feeding habitats. These data should be further used to

promote active conservation measures and legal protection of the most important resting sites in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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Vessby K., Söderström B., Glimskär A. & Svensson, B. (2002): Species-richness correlations of six different taxa in Swedish seminatural grasslands. Conservation Biology 16: 430-439.

Walter H. (1983): Vegetation of the Earth and Ecological Systems of the Geo-biosphere. Springer, Berlin.

Electronic sources:http://www.satellitetracking.eu/inds/

showmap?check240=240

http://www.fhmzbih.gov.ba/latinica/KLIMA/godisnjaci.php


Livanjsko polje (Photo: Nermina Sarajlić)


Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) in the karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Dražen Kotrošan1, Goran Topić1, Mirko Šarac1, Josip Vekić1 & Nermina Sarajlić1

1 Ornithological Society „Naše ptice“, Semira Frašte 6, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; E-mail: [email protected]

SummaryNorthern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) is one of the species whose European population has rapidly declined for 30-40% over the past thirty years. The species is a breeding bird in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but is more numerous during wintering and migration. Karst poljes are very important habitats for Northern Lapwing, whose abundance is a criterion for the nomination of certain poljes as an Important Bird Area (IBA). In the period from 2011 to 2017, data on the presence of this species were collected in 11 karst poljes in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Northern Lapwing was recorded in Nevesinjsko polje, Dabarsko polje, Gatačko polje, Hutovo blato, Mostarsko blato, Bjelajsko polje, Pašića polje, Glamočko polje, Livanjsko polje, Duvanjsko polje and Kupreško polje. The number of birds observed ranged from single specimens to a maximum of 950 individuals recorded in Mostarsko blato. The highest number of individuals was recorded during wintering and spring migration, with the highest numbers recorded in Mostarsko blato. Breeding activity was confirmed in the area of Kupreško polje, Livanjsko polje and Duvanjsko polje. A total of 23 breeding pairs were mapped in Kupreško polje and 30-50 breeding pairs are estimated in Duvanjsko and Livanjsko polje. There is probably one breeding pair in Glamočko polje as well.

Keywords: Northern Lapwing, karst poljes, abundance, breeding distribution, Bosnia and Herzegovina

SažetakVivak (Vanellus vanellus) spada u red vrsta čija je evropska populacija u posljednjih tridesetak godina u rapidnom opadanju (30-40%). U Bosni i Hercegovini je zabilježen na gniježđenju, ali zna-tno veći broj je zabilježen u periodu zimovanja i migracija. Kraška polja predstavljaju značajna sta-ništa za ovu vrstu čija je brojnost na pojedinim poljima ujedno i kriterij za njihovu nominaciju na listu IBA područja. U periodu od 2011 do 2017 godine prikupljeni su podaci o prisustvu vivka na 11 kraških polja u Bosni i Hercegovini. Vivak je zabilježen na Nevesinjskom polju, Dabarskom polju, Gatačkom polju, Hutovom blatu, Mostar-skom blatu, Bjelajskom polju, Pašića polju, Gla-močkom polju, Livanjskom polju, Duvanjskom polju i Kupreškom polju. Utvrđena brojnost se dnevno kretala od pojedinačnih jedinki do maksi-malno 950 jedinki koje su zabilježene na Mostar-skom blatu. Najveća brojnost je utvrđena u zim-skom periodu i u vrijeme proljetne migracije. U navedenim sezonskim aspektima prosječno najveća brojnost je zabilježena na Mostarskom blatu. Gniježđenje je pouzdano utvrđeno na Kupreškom, Livanjskom i Duvanjskom polju. Na


Kupreškom polju je kartirano gniježđenje 23 para, dok se za Duvanjsko polje i Livanjsko polje pro-cjenjuje da gnijezdi 30 do 50 parova. Vjerovatno jedan par gnijezdi i na Glamočkom polju.

Ključne riječi: vivak, kraška polja, brojnost, gniježđenje, Bosna i Hercegovina

IntroductionNorthern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) is a wide-spread species whose breeding range covers Eu-rope, Turkey and Northwest Iran through Western Russia and Kazakhstan to southern and eastern Siberia, Mongolia and northern China. It winters from western Europe, the eastern Atlantic islands and North Africa through the Mediterranean and the Middle East across northern India to south-east China, the Korean Peninsula and southern Japan (Wiersma & Sharpe 2015).

The global population is currently estimated at 5,600,000-10,500,000 individuals (ind.) and the European population is estimated with 3,190,000-5,170,000 adults, including 1,590,000-2,580,000 breeding pairs (bp.), and 3,410,000-4,550,000 wintering birds (BirdLife International 2017a, 2017b). The general population trend of the species is declining, although the trends for some populations are unknown (Wetlands International 2012). It is considered that the European population has decreased by 30-40% over the past 30 years. Globally, the species is currently listed as Near Threated - NT (BirdLife International 2017a), while in Europe it is labeled as Vulnerable - VU (BirdLife International 2015). Northern Lapwing is listed in Annex II of the

Convention on the Protection of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, Annex II/2 of the European Union’s Birds Directive and to Annex III of the Bern Convention.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina it has been recorded as a breeding bird species (Kotrošan 2008/2009) but is significantly more numerous during wintering and migration. Aside from data on the geographical distribution of Northern Lapwing in Bosnia and Herzegovina, there is very little information on its abundance. Count data are mainly based on rough estimates (Peteren et al. 2009, Thorup 2004) or restricted to individual notes (Obratil 1976).

This paper presents the first data on distribution and the abundance of Northern Lapwing in the karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

MethodsThe data were collected in 11 karst poljes (Nevesinjsko polje, Dabarsko polje, Gatačko polje, Hutovo blato, Mostarsko blato, Bjelajsko polje, Pašića polje, Glamočko polje, Livanjsko polje, Duvanjsko polje and Kupreško polje) from 1.1.2011 to 1.5.2017, within several projects that the Ornithological Society „Naše ptice“ has realized in karst poljes during the above mentioned period.

Results and DiscussionDuring the seven-year research on the bird fauna of karst poljes, the Northern Lapwing was recorded in 11 poljes, all of which, except the dry Bjelajsko polje, are temporarily flooded.


Fig. 1: Karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina in which the Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) was recorded


Tab. 1: Observations of Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) in the karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 2011 - 2017 period

Locality Date Number of individuals

Bjelajsko polje 12.3.2013 2

Bjelajsko polje 16.2.2017 2

Dabarsko polje 28.3.2012 12




Duvanjsko polje 10.3.2012 27






Gatačko polje 30.4.2012 6



Gatačko polje 12.3.2013 200 - 300

Glamočko polje 28.-29.4.2016 2

Glamočko polje 17.2.2017 1

Glamočko polje 7.6.2017 2 (1 pair)

Hutovo blato 19.1.2012 3





Hutovo blato 29.-31.3.2015 8



Hutovo blato 14.-15.1.2017 75

Kupreško polje 15.4.2016 2

Kupreško polje 15.3.2017 87

Kupreško polje 21.3.2017 46 (23 pairs)

Livanjsko polje 20.3.2016 10

Livanjsko polje 21.3.2016 5


Locality Date Number of individuals

Livanjsko polje - Buško jezero 13.-14.3.2015 5


Livanjsko polje - Buško jezero 20.11.2015 2







Livanjsko polje - Prisoje 20.11.2015 2

Livanjsko polje - Tresetište 16.6.2015 1

Mostarsko blato 21.1.2011 220



















Nevesinjsko polje 23.3.2012 1




Pašića polje 12.3.2013 1



The largest number of individuals recorded during a single day was recorded in winter and spring, when the birds gather in large flocks. The largest

number of 950 ind. in one day was recorded in Mo-starsko blato (Tab. 1). Breeding activity has been confirmed in the area of Kupreško polje, where 23 bp. were mapped in 2017. It is further estimated that up to 50 pairs breed in Duvanjsko polje. Ad-ditionally, it is possible that one pair breeds in Glamočko polje. Considering the favourable habi-tat conditions and the fact that breeding activity has been formerly registered by Obratil (1976), it is likely that Northern Lapwing also breeds in Livanj-sko polje, Mostarsko blato and Nevesinjsko polje. It is necessary to continue the research in these poljes in order to confirm the breeding activity.

Tab. 2: Estimated numbers of Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Period Season status Number Source

1960-1987 Breeding 100-500 pairs Thorup 2004

2000 Breeding 500-700 pairs BirdLIfe 2017b

1990-2000 Wintering 700-2000 individuals Petersen et al. 2009

2000 Wintering 100-500 individuals BirdLife 2017b

The comparison of individual records in Tab. 1 with current population estimates (see Tab. 2) indicates that it is very likely that the abundance of Northern Lapwing in karst poljes is higher than previously assessed for the entire area of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is likely that 30-50% of the whole breeding population of Bosnia and Herzegovina is linked to karst poljes. The species is particularly numerous in the karst poljes during migration, especially in spring.

Therefore, it can be concluded that karst poljes are significant breeding and resting areas for the species. The numbers of individuals registered

in certain poljes are an important criterion for the nomination of Important Bird Areas (IBAs) (Rubinić 2017).


Although there are no adequate data for compari-son and more detailed analyses, the observations from the 2011-2017 period indicate that the abun-dance of Northern Lapwing in karst poljes has in-creased in recent years. These changes are, par-ticularly, evident in Duvanjsko polje, which is char-acterized by favourable conditions for Northern Lapwings, such as wet meadows, grazing cattle, absence of hunting and reduced use of pesticides.

The observations in Duvanjsko polje show that Northern Lapwing uses similar migration patterns

as other species that are monitored in the frame of the Adriatic Flyway Project (e.g., Common Crane Grus grus and Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia).

In all, preliminary results on the presence of Northern Lapwing in karst poljes indicate that it is necessary to continue the monitoring of this species, both in karst poljes and on the entire area of Bosnia and Herzegovina, because it is possible that some of these areas are of great importance for this species in the Balkan region.

Fig. 2: Northern Lapwing resting during migration in Duvanjsko polje (Photo: Mirko Šarac)


Fig. 3: Breeding Northern Lapwing in Duvanjsko polje (Photo: Mirko Šarac)


It is likely that 30-50% of the whole breeding population of

Northern Lapwing in Bosna and Herzegovina is linked to

karst poljes. The numbers of individuals registered in

certain poljes are an important criterion for the nomination of

Important Bird Areas (IBAs).

”

“

ReferencesBirdLife International (2015): European Red

List of Birds. Luxembourg: Office for Official Publications of the European Communities.

BirdLife International (2017a): Species factsheet: Vanellus vanellus. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 15/08/2017.

BirdLife International (2017b): European birds of conservation concern: populations, trends and national responsibilities Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International.

Kotrošan D. (2008/2009): Dopune i korekcije popi-su ptica zabilježenih u Bosni i Hercegovini od 1888. do 2006. godine. Bilten Mreže posma-trača ptica u Bosni i Hercegovini, 4-5: 72-86.

Obratil S. (1976): Pregledi straživanja ornitofaune Bosne i Hercegovine V (Charadriiformes). GZM BiH (PN) NS 15: 221-241.

Petersen B. S., Trolliet B., Commission E. & Union E. (2009): European Union Management Plan

2009–2011: Lapwing—Vanellus vanellus: Office for Official Publications of the European Community.

Rubinić B. (2017): Karst poljes in Bosnia and Herzegovina - new IBAs. Second International Workshop on Dinaric karst poljes as wetlands of national and international importance, Abstract book, p. 36.

Thorup O. (2004): - Breeding waders in Europe: a year 2000 assessment. - International Wader Studies 14: 3-131.

Wetlands International (2012): Waterbird Population Estimates: Fifth Edition. Summary Report. Wetlands International, Wageningen, The Netherlands.

Wiersma P. & Sharpe C. J. (2015): Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus). In: del Hoyo J., Elliott A., Sargatal J., Christie D. A. & de Juana E. (eds), Handbook of the Birds of the World.Lynx Edicions, Barcelona.


Hutovo blato (Photo: Nermina Sarajlić)


Karst poljes in Bosnia and Herzegovina – newly identified Important Bird Areas

Borut Rubinić1

1 Kurirska pot 27, SI - 1360 Vrhnika, Slovenia; E-mail: [email protected]

SummaryRecently a list of bird species triggering A (global) and B (regional) criteria for the designation of Important Bird Areas (IBAs) has been prepared, based on the latest population estimates of breeding and wintering birds of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the latest information on threatened bird species provided to the IUCN Global Red List by BirdLife International. According to this list of so-called “IBA qualifying species” the 16 largest and in terms of bird occurrence most significant karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina have been assessed. Only two for their rich biodiversity best-known karst poljes, i.e. Livanjsko polje and Hutovo blato, have been designated as IBAs in the past. For the two sites some important new data were collected, while the existing data of some species was re-assessed against the newly defined IBA criteria. Apart from Livanjsko polje and Hutovo blato, 14 of the other most important karst poljes and karst polje complexes of Bosnia and Herzegovina have been assessed. For the majority of these sites, the data were collected and systematically evaluated for the first time. Of the newly assessed poljes 15 reach A and B IBA thresholds, while one polje does not reach the threshold values for IBA designation. It is expected that the following karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina will soon be formally designated as IBAs:

Nevesinjsko p., Gatačko p., Dabarsko-Fatničko p., Mostarsko blato, Duvanjsko p., Kupreško p., Glamočko p., Podrašničko p., Pašića - Grahovsko p., Lušci p., Dugo p. near Petrovac (5 poljes), Vukovsko - Ravanjsko p. and Popovo polje. Dugo polje - Blidinje did not reach the criteria for IBA designation. The most important qualifying species whose populations were assessed against the IBA designation criteria are: Pochard Aythya ferina, Ferruginous Duck A. nyroca, Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus, Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus, Crane Grus grus, Lapwing Vanellus vanellus, Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur, Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis and some others.

Keywords: karst poljes, Important Bird Areas, Bosnia and Herzegovina, population assessment

SažetakNa osnovu posljednjih populacijskih procjena gnijezdećih i zimujućih ptica u Bosni i Hercegovini i aktuelnih podataka o ugroženosti ptičjih vrsta, koje je pripremio BirdLife International i koji su objavljeni na globalnoj crvenoj listi IUCN-a, pripremljena je lista ptičjih vrsta bitnih za do-stizanje A (globalnih) i B (regionalnih) kriterija za Međunarodno značajna područja za ptice (IBA). Na osnovu tih tzv. “kvalifikacionih vrsta za IBA” procijenjen je status 16 najvećih i za ptice naj-značajnijih kraških polja Bosne i Hercegovine.


Samo dva kraška polja, Livanjsko polje i Hutovo blato, su u prošlosti bila prepoznata kao IBA područja. Za spomenuta dva područja skupljeni su novi značajni podaci, dok su postojeći podaci za neke ptičje vrste ponovno pregledani i evaluirani u odnosu na novodefinirane IBA kriterije. Pored Livanjskog polja i Hutovog blata u obzir za do-davanje na spisak novih IBA područja je uzeto još 14 drugih značajnih kraških polja i kompleksa polja sa područja Bosne i Hercegovine. Za većinu tih područja podaci o brojnosti i pojavljivanju značajnih vrsta ptica sistematski su prikupljeni i evaluirani po prvi put. Petnaest polja sa spiska novopregledanih polja dostiže vrijednosti prema A i B IBA kriterijima, dok jedno polje nije ispunilo uslove za uvrštavanje na spisak IBA područja. Očekuje se da će sljedeća polja u bliskoj bu-dućnosti da budu imenovana kao IBA područja: Nevesinjsko p., Gatačko p., Dabarsko-Fatničko p., Mostarsko blato, Duvanjsko p., Kupreško p., Glamočko p., Podrašničko p., Pašića - Grahovsko p., Lušci polje, Dugo polje pored Petrovca (5 polja), Vukovsko - Ravanjsko p. i Popovo polje. Dugo polje - Blidinje nije dostiglo kriterije za ime-novanje na listu IBA područja. Najbitnije vrste, odnosno populacije vrsta, na osnovu kojih se određivalo značajnost kraških polja su: glavata patka Aythya ferina, patka njorka A. nyroca, eja livadarka Circus pygargus, crvenonoga vjetruška Falco vespertinus, ždral Grus grus, vivak Vanellus vanellus, grlica Streptopelia turtur, livadska trep-teljka Anthus pratensis i poneke druge vrste.

Ključne riječi: kraška polja, IBA područja, Bosna i Hercegovina, procjena populacije

IntroductionThe concept of Important Bird Areas is one of the best known and best developed standards for the identification of sites of special importance for birds. This set of sites was introduced by

the International Council for Bird Preservation (ICBP), the largest conservation organization for the conservation of birds (later renamed into BirdLife International) in 1981. A first inventory of IBAs (capturing IBAs in Europe) was published in 1989 (Grimmett & Jones 1989) and since then IBAs are commonly known as areas of international (global, regional or at the level of the European Union) importance for birds all over the World. Currently more than 12,000 IBAs have been identified all over the planet.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the IBA identification process never got to a full speed. Only 4 sites have been declared IBAs, and that situation remained unchanged for decades. Although there were attempts to update the current IBA list for Bosnia and Herzegovina, the process of IBA identification was never done in a holistic and systematic way by covering nation-wide surveys and data assessment, a process that is usually followed by the overall national IBA identification and designation process. The main reason is the continuous lack of extensive data on bird distribution and population sizes on the national level, followed by a lack of capacities for data collection in the field. Although several bird inventories were carried out in various parts of the country, they were either local or focusing at specific bird species and are thus of limited use for the IBA identification.

A theoretical assessment of potential IBAs based on A (global) and B (regional, Europe-wide) criteria was carried out by Ornithological Society “Naše ptice” in 2012 (Kotrošan et al. 2012) by listing 40 potential IBAs across the country, including 13 karst poljes. Since 2012, a number of more or less systematic and focused observations were carried out in 16 selected karst poljes (few smaller karst poljes are regarded as one larger karst polje - this is explained with an asterisk


in the individual karst polje section), mostly by members of Ornithological Society “Naše ptice”. Since then, in the framework of 8 projects about 508 field days were spent in the field, with a clear goal of collecting information on identified IBA qualifying species. In addition, two members of Ornithological Society “Naše ptice”, Josip Vekić (the head of the ranger service in Hutovo blato Natural Park) and Mirko Šarac, have been monitoring birds and their populations in Hutovo blato, Duvanjsko polje and to a lesser extent in Mostarsko blato. In the situation of continued absence or scarcity of capacities to carry out a national-wide survey, the ambition of this focused research was to identify all the karst poljes that reach A and B IBA criteria thresholds and propose their formal designation by BirdLife International and subsequently inclusion in the list of IBAs of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Because they constitute areas of specific ecological conditions, the idea is that karst poljes and similar, i.e. specific and ecologically isolated subsets of sites, are gradually assessed against the IBA criteria and get separately included into the list of formally designated IBAs. We believe that this is the only realistic way for slowly putting Bosnia and Herzegovina on the map of countries with fully designated national IBA inventories.

The objective of this article is to present the results of the latest assessment of the most important karst poljes in Bosnia and Herzegovina against the global and regional IBA criteria.

MethodsDesk study and field workThe importance of the karst poljes of Bosnia and especially Herzegovina for a vast array of breeding, migrating and migratory waterbirds and raptors has been known since the very beginning of ornithological research in the country.

Research of ornithological importance in Bosnia and Herzegovina can be roughly divided into three periods:

• 1887 to 1915, conducted mostly by Othmar Reiser;

• 1964 to 1991, conducted mostly by Svjetoslav Obratil;

• 2003 to present time, started by Dražen Ko-trošan (all three were curators of the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sara-jevo) and followed by a number of mostly foreign experts but after 2010 also by a few experts from Bosnia and Herzegovina itself.

The same as for the whole country is also true for the research of birds of the karst poljes in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Even in the 19th century and at the beginning of the 20th century Othmar Reiser noticed the exceptional value of Livanjsko polje, Hutovo blato and of other karst poljes (Reiser 1939). With the only exception of Hutovo blato (i.e. Obratil 1988) and Livanjsko polje which were given special attention, but, on the other hand, without collecting quantitative data on bird populations (Obratil 2006), the remaining karst poljes were, with the exception of a few sporadic, almost completely under-documented surveys (i.e. Obratil 1999), mostly neglected until the early 21st century.

The main research of Livanjsko polje, Hutovo blato and to a lesser extent of some of the other poljes was conducted between 2004 and 2014, mostly by Dr. Martin Schneider-Jacoby and Borut Štumberger occasionally accompanied by other foreign and local ornithologists. The main published sources from this period which were used for assessing and the designation of IBAs are: Rubinič 2002a, Rubinič 2002b, Schenider-Jacoby & Štumberger 2003, Schenider-Jacoby et


• Popovo polje• Nevesinjsko polje• Gatačko polje• Dabarsko and Fatničko poljes*• Mostarsko blato• Duvanjsko polje• Vukovsko - Ravanjsko poljes*• Kupreško polje• Glamočko polje• Podrašničko polje• Pašića - Grahovsko poljes• Dugo - Petrovac poljes (5 poljes)*• Lušci polje• Dugo - Blidinje poljes*• Livanjsko polje• Hutovo blato

(*cluster of smaller poljes that are closely connected and were assessed as one unified geographical entity)

al. 2006, Stumberger et al. 2007, Lelo & Kotrošan 2008, Kitonić & Sackl 2008/09, Kotrošan & Dervović 2008/09, Stumberger & Sackl 2008/09, Stumberger et al. 2008/09, Šarac & Štumberger 2008/09, Dervović et al. 2010, Schenider-Jacoby 2010a, Schneider-Jacoby 2010b, Schenider-Jacoby & Štumberger 2010, Stumberger & Schneider-Jacoby 2010, Stumberger & Schneider-Jacoby 2013, Stumberger et al. 2010, Kotrošan et al. 2011, Šimić & Kotrošan 2011, Kotrošan 2008, Kotrošan 2012, Dalmatin et al. 2013, Kotrošan et al. 2013, Kotrošan & Sarajlić 2014, Sackl et al. 2014, Šimić-Hatibović 2014, Topić et al. 2014, Trontelj 2005 etc.

We assessed 16 karst poljes or karst poljes clus-ters*, that were expected to reach IBA thresh-olds. Note that Livanjsko polje and Hutovo blato (in bold) are already officially declared as IBAs by BirdLife International but were nevertheless re-assessed using the most recent data. These poljes are:

Fig. 1: Livanjsko polje (Photo: Biljana Topić)


Setting of IBA criteriaThe identification and delimitation of Important Bird Areas must be based entirely on scientific criteria such as for example: “1% of the population of listed vulnerable species” or “wetlands of international importance for migratory waterfowl” (Grimmett & Jones 1989, BirdLife International 2017). As in many other countries in the Balkans, in Bosnia and Herzegovina the first step of the identification of IBAs will be their identification against A (global) and B (continental – Europe-wide) criteria. The bird species that could, according to our current knowledge, trigger specific criteria and the criteria that will be triggered by the regular presence, distribution and phenology and the size of breeding, wintering or migratory populations of selected species are presented in the Table 2.

The criteria that were applied in this study are marked in bold:

Global ‘A’ criteria:Criteria not applied in bold.

A1 Species of global conservation concern;

A2 Assemblage of restricted - range species:

A3 Assemblage of biome - restricted species;

A4 Congregations (predictable concentrations).

Pan-European ‘B’ criteria:

B1 Congregations:

i > 1% flyway / other distinct population of waterbirds;

ii > 1% distinct population of seabirds;iii > 1% flyway / other distinct population of

landbirds;iv Migration bottleneck for > 5,000 storks / >

3,000 raptors / > 3,000 cranes;

B2 Species with an unfavourable conservation status in Europe (SPEC 2 or 3);

B3 Species with a favourable conservation status in Europe but concentrated in Europe (Non-SPECE).

The criteria which have not been included are A2, A3 and partly B1, A2 and A3 refer to endemic species and species specific for restricted biomes. There are no real endemic bird species in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and although there are some biome-restricted species from the Alpine and Mediterranean biomes, the karst poljes are not typical or representative sites of their occurrence and we thought that including them would require much wider knowledge on their occurrence and population densities in other parts of the country. For similar reasons we also avoided B1iv criteria and B1iii criteria as both would require other sets of data that are relevant also for areas other than karst poljes.


For the identification of sites that meet B2 and B3 criteria, first the following standard steps were followed for the selection of triggering species:

• Species that have an unfavourable conser-vation status in Europe (SPEC 1, 2 & 3) under criterion B2 or species of favourable conservation status, but with more than 50% of their global range lying in Europe (non-SPECE) under criterion B3 (BirdLife International 2004);

• A site protection approach is thought to be appropriate in Bosnia and Herzegovina; meaning that important part of population of selected species is linked to specific, geographically well-defined areas and not distributed dispersedly over a large territory within the country (i.e. Red-backed Shrike);

• Species whose national population reach at least 0.5% of the European population or it was alternatively possible to identify IBAs

Tab.1: Most important projects implemented by Ornithological Society “Naše ptice” and their partners that were used for recent surveys of birsurveys in the selected karst poljes in the period from 1 July 2011 to 31 December 2017

Karst polje

Identification and Promotion of Karst Poljes in Bosnia and Herzegovina as Wetlands of National and International Importance (2011-2013)

ORNIBA - Bird Species Protection in Balkans: Joint Intervention by Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro (2013-2014)

Improving the Management of Hutovo Blato Nature Park (2013-2015)

EBBA 2 (2015-2017)

“Monitoring of birds and bird crime in Nature Park Hutovo Blato and Neretva Delta”

Towarfunctioning sof stwintalong the AFlywa(AF3) (20

Popovo polje 6 8 18Nevesinjsko polje 9 1 16

Gatačko polje 7 4 14Dabarsko-Fatničko polje 10 2 16

Mostarsko blato 15 7 2 68Duvanjsko polje* 7 6 24

Vukovsko-Ravanjsko polje 10 1 16Kupreško polje 5 7

Glamočko polje 5 9

Podrašničko polje 2 7 24Pašića – Grahovsko poljes 1 4 19

Dugo polje - Petrovac complex 2 5 21Lušci polje 2 7 26

Dugo polje - Blidinje 3 8Hutovo blato* 6 6 20 3 36 105

Livanjsko polje 7 12 57 94 13 20 81 36 60 52 152 508*Note that apart from the days spent in the framework of the listed projects, the birds of Hutovo blato and Duvanjsko polje have been monitored on a daily basis b“Naše ptice”.


according to Heath & Evans (2000), who state “Also, for countries which hold less than 1% of the European population of a given species, or for countries which comprise less than 1% of the total land area of Europe (i.e. less than ca. 100,000 km2), sites may still be selected under this criterion if they support similar numbers of the species as sites in other countries, which meet this criterion in a standard fashion”.

Of B2 and B3 species a few whose population numbers surpass 0.1% of their total European population in Bosnia and Herzegovina were included. The 0.1% threshold for Bosnia and Herzegovina was suggested by BirdLife International (Evans, pers. comm.) due to the small territorial size of the country in question and is similar to the approach that was taken also in the case of other countries of ex-Yugoslavia (e.g. Polak 2000, Puzović et al. 2009, Velevski et al. 2010).

The subset of species that we considered had to be specific for karst poljes with unique landscape features, for species which are restricted to them and species which are characteristic for a limited number of well-known wetland areas in the country. We only selected bird species where we were completely sure they trigger A1, A4, B1, B2 or B3 IBA selection criteria. In this way we could apply the relatively good knowledge of birds in the selected 16 karst poljes and in areas with similar ecological character (wetlands) in the rest of the country, but without knowing a lot about non-wetland areas in the rest of the country.

Only the most recent population estimates were taken in account, meaning published data from the year 2002 onwards and data collected between 2010 and 2018, mainly in the framework of the following projects, implemented by Ornithological Society “Naše ptice” and their project partners.

Tab.1: eys of birds in karst poljes. A total of 508 field days were spent for bird

Towards a functioning system of stop-over and wintering sites along the Adriatic Flyway – Phase 3 (AF3) (2015-2018)

Hutovo Blato Nature Park and Mostarsko Blato as Safe Breeding, Stop-Over and Wintering Sites for Birds (2016-2017)

Karst polje 2 - Revision of potential karst polje IBAs and establishment of sustainable Development in Duvanjsko and Livanjsko polje (2016-2018)

Total days spent for bird surveys

1 3 18 6 161 2 14 4 167 26 11 687 4 242 3 162 25 39

23 37

15 241 13 19 14 21 17 264 1 86 26 2 10529 9 57

94 13 20 81 36 60 52 152 508ed on a daily basis by Josip Vekić and Mirko Šarac, members of Ornithological Society

Results and DiscussionBy applying the minimum criteria assuring ac-curacy and credibility of selected IBAs explained in the methods section (above) a total of 21 spe-cies of birds have been selected and assessed as qualifying for the potential designation of 16 karst poljes in Bosnia and Herzegovina.


Tab.2: Bird species that triggered A and B criteria for the selection of Important Birds Areas in the karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Status: B - breeding, W - wintering, M - migration; Unit: I - individual, p (bp) - pair; pop min, max, MED BA: provided are minimum, maximum and median population estimatglobal IUCN Red List; SPEC: Species of European Conservation Concern category (BirdLife International 2017); pop min, max, MED EUR: prInternational Data Zone/IUCN Red List); Threshold BA: threshold for 1% of the biogeographical population of selected waterbird species in Bosnia and HerzegSpecies in bold: globally threatened species; Species is duplicated if breeding and non - breeding populations are assessed with separat

Species

Common Name

Status

Unit

pop min BA

pop max BA

pop MED BA

IUCN

SPEC

Annex

pop min EUR

pop maEUR

Microcarbo pygmaeus Pygmy Cormorant B p 600 900 750 LC 1 I 28.000 39

Microcarbo pygmaeus Pygmy Cormorant W i 600 2000 1300 LC 1 I

Ixobrychus minutus Common Little Bittern B p 200 500 350 LC 3 I 60.000 120.000

Nycticorax nycticorax Black.crowned Night Heron B p 50 150 100 LC 3 I 63.000 8

Egretta garzetta Little Egret B i 50 150 100 LC NonSpec I 44.000 72.400

Ardeola ralloides Squacco Heron B p 150 250 200 LC 3 I 18.000 2

Ardea purpurea Purple Heron B p 30 60 45 LC 3 I 29.000 42.000

Platalea leucorodia Eurasian Spoonbill M i 100 138 119 LC 2 I

Aythya ferina Common Pochard B p 100 200 150 VU 2

Aythya ferina Common Pochard W i 7557 13141 10349 VU 2 800.000 800.000

Aythya nyroca Ferruginous Duck B p 150 300 225 NT 1 I 12.000 18.000

Aythya nyroca Ferruginous Duck M i NT 1 I 50.000 50.000

Circus cyaneus Hen Harrier W i 100 200 150 LC 3 I

Circus pygargus Montagu’s Harrier B p 100 150 125 LC NonSpecE I 35.000 65.000

Buteo rufinus Long-legged Buzzard B p 20 40 30 LC 3 I 8.700 15.000

Falco vespertinus Red-footed Falcon M i 0 NT 3 I

Fulica atra Common Coot W i 20.000 60.000 40.000 LC NonSpec

Grus grus Common Crane M i LC 2 I 80.000 80.000

Vanellus vanellus Northern Lapwing B p 500 700 600 NT 2 1.700.000 2.800.000

Vanellus vanellus Northern Lapwing M i 0 NT 2

Numenius arquata Eurasian Curlew M i 0 NT 2

Streptopelia turtur European Turtle Dove B p 5.000 15.000 10.000 VU 3 3.500.000 7

Streptopelia turtur European Turtle Dove M i 5.000 15.000 10.000 VU 3

Merops apiaster European Bee-eater B p 500 1200 850 LC 3 480.000 1.000.000

Riparia riparia Sand Martin B p 5.000 10.000 7.500 LC 3 5.400.000 9

Anthus pratensis Meadow Pipit M i NT NonSpec


Tab.2:

e minimum, maximum and median population estimates for Bosnia and Herzegovina (Naše ptice, unpubl.); IUCN - conservation status according to the MED EUR: provided are minimum, maximum and median population estimates for Europe (Birds in Europe ii, BirdLife 2004 or iii, unpubl., BirdLife d species in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Wetlands International 2018); % BA: percentage of European population occurring in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

e assessed with separate criteria.

pop max EUR

pop MED EUR / Treshold BA

% BA

A1/B1 threshold

Criteria

Globally threatened species

% biogeo. pop (min 1%)

Species with unfavorable conservation status in Europe (min 0,1% biog. pop.)

Species with favourable conservation status (concentrated in Europe)

A1 A4/B1 B2 B3

39.000 33.500 2,24

290 4,48 x

120.000 90.000 0,39 x

87.000 75.000 0,13 x

72.400 58.200 0,17 x

27.000 22.500 0,89 x

42.000 35.500 0,13 x

120 0,99 x

20 bp X

800.000 8000 1,29 60 i X x

18.000 15.000 1,5 20 bp X

50.000 500 30 i x

15 i (W), 137 i (M) x

65.000 50.000 0,25 5 bp x

15.000 11.850 0,25 2 bp ? x

60 i x

25.000 (threshold) 1,6 x

80.000 800 x

2.800.000 2.250.000 0,03 20 bp x

60 i x

60 i x

7.200.000 5.350.000 0,19 20 bp x x

60 166,67 60 i x

1.000.000 740.000 0,11 x

9.500.000 7.450.000 0,10 x

90 90 i x


When we applied the specific IBA identification criteria (Tab. 2) to the 16 selected karst poljes and cross-cut them with the recently published data and the data collected in the framework of selected projects implemented by Ornithological Society “Naše ptice” and their partners (Tab. 1), we confirmed that 15 karst poljes qualify as IBAs under A and B criteria. Only one karst polje (Dugo polje - Blidinje) does not qualify for an IBA.

Two sites that have been identified as IBAs in the past, were again considered as outstanding from the very beginning of the present assessment process: Livanjsko polje and Hutovo blato. Although already designated as IBAs, for these two sites new data was applied, updating the existing assessment. It is therefore no surprise that these two poljes were triggered by highest number of qualifying species: 19 for Hutovo blato and 18 for Livanjsko polje. Of the remaining poljes which we assessed for the first time against the IBA criteria, two karst poljes are at the same time large enough and rich in different habitats. As the result those poljes also surpass the number of 10 IBA qualifying species: Duvanjsko polje with 14 and Mostarsko blato with 13 IBA qualifying species. Other poljes are moderately poor in habitats and/or size and the number of qualifying bird species is therefore correspondingly lower.

The significance of the karst poljes varies between seasons. Some of the poljes are more important during the breeding season and some during wintering or the migration period of the selected IBA qualifying species. In general, the majority of evaluated karst poljes contain three main habitat types: grasslands, wetlands and mosaics of cultural landscapes. While practically all of the 15 karst poljes that qualify as IBAs, not all of them are wetlands - they are characterized by extensive grasslands (wet or dry hay meadows and pastures) and cultural landscapes,

characterized by mosaics of arable fields, hedges, orchards, scattered or thick woodlands and bushes. Two of the polje complexes are dry, Dugo-Petrovačko poljes and Vukovsko-Ravanjsko poljes, while others are regularly flooded (mainly during winter and spring). Maximum flood levels between poljes range from 20% of the surface area (Pašića and Grahovsko, Nevesinjsko poljes) to flooded surface areas of more than 70% (Glamočko and Gatačko poljes, Mostarsko blato) or even to permanently flooded Hutovo blato (see Tab. 4). All those features influence the composition of bird communities in individual poljes. While the majority of the evaluated karst poljes are characterized by grassland birds, those with permanent open water surfaces (Hutovo blato, Livanjsko polje) also host breeding populations of waterbirds. However, many waterbird species can be observed in the majority of poljes during migration when most of them are flooded for longer or shorter periods.

Breeding periodAs mentioned above, most poljes are covered by extensive grasslands, and as a result, many grass-land specialized species breed there. Due to the small size of the country only few grassland spe-cies reach important populations in relation to their respective European population, and only

We confirmed that 15 karst

poljes qualify as IBAs under A

and B criteria.

”

“


a couple of them qualify under IBA ‘B’ criteria: Montagu’s Harrier (Circus pygargus) and North-ern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus). There are two further species of qualifying breeding birds: Euro-pean Bee-eater (Merops apiaster) and European Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur), species typical for cultural landscapes that, beside grasslands, additionally include forest stands, riverine habi-tats and croplands and, in the case of bee-eater, eroded sandy banks and riverine slope slides. Other breeding birds are waterbird species that are restricted to the two most important sites: Li-vanjsko polje and Hutovo blato (Tab. 3 and 4).

Migration periodThe karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina are probably most important as stop-over and resting sites during spring migration and for some species (also) during the autumn migration period. Following to extensive open space and flooded areas, particularly after winter rains and snowmelt in spring, and high population densities of small mammals, insects and other invertebrates, flooded grasslands and other wetland areas in

karst poljes serve as vital feeding habitats for millions of migratory birds during resting and stopping-over along the Adriatic Flyway. Probably the largest portion (estimated 80%) of the entire Black-sea/Eastern Mediterranean Common Crane (Grus grus) population (80,000 birds) pass the karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina during migration (Stumberger & Schneider-Jacoby 2013). Data collected during the field research 2011-2017 show that only few poljes are used regularly by Common Cranes as resting sites during migration (the most important are Mostarsko blato and Duvanjsko polje with, by regarding the turn-over of individuals, a total resting population of 30,000-70,000 birds), while other poljes are used irregularly or are only crossed through day and night time migrations. The most important bird species for the identification of IBAs that regularly rest during migration in the majority of karst poljes are Nothern Lapwing, Meadow Pipit (Anthus pratensis) and Red-footed Falcon (Falco vespertinus). Significant numbers of these globally threatened species feed and rest in some, apparently food-rich poljes. In spring many birds may stay for days or even weeks while recovering after crossing the Mediterranean Sea.

Wintering periodLivanjsko polje and Hutovo blato are the most important karst poljes for wintering birds. The extensive water surfaces of reservoirs that were constructed in both poljes for the utilization of hydropower in the mid-20th century, regularly host over 20,000 waterbirds. Besides the latter, only larger poljes, i.e. Duvanjsko, Glamočko, Kupreško poljes and Mostarsko blato, regularly host more than 15 individuals of Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus) during winter (Livanjsko polje even up to 120 individuals) which is the only “non-waterbird” species which reaches the IBA threshold in winter.

Flooded grasslands and other wetland areas in karst poljes serve as vital feeding habitats for millions of migratory birds during resting and stopping-over along the Adriatic Flyway. It is estimated that 80% of the entire Black-sea/Eastern Mediterranean Common Crane population pass the karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina during migration.

”

“


Tab.3: IBA qualifying species and their populations assessed from recent literature and recent field surveys. Species and numbers in bold: breeding (units depict breeding pairs; all other units are individuals). Poljes in bold: formally designated IBGreen - population reaches IBA threshold, yellow - threshold not reached.*In Stumberger & Schneider-Jacoby 2010

Micr

ocar

bo py

gmae

us

Micr

ocar

bo p

ygm

aeus

Ixory

chus

min

utus

Nyct

icora

x nyc

ticor

ax

Egre

tta ga

rzet

ta

Arde

ola r

allo

ides

Arde

a pur

pure

a

Plat

alea

leuc

orod

ia

Ayth

ya fe

rina

Ayth

ya fe

rina

Ayth

ya ny

roca

Ayth

ya n

yroc

a

Circ

us cy

aneu

s

Circ

us py

garg

us

Dugo polje - Blidinje 1-2

Gatačko polje

Dugo polje - Petrovac (5 poljes)

2

Podrašničko polje

Pašića - Grahovsko poljes 3-5

Lušci polje 23-30

Dabarsko - Fatničko polje >20

Vukovsko - Ravanjsko polje 1-3

Glamočko polje 15-20 5

Popovo polje 300 >100

Nevesinjsko polje 100-200 >500

Kupreško polje 10-20. 10-15 4-6

Mostarsko blato 200 172 107 28 5-7 >50 >500 >1000

Duvanjsko polje 150 turnover

ca. 500

100 15-30 6-8 2-3(max23ind.) ca.50 >20 350

Livanjskopolje >10 ? 250-300 30-50 13.141* 20-30 277 120 18-25 30-50 >20 70-300

Hutovoblato 700-1000 1842 30 <20 80 30 5-6 150 30-50 1630 ca.100 693 ca. 10 1-2 >50


Tab.3:ed IBAs (by BirdLife International). Numbers in cells are recorded maximum numbers or estimated minimum populations.

Circ

us py

garg

us

Bute

o rufi

nus

Falco

vesp

ertin

us

Fulic

a at

ra

Grus

gru

s

Vane

llus v

anel

lus

Vane

llus v

anel

lus

Stre

ptop

elia

turtu

r

Stre

ptop

elia

turtu

r

Mero

ps ap

iast

er

Ripa

ria ri

paria

Anth

us p

rate

nsis

20.0

00 w

ater

bird

s

IBA

(Yes/

No)

N of

qua

lifyin

g spe

cies

1-2 No 0

Few 250 ? ? Yes 1

2 few >200 Yes 1

6000 > 194 Yes 2

3-5 65 3-5 > 124 Yes 2

23-30 30-50 > 120 Yes 2

>800 turnover migrating

120 >20 ca. 20 ? Yes 3

1-3 >60 2000-3000 >100 Yes 3

5 5000 1 > 99 Yes 4

>800 120 >100 probably thousands

ca. 20 ? Yes 5

few 250 ? >60 100-200 >500 > 100 Yes 5

4-6 few 15014122 turnover migrating

23 87 > 146 Yes 6

5-7 300

1740 daily max resting / 30-50.000 turnover resting

950 >50 >500 >500 >1000 > 1000

Yes 13

6-8 2-3(max23ind.) 1500

10500 turnover resting / 70.000 turnover migrating

ca.50 400 >20 >60 350 > 90 Yes 14

Livanjskopolje >10 30-50 20-30 18-25 >60 51.992* 5450 30-50 >300 >20 >60 70-300 200-300 > 206 x Yes 18

Hutovoblato 700-1000 30 <20 80 30 5-6 30-50 ca.100 1-2 >60 >1500 219 >50 >1000 50-80 few > 90 x Yes 19


Tab.4: Karst polje size, numbers of habitat types, maximum flood surface (% of total surface area/polje) and the presence of birds charactgreen shading) and cultural landscapes (dark green shading). Scientific species names in bold depict breeding populations, while names in normal t1 Following the general BirdLife habitat type classification in Data Zone (Birdlife International 2018)2 According to Sackl et al. 2014

POLJESize (ha)

1 N of habitats

2 Max. Flood surface - %

Micr

ocar

bo py

gmae

us

Micr

ocar

bo p

ygm

aeus

Ixobr

ychu

s min

utus

Nyct

icora

x nyc

ticor

ax

Egre

tta ga

rzet

ta

Arde

ola r

allo

ides

Arde

a pur

pure

a

Plat

alea

leuc

orod

ia

Ayth

ya fe

rina

Ayth

ya fe

rina

Ayth

ya ny

roca

Gatačko polje 6012 9 71,4

Dugo polje - Petrovac (5 poljes) 6540 7 5,4

Podrašničko polje 3426 13 37,0

Lušci polje 2271 8 32,6

Pašića - Grahovsko poljes 3669 9 20,4

Dabarsko-Fatničko polje 3667 12 65,4

Vukovsko-Ravanjsko polje 4741 8 0,8

Nevesinjsko polje 7753 13 21,4

Glamočko polje 6244 12 75,6

Popovo polje 11890 12 35,4

Kupreško polje 8182 8 44,3

Mostarsko blato 3314 11 96,1

Duvanjsko polje 12508 13 42,4

Livanjskopolje 40800 23 67,3

Hutovoblato 3270 16 100,0

AcknowledgementsThe author thanks Ilhan Dervović, Jovica Sjeničić, Goran Topić, Aleksandar Vukanović, Mirko Šarac, Josip Vekić and Dražen Kotrošan for their coop-eration and providing data for the present article.

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Ayth

ya n

yroc

a

20.0

00 w

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bird

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Circ

us cy

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Circ

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garg

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Bute

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Falco

vesp

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gru

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Vane

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Anth

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Hutovo blato (Photo: Josip Vekić)


List of karst poljes in Bosnia and Herzegovina proposed as new Important Bird Areas

Borut Rubinić, Jovica Sjeničić, Peter Sackl, Dražen Kotrošan & Nermina Sarajlić

Seasonal fluctuations of water level are the main reason for the extremely rich biodiversity of Di-naric karst poljes. In the cold and wet period of the year, mostly between October and April, when the larger part of annual precipitation falls in the form of rain or snow in the higher mountains, poljes become flooded, turning into large wet-lands, which provide foraging grounds for numer-ous wintering birds. In spring many karst poljes have turned into inundated lakes and provide optimal habitat conditions for many thousands of migratory birds which use the karst poljes for a short stop-over or longer rests during migration. After the winter rains and snow melt the water evaporates, but most of it leaves the polje under-ground through ponors, leaving behind lush pas-tures, grasslands, greening alluvial forests and arable lands – all of it important breeding habi-tats for a rich and diverse breeding bird fauna.

Karst ecosystems are very fragile and particularly sensitive to environmental changes which can impact the physical, chemical and biological pro-cesses. The karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzego-vina are facing numerous pressures and threats, including change of land use, existing and planned water diversions and energy production infrastructure, intensification of agricultural prac-tices and urbanization. The conservation value of karst poljes derives from their biodiversity and ecological functions, and the Important Bird Area status is a good starting point for protecting these sites on a national level.

Important Bird Areas (IBAs) are globally important habitats for the conservation of bird populations. IBAs are identified by internationally agreed cri-teria. Up to now BirdLife International has iden-tified more than 12,000 IBAs around the world. Of these, only 4 sites are currently designated in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In a framework of sev-eral projects, extensive bird surveys were carried out in 16 selected karst poljes and clusters of dif-ferent poljes by members of Ornithological Soci-ety “Naše ptice” and associated NGOs. Following to international criteria, mentioned above, the field work was focused on gathering data on the distribution and populations of 21 bird species, including globally threatened species, those with an unfavourable conservation status in Europe, whose populations are concentrated in Europe, and species for which more than 1% of the bio-geographical population is found in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The results of field research show that 15 assessed karst poljes, with a total area of 124.287 ha, meet IBA criteria. These karst poljes were proposed for their formal designation as IBAs by BirdLife Inter-national.

This dossier presents a list and a short description of the bird fauna of the proposed new IBAs in Bosnia and Herzegovina, based on literature and results of the recent surveys, and summarizes the most important qualifying data for each of them.


1. Duvanjsko poljeDuvanjsko polje is an important stop-over site for migrating flocks of Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca, Eurasian Crane Grus grus, Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus, Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia, Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus, Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus, European Turtle-dove Streptopelia turtur, Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis. Together with Common Pochard Aythya ferina and Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus, Meadow Pipit is also a regular winter visitor in the area. Important breeding species include Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus, Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus, Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus, Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus, European Turtle-dove Streptopelia turtur, European Bee-eater Merops apiaster and Barred Warbler Sylvia nisoria.

Important bird species and populations:

Species NameCounts and estimates

Number of Birds Details of count/How estimate was derived

Aythya nyroca 100 ind migration

Grus grus 10.500 indpassage; seasonal turnover of resting birds; ca. 70.000 flying over

Vanellus vanellus 400 ind migration

Platalea leucorodia 150 ind passage

Aythya ferina 500 ind passage and wintering

Circus aeruginosus 5-20 breeding pairs

Circus cyaneus 15-30 ind wintering

Circus pygargus 6-8 breeding pairs

Buteo rufinus 2-3 breeding pairs

Buteo rufinus max 23 ind migration

Falco vespertinus max 1500 ind passage, stop-over

Vanellus vanellus ca 50 breeding pairs

Streptopelia turtur >20 breeding pairs

Streptopelia turtur >60 ind passage

Merops apiaster 350 breeding pairs

Anthus pratensis >90 ind passage and wintering

Silvia nisoria 90 breeding pairs


Long-legged Buzzard • Buteo rufinus (Photo: Mirko Šarac)



Eurasian Spoonbill • Platalea leucorodia (Photo: Mirko Šarac)


2. Kupreško polje During spring and autumn migration, flocks of Eurasian Crane Grus grus, Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus, Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus, Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca, and Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis regularly stop-over or rest in the area. Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus winters in Kupreško polje.

Important breeding bird species include Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus and Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus, while Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus breeds in smaller numbers, but passes the area regularly during migration. The polje is also a breeding site of Barred Warbler Sylvia nisoria and, probably, also for Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus.





Falco vespertinus 150 ind migration

Coturnix coturnix 50-70 breeding pairs

Grus grus 14.122 ind turn over during the spring migration

Vanellus vanellus 23 breeding pairs


Anthus pratensis 146 ind migration

Aythya nyroca 10-20 breeding pairs

Circus cyaneus 10-15 ind wintering

Buteo rufinus - individual sightings

Sylvia nisoria 30-40 breeding pairs

Circus aeruginosus 1 breeding pair

Kupreško polje (Photo: Behudin Alimanović)


Long-legged Buzzard • Buteo rufinus (Photo: Mirko Šarac)


Kupreško polje (Photo: Goran Topić)

Kupreško polje (Photo: Biljana Topić)

Kupreško polje (Photo: Biljana Topić)


Vukovsko polje (Photo: Biljana Topić)


3. Vukovsko-Ravanjsko polje Vukovsko-Ravanjsko polje is a complex of two adjoining poljes – Vukovsko on the northern and Ravanjsko on the southern side. Until recently, the biodiversity of these poljes was largely unexplored. So far, 80 bird species were recorded in Vukovsko and 52 in Ravanjsko polje.




Falco vespertinus >60 ind migration

Grus grus 2.000-3.000 ind migration

Anthus pratensis >100 ind migration



Ravanjsko polje (Photo: Biljana Topić)

Vukovsko polje (Photo: Biljana Topić)


Red-footed falcon • Falco vespertinus (Photo: Mirko Šarac)


4. Glamočko polje At least two species of conservation concern breed in Glamočko polje in significant numbers: Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus and Barred Warbler Sylvia nisoria. During migration large flocks of Eurasian Cranes Grus grus, Meadow Pipits Anthus pratensis, and Red-footed Falcons Falco vespertinus rest in the area. During winter, Hen Harriers Circus cyaneus are abundant.




Circus pygargus 5 breeding pairs

Grus grus 5.000 passage



Circus cyaneus 15-20 individuals wintering

Circus aeruginosus 2 breeding pairs

Coturnix coturnix 100-120 singing males (breeding pairs)


Glamočko polje (Photo: Biljana Topić)


Western Marsh Harrier • Circus aeruginosus (Photo: Mirko Šarac)

Glamočko polje (Photo: Goran Topić)


Glamočko polje (Photo: Biljana Topić)


5. Pašića-Grahovsko poljes The biodiversity of this complex of smaller poljes is largely unexplored. So far, 63 bird species have been recorded in Marinkovci, 92 in Grahovsko and 97 in Pašića polje. The most important breeding species is Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus and Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis is numerous during migration.






Grus grus ? migration

Sylvia nisoria several breeding pairs



Grahovsko polje (Photo: Biljana Topić)


Montagu’s Harrier • Circus pygargus (Photo: Goran Topić)

Pašića polje (Photo: Goran Topić)


Grahovsko polje (Photo: Goran Topić)


6. Dugo polje - Petrovac (5 poljes)Petrovačka poljes is an informal name for six different karst poljes that are closely connected with each other geographically and biogeographically, yet they are separated by unique geomorphological features. This complex consists of Dugo polje, Petrovačko polje, Medeno polje, Vedro polje, Bjelajsko polje and Rudo polje. These poljes are used as stopping-over sites by Eurasian Crane Grus grus, Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus and Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis. Significant breeding birds include Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus, Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor, Grey Partridge Perdix perdix and European Bee-eater Merops apiaster.





Grus grus ? passage

Circus pygargus 2 breeding pairs

Petrovačko polje (Photo: Goran Topić)


Medeno polje (Photo: Goran Topić)

Dugo polje (Photo: Goran Topić)


Bjelajsko polje (Photo: Goran Topić)

Lesser Grey Shrike • Lanius minor (Photo: Goran Topić)


Dugo polje (Photo: Goran Topić)


7. Podrašničko polje Until now 96 bird species have been registered in this relatively unexplored polje. It is most important for migrating Eurasian Crane Grus grus and Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis.




Grus grus 6000 ind passage

Anthus pratensis 194 ind passage


Podrašničko polje (Photo: Goran Topić)


Lesser Grey Shrike • Lanius minor (Photo: Goran Topić)


Eurasian Crane • Grus grus (Photo: Mirko Šarac)


8. Lušci polje So far, 96 bird species were recorded in this largely unexplored polje. A significant population of European Turtle-dove Streptopelia turtur breeds in the polje. Additionally, there are also other breeding species of conservation concern: Corncrake Crex crex, Common Quail Coturnix coturnix, Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor, and Barred Warbler Sylvia nisoria. Significant numbers of Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis regularly occur in this polje during the migration period.




Streptopelia turtur 23-30 breeding pairs

Merops apiaster 30-50 breeding pairs


Sylvia nisoria several breeding pairs

Lušci polje (Photo: Goran Topić)


European Bee-eater • Merops apiaster (Photo: Mirko Šarac)


9. Gatačko poljeFor bird conservation this polje is most important for the presence of migratory flocks of Eurasian Crane Grus grus and Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus. The breeding bird fauna includes Barred Warbler Sylvia nisoria which is listed in Annex I of the EU Birds Directive.





Grus grus ? passage


Gatačko polje (Photo: Goran Topić)


Northern Lapwing • Vanellus vanellus (Photo: Mirko Šarac)


Nevesinjsko polje (Photo: Goran Topić)

10. Nevesinjsko polje So far, a total of 108 bird species were recorded in Nevesinjsko polje. The area is an important site for migratory Eurasian Crane Grus grus, Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus, European Turtle-dove Streptopelia turtur, and Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis. The polje further harbours significant breeding populations of European Turtle-dove Streptopelia turtur, Sand Martin Riparia riparia and European Bee-eater Merops apiaster.




Grus grus ? passage


Streptopelia turtur >60 ind migration

Streptopelia turtur ? breeding

Merops apiaster 100-200 breeding pairs

Riparia riparia 500 breeding pairs



Sand Martin • Riparia riparia (Photo: Peter Sackl)


European Bee-eater • Merops apiaster (Photo: Mirko Šarac)


11. Dabarsko - Fatničko poljeBoth poljes have been, until recently, largely ignored by ornithologists. So far, 108 bird species have been recorded in Dabarsko polje, and 98 species in Fatničko polje. Important species of Dabarsko - Fatničko poljes are migratory populations of Eurasian Crane Grus grus, Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus, and Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis. In addition, significant populations of European Turtle-dove Streptopelia turtur and European Bee-eater Merops apiaster breed in the poljes.




Grus grus >800 ind passage


Streptopelia turtur >20 bp breeding

Merops apiaster ca. 20 bp breeding

Anthus pratensis ? migration


Fatničko polje (Photo: Behudin Alimanović)


Dabarsko polje (Photo: Biljana Topić)

Fatničko polje (Photo: Biljana Topić)


Meadow Pipit • Anthus pratensis (Photo: Peter Sackl)


12. Popovo polje Until now 176 bird species have been recorded in Popovo polje, but the birds of the area have never been systematically researched. In 2017 a large population of over 100 breeding pairs of European Turtle-dove Streptopelia turtur was confirmed. Apart from the later species, the polje probably hosts large flocks of Eurasian Crane Grus grus, Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus, and Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis during migration.




Grus grus >800 ind passage



Merops apiaster ca. 20 breeding pairs

Anthus pratensis ? ind migration



Popovo polje, Vrutak (Photo: Biljana Topić)


European Turtle-dove • Streptopelia turtur (Photo: Mirko Šarac)


Mostarsko blato (Photo: Martin Schneider-Jacoby)


13. Mostarsko blatoMostarsko blato is one of the most important stop-over and resting sites for migratory birds along the Adriatic Flyway. Large flocks of migrants rest and feed in the polje, especially during spring migration: Common Pochard Aythya ferina, Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca, Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus, Eurasian Crane Grus grus, Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus, Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia, Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa and Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis. A significant population of Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus regularly winters in this polje. Important breeding species include Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus and Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus, European Turtle-dove Streptopelia turtur. The polje additionally harbours some of the largest breeding colonies of European Bee-eater Merops apiaster and Sand Martin Riparia riparia in Bosnia and Herzegovina.




Aythya ferina 172 ind migration

Aythya nyroca 107 ind migration

Circus cyaneus 28 ind wintering


Falco vespertinus 300 passage

Grus grus 1.740 ind passage (30-50.000 ind. turnover)


Circus aeruginosus 10-20 breeding pairs


Streptopelia turtur >500 ind migration

Merops apiaster >500 breeding pairs

Riparia riparia >1.000 breeding pairs

Anthus pratensis 1.000 ind migration

Limosa limosa 22 ind migration

Platalea leucorodia 200 ind migration


Eurasian Spoonbill • Platalea leucorodia (Photo: Mirko Šarac)

Eurasian Crane • Grus grus (Photo: Mirko Šarac)


Mostarsko blato (Photo: Goran Topić)