Adriatic Flyway – Closing the gap in bird Conservation preface

Dinaric
Karst Poljes —
Floods for Life
Edited by: Peter Sackl,
Romy Durst, Dražen Kotrošan
and Borut Stumberger

1
Dinaric
Karst Poljes –
Floods for Life
Edited by: Peter Sackl,
Romy Durst, Dražen Kotrošan
and Borut Stumberger

Proceedings of the 1st Workshop on Karst Poljes as

Wetlands of National and International Importance,
Livno, 30 September - 1 October 2014
EuroNatur, 2014
Konstanzer Str. 22, D-78315 Radolfzell, Germany
http://www.euronatur.org/

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ISBN 978-3-00-045287-1

Recommended citations:

Sackl P., Durst R., Kotrošan D. & Stumberger B. (eds.): Dinaric Karst Poljes - Floods for Life. EuroNatur, Radolfzell.

Bonacci O. (2014): Ecohydrology of karst poljes and their vulnerability. In: Sackl P., Durst R., Kotrošan D. & Stumberger B.
(eds.). Dinaric Karst Poljes - Floods for Life. EuroNatur, Radolfzell; p. 25-37.

Cover design & design: Jasna Andrić

Language editor: Peter Sackl
Typesetting by Camera d.o.o. (Slovenia)
Printed and bound by Tiskarna Povše d.o.o. (Slovenia)
Number of copies: 400

The project “Identification and Promotion of Karst Poljes in Bosnia-Herzegovina as Wetlands of National and
International Importance” was financial supported by MAVA Foundation”

In cooperation with Naše ptice, Sarajevo (BiH); Naša bastina Tomislavgrad (BiH) and Zagreb (HR); Universalmuseum
Joanneum, Graz (AT)

Cover photo: Flooded Livanjsko polje, Bosnia-Herzegovina, 4 May 2010 (Photo: Martin Schneider-Jacoby)

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Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Contents

Contents

I. Preface
Prof. dr. sc. Jaroslav Vego, NFP Ramsar Convention for Bosnia and Herzegovina 5
Karst polje conservation – the legacy of Dr Martin Schneider-Jacoby 7
Borut Stumberger, Romy Durst and Peter Sackl

II. Karst Poljes as Wetlands of National and International Importance, Workshop
Proceedings and Project Results
Wetlands in drylands: the global importance of Karst poljes 11
Tobias Salathé
General aspects of the Karst Poljes of the Dinaric Karst 17
Ivo Lučić
Ecohydrology of karst poljes and their vulnerability 25
Ognjen Bonacci
Flooding analysis of the karst poljes in Bosnia and Herzegovina 39
Ulrich Schwarz
Floristic values of the Karst Poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina 45
Sabaheta Abadžić & Nermina Sarajlić
A preliminary survey of the wet- and grassland vegetation of the karst poljes of Bosnia-Herzegovina 59
Gerhard Bronner
Endangered Proteus: combining DNA and GIS analyses for its conservation 71
Gregor Aljančič, Špela Gorički, Magdalena Năpăruş, David Stanković & Matjaž Kuntner
The wintering population of Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus in Glamočko, Duvanjsko and Kupreško polje (Bosnia-
Herzegovina) 77
Ena Šimić-Hatibović
Spring Migration 2013 of Eurasian Crane Grus grus of the Adriatic Flyway population in the Western Balkans
and in the Eastern Adriatic 83
Goran Topić, Ana Vujović, Bariša Ilić, Ivan Medenica & Nermina Sarajlić
The distribution and population numbers of Corncrakes Crex crex in the karst poljes of Bosnia-Herzegovina –
results of a large-scale survey in 2012 and 2013 91
Peter Sackl, Ilhan Dervović, Dražen Kotrošan, Goran Topić, Sumeja Drocić, Mirko Šarac, Nermina Sarajlić,
Romy Durst & Borut Stumberger
The ecological value of free-ranging livestock 105
Waltraud Kugler & Elli Broxham
An ecological approach to the management of the Dinaric Karst’s renewable natural resources 115
Jozo Rogošić & Branka Perinčić
Grabovica trail – rediscovering the natural heritage at the border of Duvanjsko polje 121
Denis Radoš, Mirko Šarac-Mićo & Maja Perić

III. Dossiers of the Karst Poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina
List of Karst poljes in Bosnia and Herzegovina 129
Borut Stumberger, Romy Durst, Dražen Kotrošan & Jasminko Mulaomerović
Index 197

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Livanjsko polje, 6 January 2008 (Photo: Kenan Pašić)

4
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Preface

Preface
Prof. dr. sc. Jaroslav Vego
NFP Ramsar Convention for Bosnia and Herzegovina

I am pleased to address a few words to the participants of the “First International

Workshop on Dinaric Karst Poljes as Wetlands of National and International
Importance”.
It is gratifying that the agenda of the Workshop covered a wide range of very
interesting topics related to the various important aspects of Dinaric karst poljes.
The Workshop aimed at the development of adequate approaches for mastering
the challenges of karst polje conservation; I did hope that one of the results
of the workshop could be the demonstration of the national and international
importance of the Dinaric’s karst poljes, as well. It is my great pleasure that such
workshop, the first one of its kind, has been realised in the area of Livanjsko
polje, the largest karst polje in Bosnia and Herzegovina, recently identified as a wetland of international
importance under the Ramsar Convention.
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s karst areas are probably among the best preserved in the region, but until the
present day, they are still unprotected. Unfortunately, some of them are directly threatened by water
extraction, drainage and unsustainable use of their natural resources. Their protection is not only vital for
maintaining the unique natural and cultural assets of the karst environment and its inhabitants but will
also make all the difference between short term - and perpetual sustainable use of the area’s resources
for the benefit of local societies. This is why I am sure that the conducted workshop will contribute to the
evolution and implementation of the Ramsar Convention in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
My gratitude goes to all those who show interest in the conservation of the Dinaric karst poljes, and to the
participants of the First International Workshop on Karst Poljes as Wetlands of National and International
Importance who came to Livno from near and far to take part in our discussions and exchange. Not only
was the Workshop an enjoyable stay in the unique Livanjsko polje, one of the best preserved karst poljes
in the Dinaric region, more importantly, it has opened up an interesting and urgently needed debate on the
ecology, protection and future use of the karst environment.

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Duvanjsko polje, 27 June 2010 (Photo: Mirko Šarac)

6
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Preface

Karst polje conservation –

the legacy of Dr Martin Schneider-Jacoby
Borut Stumberger, Romy Durst & Peter Sackl

When looking back at the very beginning of the global nature conservation movement and the dawn of
ecological awareness, we find that it basically started growing from the feeling of in-measurable loss.
Sacrificing the major part of formerly pristine wilderness and its wildlife to economical benefits or fun
sports like trophy hunting and turning wilderness into urban, industrial and intensive agricultural lands,
was suddenly perceived a deficiency. Remember the implementation of the world’s first national park in the
United State’s Yellowstone Valley. Or the causes for first formal acts for the protection of birds in modern
history, following the exploitation of the North Atlantic Ocean’s seabird colonies as food for seafarers
and fishermen. Also the flourishing feather industry at the turn of the 19th/20th centuries in the favour of
fashionable ladies and commercial profits had caused a dramatic decline of egret and heron populations in
Western and Southern Europe at that time.

The same appears to be true for the Dinaric karst poljes in the
hinterlands of the Eastern Adriatic. Almost simultaneously to During the 19th and early
first inventories of their natural values, started by scientists like 20th centuries, Austro-
the ornithologist Othmar Reiser (1861-1936), karst geographer Hungarian engineers
Jovan Cvijić (1865-1927) and the paleontologist and zoologist Karel started to tame the
Absolon (1877-1960) during the 19th and early 20th centuries, Austro-
seasonal floods in the
Hungarian engineers started to tame the seasonal floods in the
karst poljes.
karst poljes. Simultaneously, the economical exploitation and
amelioration of these invaluable wetland habitats started. Although
a few outstanding examples of karst wetlands, like the Plitvica Lakes and Hutovo blato, were protected
as national or nature parks in former Yugoslavia, many karst poljes were drained or used for construction
of large hydro-accumulations for energy production back then. One of the most devastating examples
worldwide is the Popovo polje (Trebišnjica River) in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Nowadays, politicians and other officials still perceive the karst areas as economically useless wastelands.
In the wake of the upheavals of the last wars which have changed the cultural landscapes of the Western
Balkans, the natural and cultural heritage of the karst hinterlands, beyond the Adriatic Sea’s Eastern shores,
was almost forgotten by international conservationists and for some time even by the scientific community.
But fortunately, there are historic records of the bird fauna in the uplands of Bosnia and Herzegovina
prepared by Othmar Reiser which may have nurtured that feeling that there is something - something
really significant and invaluable - behind the coastal mountains. This idea of something precious made our
late friend, Dr. Martin Schneider-Jacoby (1958 – 2012), visit the Cetina karst poljes in March 2003. Leading
a small team of ornithologists visiting Skadar Lake and the Bojana/Buna Delta during the preparations of
EuroNatur’s “Adriatic Flyway” project, Martin decided to take their way home through the Dinaric karst’s
hinterlands of Bosnia-Herzegovina.

The impressions of the inundated Livanjsko and Duvanjsko poljes with resting cranes, snow-capped
mountains in the background and fens in the foreground, which made the area look more Scandinavian

7
Livanjsko polje, 1 May 2010 (Photo: Martin Schneider-Jacoby)

8
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Preface

than Mediterranean, were highly inspiring and impressed Martin deeply. Fascinated by the unique hydrology
and alarmed by old hydropower and mining plans that would be fatal for the karst poljes, he began to
travel across the Dinaric karst to numerous working meetings in Albania and Montenegro by car. He quickly
realized that the majority of Karst poljes in Slovenia and Croatia were already, or should in the future be,
included in the EU Natura 2000 network. However, he
found that one of the most significant karst poljes in
the world, the ones located in Bosnia and Herzegovina, However, he found
were not protected at all. Even worse, for practically that one of the most
each of these poljes plans for technical alterations
significant karst poljes
existed or had already been implemented in the past.
in the world, the ones
As an advocate of international nature conservation
standards, particularly referring to the Ramsar and
located in Bosnia and
Bonn Conventions (AEWA) and the Biosphere Reserves Herzegovina, were not
(UNESCO), he endeavoured to implement ways of protected at all.
sustainable development for the overlooked karst
poljes and their tremendous natural values. These
values recently raised high international attention – for example, a recent study published by the European
Environment Agency depicted the significance of the Dinaric karst poljes within the framework of European
mountainous regions.

One major result of Dr Martin Schneider-Jacoby’s exceptional energy and commitment, supported by local
partners, such as the Youth Centre Livno and Naše ptice and financial support from the MAVA Foundation,
was the proclamation of Livanjsko polje as wetland of international importance (Ramsar site) in 2008 and
Important Bird Area (IBA) a couple of years later – a success that gave hope for the return of colonies of
waterbirds, including the charismatic spoonbills, that disappeared from the area some hundred years ago.
Furthermore, he succeeded in co-conceptualizing the project of renaturation of 7.5 km2 bog habitats at
Ždralovac with a total funding of 2.2 million USD. This restoration project accompanied by a study carried
out by the United Nations (UNDP) should, with the aid of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), i.e. the
BioDiv Convention (CBD), revitalize the binding of big amounts of CO2 in the peat bogs mitigating the
harmful impacts of the global greenhouse effect. This development should bring back the courting cranes
to their old homeland Ždralovac which carries their name (crane = ždral).

In July 2012, however, Dr Schneider-Jacoby was dumbstruck when seeing photographs showing newly grown
monocultures at Ždralovac on a surface of no less than 10 km2 and the Corncrake population of Livanjsko
polje halved. The impacted area was the very area envisaged for the UNDP restoration project and, at the
same time, represented the ideal habitat for the key ecological indicator in this project – the Corncrake. Such
development applies for the majority of Dinaric Karst poljes today.

We held this First Workshop on the National and International Importance of Dinaric Karst Poljes in the
spirit of Martin with the aim to join forces for the better protection and preservation of the Dinaric karst
poljes in the future, not least in their function as traditional crane habitats along the Eastern Adriatic.

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Livanjsko polje, 28 June 2010 (Photo: Martin Schneider-Jacoby)

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Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Workshop and project results

Wetlands in drylands: the global importance of Karst poljes

Tobias Salathé
Ramsar Convention Secretariat, 28 Mauverney, CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland; E-mail: [email protected]

Summary wetland management, and it needs to focus on the nexus

(i.e. the connexions) between food (agricultural practices),
Wetlands take care of water. This is particularly visible and energy (solar, hydro, other renewable productions), water
tangible in karst poljes. First on a spatial scale: Karst poljes (for drinking and irrigation) and ecosystem security
fill up with water at regular intervals and become huge (wetland services and their biodiversity). This is the focus
wet-lands. Doing so, they provide above-ground evidence of the work of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
of their underground water connections. Connections
that are often little understood or ignored. Specially in Sažetak
non-karst wetlands. This makes karst polje wetlands
particularly good examples to demonstrate that wetlands Močvare su važni oblici površinske vode, što je posebno
are the fundamental regulators of water regimes: storing, vidljivo u kraškim poljima, koja se u redovnim vremenskim
regulating, releasing, providing the precious resource intervalima, u periodu poplava, pune vodom i postaju
for humans and all other life on Earth. Sustainable ogromne močvare. Na taj način se može steći slika o
management of the water-related ecosystems is therefore njihovim podzemnim vodotocima, koji su veoma malo
essential, and particularly in karst poljes, where our istraženi i o kojima se još uvijek ne zna mnogo. To posebno
agriculture, transport, energy and urban infrastructure važi za močvare koje se ne nalaze u kraškim područjima.
so directly depend on them. Without the appropriate Kraške močvare su dobri primjeri na kojima se vidi kako
management of wetlands, there is no water of the right močvare regulišu vodni režim nekog područja, tako što
quality and quantity, where and when it is needed. Water zadržavaju, regulišu i otpuštaju vodu, i na taj način
resources are delivered by and through wetlands to our predstavljaju dragocjene resurse za ljude i druga živa bića
society. na Zemlji. Održivo upravljanje vodenim ekosistemima
We are all water managers and therefore also responsible je veoma važno, posebno u podučjima kraških polja,
for the management of wetlands. Wetlands should not gdje poljoprivreda, prometnice, energetska i urbana
be viewed as competitors for water, because they are infrastruktura direktno zavise od njih. Bez odgovarajućeg
essential elements of water infrastructure, within water upravljanja močvarama, nema ni dovoljno kvalitetne vode
management. Water management is complex. Water kada i gdje je potrebna. Preko močvara, vodeni resursi
scarcity during dry seasons in karst poljes is increasing postaju dostupni našem društvu. Svi mi smo upravitelji
water stress. Such stress needs to be addressed vodama na ovaj ili onaj način, i odgovorni smo za upravljanje
through inter-sectoral and multidisciplinary cooperative močvarama. One su važni regulatori vodenih sistema, a ta
approaches. Otherwise the karst polje wetland ecosystes regulacija je veoma složen proces. Nestašica vode tokom
will not be able to deliver any longer many esential services sušnog perioda povećava vodeni stres, koji treba rješavati
for sustainble water management. Where karst poljes and kroz međusektorske i multidisciplinarne pristupe.
their underground aquifers spread across administrative U suprotnom, močvarni ekosistemi kraških polja neće
and national borders, transboundary water management is više biti u mogućnosti da održavaju optimalno stanje
essential. Any sustainable approach of modern integrated voda u njima. Na mjestima gdje se kraška polja i njihovi
karst polje landscape management is actually about podzemni akviferi pružaju preko administrativnih i

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Duvanjsko polje, 11 Janaury 2010 (Photo: Mirko Šarac)

državnih granica, neophodno je uspostaviti prekogranični We constantly underestimate the role of wetlands as basic
program upravljanja vodama. Svaki održivi pristup infrastructure for water management. Wetlands perform
modernom upravljanju kraškim poljima je zapravo održivo hydrological supply and regulatory functions in the water
upravljanje močvarama, i važno je obratiti pažnju na cycle on which our society depends. However, impacts from
poveznice između poljoprivrednih praksi, izvora energije changes in land use, water diversions and infrastructure
(solarni, vodeni i drugi obnovljivi izvori energije), vode (za development continue to drive the degradation and loss
piće i navodnjavanje) i ekosistema (močvara i njihovog of wetlands. And this in turn negatively affects our food
biodiverziteta). Ta problematika je u središtu pažnje production, hinders economic development and is likely to
Ramsarske konvencije o močvarama. result in social conflict. Unfortunately, human pressures on
essential wetland ecosystems continue to increase, through
Keywords: karst poljes, wetlands, floods, water the intensification and expansion of urban and built-up
managment, Karst, Ramsar areas,through the establishment of heavy infrastructure
for transport and energy production, intensive agricultural
practices and tourist development. These development
Introduction – wetlands and water management pressures are key challenges. Especially in the Dinaric Karst‘s
poljes it is essential to find ecologically and socio-economically
All life on our planet depends on water. Freshwater sustainable solutions, because these ecosystems depend
resources are critical for sustainable development and for particularly on wetlands and their water supply.
human health and well-being. Integrating the management
of water, land and people remains a major challenge for our Wetlands at the heart of karst polje
management
We constantly
Wetlands take care of water. And this is particularly visible,
underestimate the role
and also tangible in karst poljes. First on a spatial scale:
of wetlands as basic
karst poljes fill up with surface water at regular intervals
infrastructure for water and become huge, visible wet lands. This provides,
management. albeit limited, above-ground evidence of the specific
underground hydrological connections. Connections that
21st century, especially in karst poljes. Water fundamentally are still today, often little studied and understood, or to a
connects the underground source to the sea, through the large extent simply ignored. Given the spectacular changes
never-ending water cycle. Wetlands occupy key positions in between above-ground wet and dry seasons in karst
the water cycle. They are key providers of water resources. poljes, it is easy to understand that water, and the wetland

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Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Workshop and project results

ecosystems related to the water flows, make up the issues, continue to provide the means to improve our
essence of karst poljes. Therefore, wetland management methodologies, our regular data collection and its state-
is key to sustainable karst polje management. of-the art analysis.

The water cycle in karst poljes shows very visible, and Karst poljes need to be studied in their entirety, going
to some extent also measurable, connections between beyond the study of particular aspects, or only specific
the above-ground terrestrial part and the underground parts of them. Local land use planning and its further
aquifers. The science of understanding the interactions development needs to focus on entire karst poljes, on their
between water flow dynamics above and underground, entire water catchment above and underground. Livanjsko
is best studied and understood in karst areas, notably in Polje, one of the largest karst poljes in the world, illustrates
those landscape units represented by karst poljes and their this integrated approach through its designation by the
relatively clear-cut above-ground water catchment basins relevant authorities in its entire watershed extension as a
(but be aware of unexpected underground connections). Ramsar Site. This remains the ultimative method to study
and better understand the functioning of karst poljes.
A fundamental starting point is to acknowledge that
karst water cycles need space to accommodate large Karst wetlands and agriculture
quantities of water above ground on a temporary basis,
when karst poljes fill up with water in spectacular ways. In the modern, intensively industrialised western world,
A substantial challenge is to understand the spatial limits with its heavily-modified landscapes, the karst poljes often
of underground aquifers and to link them with the more stand out as last remaining near-natural landscape units
obvious above ground watershed limits of karst polje with specifically functioning ecosystems. Landscapes that
catchment basins in the classical sense. Such connections are covered at regular intervals by rapidly increasing water
are often very complex, little understood and difficult to bodies. Water bodies that cover extensive areas, before
predict. However, the state of these poljes depends on receeding again, often at a slower pace. During the period
such comprehension. Substantial research and monitoring of lowering water levels, large extents of open, flat and
efforts have therefore still to cover aspects of karst polje slightly sloped areas are uncovered and become ready for
hydrology. We need to be able to predict, and anticipate terrestrial vegetation growth.
to some degree, periods of flood and drought. Local
economies in karst poljes heavily depend on avoiding high Along many rivers in former floodplain landscapes of a
frequencies of natural distasters of flood and drought. dynamic nature, temporarily flooded areas have been lost
It is therefore urgent that the national ministries of the to river embankments, floodplain drainage and landfills.
environment, water management, agriculture and related With their extreme nature and regular occuring of

13
important water level fluctuations, karst poljes are among
the last remaining spots where the essential dynamic
between extensive floods and slowly increasing areas
of well fertilised plains along the edge of the receeding
waters, come into place. Many pioneering plant and animal
species are adapted to colonize these, formerly regularly
occuring, new and empty areas. Receeding waters create
habitats for specifically adapted communities and provide
foraging areas for iconic species such as the nearly extinct
Northern Bald Ibis Geronticus eremita. A species that was
wide spread across large parts of Europe in the Middle
Ages. Human settlements make use of these lands
along the edges of receeding floods. Particularly in karst
Livanjsko polje, 13 Janaury 2010 (Photo: Mirko Šarac)
poljes, where the cycle of extensive flooding, followed
by receeding water levels and progressing liberation of
fertile plains, is most pronounced, human societies have
developed grazing patterns for their domestic livestock, Dealing with hydrological stress
and devised cultivation practices that make optimal use of
the fertilised land freed up after the floods receed. Across many areas of the globe, hydrological stress
factors are increasing. Particularly in industrial and densely
In times of EU agricultural subsidies and global trade populated areas. On the contrary, human population
connections, it is important for local economies in increase is slowed down, at standstill or even negative
karst poljes, to maintain or redevelop their sustainable in Dinaric karst poljes. But despite this trend, modern
acgricultural practices that respond to the spatial dynamics infrastructure development, urbanisation and increased
created along the edges of the receeding waters after water abstraction often increase hydrological stress on these
the floods. Here lays the specific karst polje advantage, karst wetland ecosystems. Furthermore, changing climate
and often also a unique selling point for the products patterns provoke increased periods of drought, or stronger
produced in karst poljes, such as particular meat, milk, storms and related floods and landslides. Additional factors
cheese, leather and wool of specifically adapted domestic worsen hydrological stress. Excessive use of fertilizers
creates eutrophication of karst waters. Agricultural runoffs
increase diffuse water pollution with negative effects above
Water and agricultural ground, and even more desastrous consequences for the
practices are part of unique underground ecosystems and their highly adapted
the specific karst polje and extremely vulnerable cave animals. Urban waste
wetland ecosystems. waters and household sewage are not adequately treated

cattle, sheep and other livestock. We have to learn again Centrally planned constructions
how to practice agricultural land use in a shifting way, of large dams, tunnels and inter-
following receeding or advancing water levels, changing basin water transfers transform
from grazing to cultivation, and duly respecting the spatial landscapes into unpleasant areas,
limits imposed by karst polje water systems. Water and shy away tourists and create lasting
agricultural practices are part of the specific karst polje impacts on karst polje water cycles.
wetland ecosystems. Ecosystems that are ideal places to
illustrate how ingenious human adaptation has developed
over time ways, how to make best use of the available in many rural and isolated areas and end up in the fragile
resources in a dynamic landscape. karst hydrological systems. Occasionally this is worsened by
industrial and military effluents.

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Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Workshop and project results

Short-sighted development plans for industrial

agricultural development, not taking into account the
above-mentioned special conditions and limitations of the
agricultural potential of karst poljes, often drain essential
land surfaces of the polje to reclaim them for building
areas or artificialize unduly natural water flows, rivulets
and river beds. Excessive water abstraction for large-
scale, but often not very effective, irrigiation of intenisvely
cultivated fields, contribute to decreasing water levels,
the drying out of underground reservoirs and flows and
will lead, ultimately, to desertification. Centrally planned
constructions of large dams, tunnels and inter-basin water
transfers transform landscapes into unpleasant areas, shy
Livanjsko polje, 5 Oktober 2008 (Photo: Peter Knaus)
away tourists and create lasting impacts on karst polje
water cycles. This, eventually, leads to increased drought
and desertification of expanding land areas.
they considered it important to start with a scientific and
Ramsar provides tools for integrated historical inventory on the values, services and products
approaches these landscapes provide us with, and to review how
we have profited from this and how we managed these
The Convention on Wetlands, finalised in Ramsar, Iran, at ecosystems in the past until very recently.
the shores of the Caspian Sea in 1971, has developed over the
more than fourty years of its existence a comprehensive set However, this can only be a start. Laying a robust baseline
of tools and guidelines to support wise use, or sustainable and providing lasting foundations for an ambitious
management of all types of wetland ecosystems. The programme, bringing together the different forces
Ramsar Handbooks for Wetland Wise Use provide a useful and capacities for the redevelopment of these unique
framework for addressing environmental problems and ecosystems in the long term. I hope that the pioneers
trying to find sustainable solutions. Karst and underground from Naša Baština, Naše Ptice and Euronatur, three active
wetlands are highlighted therein as needing specific focus and engaged non-governmental organisations will be
and care when devising management approaches and able to federate the different stakeholders, and to arise
interventions. Real-scale projects on the ground serve to common concern for the case of the Dinaric karst poljes
improve the guidelines and tools at a regular pace. Thus, and their wetland ecosystems services upon which so
the tool box evolves with an aim to remain a state-of- much the socio-economic development of these regions
the-art reference for practical solutions. Particularly, case depend. Looking together for our common natural and
studies in karst poljes, although far and few in between, cultural polje heritage, will allow us to develop commonly
remain speaking examples to illustrate specific issues, accepted solutions for living Dinaric karst poljes. National,
problems and solutions. In this context, the use and bilateral and international donors, business sponsors
application of Ramsar tools can only be strongly suggested and philantropists and societies are encouraged to
to anybody confronted with karst polje management. support these initial efforts. To make sure that this first
international workshop will soon be seen as the trigger
Operational suggestions for an innovative which launched broad citizen support, wide consensus and
approach – leading beyond traditional paths a common will to start an action programme focusing on
maintaining and urgently restoring the karst polje values
The organisers of the first international workshop on Dinaric already lost or degraded. A programme of action that will
karst poljes as wetlands of national and international spread out from Livno and Tomislavgrad and their poljes
importance can only be congratulated for their initiative to across the entire Dinaric region into other karst areas of
rally the interest and support needed for the sustainable the world.
management of these outstanding landscapes. Rightly so,

15
Cerkniško polje – locus typicus of karst poljes - with the lake of the same name, Slovenia, 3 January 2010 (Photo: Dejan Bordjan)

16
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Workshop and project results

GENERAL ASPECTS OF THE KARST POLJES OF THE DINARIC KARST

Ivo Lučić

Speleološka udruga Vjetrenica - Popovo polje, Ravno bb, BiH - 88370 Ravno, Bosnia-Herzegovina; E-mail: [email protected]

Summary Recently, in many karst poljes large-scale water projects

have been realized which have changed the environment
In the languages of the Dinaric Karst’s countries the term radically by removing seasonal hydrologic rhythms,
“polje” has different meanings and wide uses. In its broadest characteristic for poljes, and resulting in heavy losses of
way, it means “field”: flat and open land, often in the sense their natural values. Although, according to Panoš (1995),
of living space and the source of goods. However, for the karstology is an integrated scientific system that covers all
people who live in the Dinaric Karst their most common and aspects of karst, so far most investigations on karst poljes
peculiar meanings are related to karst poljes. have focused on geographical, geological, hydrological and
In general, typical karst poljes are elongated closed similar aspects. While, up to now, anthropogenic impacts
depressions with bottoms that has been leveled and covered and damages to karst environments were largely ignored.
with arable soils, and with constant or intermittent water Therefore, it is necessary to develop a holistic karstology
courses. According to literature, more than 130 poljes exist that will recognize all values of the karst poljes – natural,
in the Dinaric Karst, about 50 larger ones. Thus, the Dinaric cultural and economical – and to consolidate them to
Karst harbours the largest number of poljes worldwide. Most a single, refined and more credible picture of the karst
descriptions of the Dinaric Karst are pointing out the larger environment. Following to the close association of many
depressions of the karst landscape. By integrating almost birds, other animals and plants to key environmental
all other karst features, the poljes in the Dinaric Mountains factors, biologists investigating the flora and fauna of
may be the most complex of all karst formations. The karst karst poljes have to take the specificities of karst areas into
poljes are different in origin, size, shape and hydrology. account. According to the broad approach of karstology, by
There are dry as well as occasionally or permanently flooded doing so, biologists will heavily contribute to the scope
poljes. The location of the Dinaric Karst between the Adriatic and competence of the karst sciences. In particular, due
Sea and the central Balkans, the highly diverse hydrological to the wide acceptance and international regulations for
conditions and some other characteristics favour a high bird conservation, ornithological research will further
biodiversity in poljes. The Dinaric Karst is characterized by produce potentially significant contributions towards the
a diverse, rare and endemic flora and fauna. In particular, conservation of the karst poljes in the Dinarides.
the subterranean fauna of the Dinaric Karst is the richest
and the most diverse in the world. According to these Sažetak
features the karst poljes sharply contrast to the surrounding
landscape which is often covered by bare rocks, and give Izraz polje na jezicima dinarskih zemalja ima više značenja
them a special place in local history. Evidence for the latter i široku primjenu. U najširem smislu znači ravno zemljište
is the rich and unique cultural heritage of the area. The karst ili čistinu, vrlo često u smislu životnog prostora i izvora
poljes of the Dinaric Mountains played an important part dobara. No, u Dinarskom kršu njegova najčešća upotreba i
for the development of the karst science (karstology). In najosebujnija značenja odnose se na krška polja.
particular, Livanjsko polje has a prominent position which Tipična krška polja su u pravilu izdužene zatvorene
is substantiated by the fact that the international technical depresije s dnom koje je zaravnjeno i pokriveno obradivim
term “polje” was derived from its name. tlom, te sa stalnim ili periodičnim vodenim tokovima.

17
Fig. 1: Karst surface: deep karren on the southern face of the Velebit Fig. 2: Main periodically flooded karst depressions (karst poljes) in the
Mountains, Croatia (Photo: Ivica Klanac) Dinaric Karst (from Lewin and Woodward 2009 after Gams 1974)

Prema literaturi, u Dinarskom kršu je utvrđeno više od 130 Keywords: karst poljes, natural environment, land use,
polja, među kojima pedesetak velikih, pa je Dinarski krš karst environment, conservation, karstology
prostor s najvećim brojem polja uopče.
Opisi redovito ističu da su to najveće depresije u kršu. To
su vjerojatno i najkompleksnije krške pojave jer objedinjuju Introduction
skoro sve druge krške oblike. Polja su različita po nastanku,
veličini, obliku i hidrologiji. Mogu biti suha, te povremeno In the languages of the Dinaric Karst’s countries the
ili stalno plavljena, što bitno uvjetuje njihov živi svijet. term “polje” has different meanings and wide uses. In its
Karakterizira ga raznolika rijetka i endemična flora i fauna. broadest way, it means “field”: flat and open land, often
Podzemna fauna dinarskih krških polja najbogatija je i in the sense of living space and the source of goods. Thus,
najraznolikija u svijetu. in its most common sense, in the languages of the Dinarc
Sve to polja čini kontrastnim u odnosu na njihovo okružje Karst the term “polje” refers to particular areas and special
koje je nerijetko goli krš, te im daje posebno mjesto u places, like Lijevče polje or Stjepan polje for a karst field as
povijesti, o čemu svjedoči kulturna baština s milenijskim well as settlements in northern Bosnia.
kontinuitetom. Polja su imala poseban značaj za razvoj
znanosti o kršu (karstologiju), među kojima Livanjskom Even by the people who live in the karst poljes of the
polju pripada istaknuto mjesto. Livanjsko polje je dalo Dinarids, the word is not in all cases used for referring to
međunarodni stručni termin ovoj krškoj pojavi. the phenomena “karst polje” as the term is used in the
U moderno doba polja su predmet opsežnih hidrotehničkih karst sciences (karstology). In fact, e. g. Sinjsko polje is not
zahvata, koja stvaraju korjenite okolišne promjene, a karst polje, it is rather the geographical name for a river
uklanjaju sezonske hidrološke ritmove izazivaju teške valley. However, for the people, living in the area of the
gubitke njihovih prirodnih vrijednosti. Dinaric Karst, their most common use, and most peculiar
Pažnja većine proučavatelja krških polja usmjerena je na meanings are related to karst poljes.
geoznanstvene aspekte te ne uočava okolišne destrukcije.
Zato je potrebno razvijati holističku karstologiju koja In general, typical karst poljes are elongated and closed
će podjednako vrednovati sve vrijednosti krških polja, depressions with bottoms that has been leveled and covered
prirodne, upotrebne i kulturološke, te ih objediniti u jednu, with arable soils which are surrounded by gentle or, more rarely,
znatno vjerodostojniju sliku. Zbog svoje povezanosti by steep mountain slopes. Hydrological conditions of the karst
s ključnim okolišnim aspektima polja, zbog svojih poljes are characterized by constant or seasonal springs, ponors
kozmopolitskih značajki i postignute visoke razine zaštite as well as constant or intermittent water courses. All karst
ptica, ornitologija u tome može imati istaknutu ulogu. poljes have polygenetic origins, governed by tectonic processes
and planation following to the dissolution of bedrock.

18
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Workshop and project results

Fig. 3: Duman, source of the Bistrica river, constitutes the main spring Fig. 4: Nevesinjsko polje - lower reaches of Zalomka sink river and
in Livanjsko polje, Bosnia-Herzegovina, 9 January 2010 (Photo: Behudin Biograd, one of largest ponors in the Dinaric Karst, Bosnia-Herzegovina
Alimanović) (Photo: Ivo Lučić)

What is Karst? The geography of karst poljes

Karst is the technical term for geomorphological formations Nobody exactly knows, but it is estimated that worldwide
and landscapes which are shaped by the dissolution of carbonate rocks cover 10 – 15% of the continental area
soluble rock, usually carbonate rocks such as limestone or (Ford & Williams 2007). Karst poljes are found in Europe,
dolomite. Typical karst landscapes consist of bare karst or Africa, Asia and in America. In France similar landforms are
covered karst. While the latter is covered by vegetation, known as “plans”, as “campo” in Italy and Spain, “wangs”
forests, scrub or grasslands, both are usually characterized in Malaysia and as “hojos” in Cuba.
by numerous dolinas. The development of the karst
landscape depends on corrosion, i. e. the ability of rocks Karst poljes are particularly common in Mediterranean
to be dissolved in water, as well as on tectonics, i. e. the countries: Greece, Italy, France, Spain, Morocco, Tunisia,
formation of faults and cracks in bedrocks which open up Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and in Montenegro
(Bonacci 2003), with the Dinaric Karst the largest continuous
karst area in Europe. It was named after the Dinara
Bosnia, Dalmatia and Mountain, above Livanjsko polje. By integrating almost all
Herzegovina contain other karst features, poljes may be the most complex of all
the world’s largest karst forms in the Dinaric Mountains (Kranjc 2003).
concentration of well-
developed karst poljes. According to literature, more than 130 poljes exist in the
Dinaric Karst (Milanović 2003), about 50 larger ones (Fig.
2). Thus, the Dinaric Karst not only harbours the largest
number of poljes worldwide, SW Bosnia, Dalmatia and
pathways for surface water into the depths of bedrock. Herzegovina also contain the world’s largest concentration
Cracks and holes are further widened by subsurface water, of well-developed karst poljes (Milanović 2003). Currently,
and will little by little convert bedrocks into a spongy area no elaborated systematic inventory of the karst poljes in
which looks like “Swiss cheese”. the Dinaric Mountains exists. In literature, more than 200
poljes are listed, but in many cases it is not certain, if they
A number of geomorphological phenomena are characteristic are really karst poljes in sensu stricto or valleys, dolinas
for the karst environment; to mention just the most frequent, or uvalas. Most karst poljes on the Western Balkans are
from small- to large-scale: karren (Fig. 1), kamenitzas, dolinas, elongated depressions, orientated in a NW–SE direction
caves, karst poljes and karst planes. which follows the main direction of the mountain range of
the Dinarides.

19
Fig. 5: Dugo polje between Čvrsnica and Vran Mountain – an example of Fig. 6: Cerkniško polje – locus typicus of karst poljes - with the lake of
a dry karst polje, situated in elevations between 1180 and 1230 m a.s.l., the same name, Slovenia. (Photo: Dejan Bordjan)
Bosnia-Herzegovins (Photo: Mirko Šarac)

Key features of karst poljes Different types of karst poljes

One of the key features of karst poljes is their particular Karst poljes differ in origin, size, shape and hydrology. They
hydrology: In most cases water flows into poljes through can be found at different altitudes. One of the highest is
a spring which is situated at one side of the poljes (Fig. 3), Kupreško polje, situated 1230 m a.s.l., while, situated only
while water is flowing out through ponors (sinks) on the a few meters above sea level, Hutovo blato belongs to the
other side of poljes. Ponornica (sink rivers) are connecting lowest poljes.
springs and ponors (Fig. 4). A very specific phenomena of
karst hydrology are estavelles („rigalo“ or “spitter”), i. e. In the Dinaric Mountains karst poljes vary in size, from 0.5
caves which periodically function as springs and ponors. up to 465 km2. The biggest is Ličko polje in Croatia (565
According to the amount of groundwater which flows into – 590 m a.s.l.). It consists of five smaller poljes - Lipovo,
the polje, dry and flooded karst poljes are distinguished. In Kosinjsko, Pazariško, Brezovo, and Gospićko polje – which
are connected by the Lika and Ričina sink river. The second
largest is Livanjsko polje with a total area of 402 - 410
Following to hydrological
km2. But, most poljes of the Dinaric Karst are smaller than
features, there are
50 km2 (Gams 1978), while the majority of poljes in other
dry, occasionally and parts of the world are smaller than 10 km2 (Ford & Williams
permanently flooded 2007).
poljes.
According to their shape two main types of poljes are
flooded poljes the inflow, at least periodically, surpasses distinguished: elliptical poljes, like e. g. Mostarsko blato,
the outflow of water. Following to the dense network and rough karst poljes which consist of a number of
of interconnected subterranean water courses, karst smaller poljes. Besides Ličko polje, which has been already
poljes are not isolated hydrological systems. They rather mentioned, a typical example of a rough polje is the 48
consist of a number of different, often interconnected, km2 large Nikšićko polje in Montenegro (622 - 690 m a.s.l.)
hydrological systems (Bonacci 2003). For example, water which consists of four smaller poljes - Gornje, Krupačko,
flowing into Livanjsko polje originates from three or may Slansko, and Suho polje (Milanović 2003). Nikšićko polje is
be even four different river basins.  drained by the Zeta, Moštanica, and Gračanica rivers.
Following to hydrological features, there are dry,
occasionally and permanently flooded poljes. Dry poljes
are low depressions which are located in higher altitudes,
with small or without any water courses. These poljes are

20
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Workshop and project results

Fig. 7: Lower End of Popovo polje which may be covered by 40 meter Fig. 8: Hutovo blato is situated in the lower Neretva river valley, just
deep water during high floods, Bosnia-Herzegovina (Photo: Ivo Lučić) a few meters above sea level, and a good example for a permanently
flooded karst polje, Bosnia-Herzegovina (Photo: Behudin Alimanović)

never flooded. A typical example is Dugo polje in Bosnia- Because of different size, shape and hydrology, karst poljes
Herzegovina (Fig. 5). may be best described by their geological origin. There are
three main types:
Seasonally flooded poljes to which most karst poljes in the
Dinaric Mountains belong, are deeper then dry poljes. The • Border poljes are located at geological contact
extent of floodings ranges from small parts of the polje zones, across which allogenic surface runoff
which will be periodically flooded, up to totally flooded takes place;
poljes. Thus, e. g. only a small part of Dabarsko polje is • Structural poljes are depressions underlain by
flooded for a few weeks per year, while the larger part of relatively impermeable rock that acts as an
adjoining Fatničko polje, both in Bosnia-Herzegovina, is adamant which forces groundwater to flow
for more than 200 days of the year under water. Cerkniško across the surface to stream-sinks on the other
polje in Slovenia, the locus typicus of poljes, is commonly side of the basin; and:
called a lake because of its long-term flooding. But the • Baselevel poljes, in which the floor is cut

polje and the lake of the same name are not synonymous, entirely across the karst bedrock and which are
because the lake (Cerkniško jezero) is smaller than the located in the epiphreatic zone (Gams 1978,
polje (Fig. 6). On the other side, in some years Popovo polje Ford & Williams 2007).
in Bosnia-Herzegovina will be for up to 300 days under
water, while in other years it is covered by water for only 4 History of karst research
hours. During maximum floodings Popovo polje is able to
accumulate up to 1.5 billion m3 of water (Fig. 7). The karst poljes of the Dinaric Mountains played an
important role for the development of karstology. The karst
Most permanently flooded karst poljes, also called sciences were founded by Johann Weikhard von Valvasor
“lake” (jezero) or locally “blato” (mud), are located in who described Cerkniško jezero in 1687 and proposed a first
low altitudes close to sea level. These types of poljes are model for the in- and outflow of water from the lake, based
mostly situated in cryptodepressions. Some examples on Cartesian mechanics. After Valvasor, particularly, the
are Vransko jezero on Cres Island and the polje of the publications of Tobias Gruber 1781 and Belsazar Hacquet
same name, Vransko jezero, near Biograd on the Croatian 1784 contributed to the development of the karst scienes.
mainland, as well as Hutovo blato in Bosnia-Herzegovina, E. von Mojsisovics (Mojsisovics et al. 1880) firstly mentions
and Skadarsko blato/jezero in Montenegro and Albania the importance of Livanjsko polje and following to a series
(Fig. 8). Currently, all of them are lakes, but by origin they of research by Cvijić (1893, 1901; in the references 1895,
are karst poljes. 1902) and Grund (1903) the international technical term
“polje” was derived from its name.

21
Fig 9: Northwest part of Konavosko polje, one of the lower polje near the sea (in the background). Its southwestern slopes exceeding to the karst plane
on which Dubrovnik airport has built (Photo: Ivo Lučić)

Karst engineering started with the Austro-Hungarian chief or grain mills which use the inflow of water from ponors,
engineer Philipp Ballif who was the first to undertake have been developed by the inhabitants of the karst poljes.
serious melioration works in the Dinaric Karst. He planned
and realized the cleaning of sinks and constructions for Perception and the use of karst poljes
preventing the discharge of soil. The latter simultaneously
shortened the duration of floods and thus allowed the Currently, the karst poljes are mainly perceived from
growing of crops. an economical and industrial perspective. Officials
perceive the karst environment as useless wastelands.
Social and cultural aspects By ignoring the ecological and hydrological functions
of the karst ecosystem, in many karst poljes large-
In the Dinaric Karst, poljes constitute the centers of social scale water projects have been realized. In many cases
and cultural life. In poljes a rich cultural heritage was “the best solution” has been to dry out the polje or the
developed since prehistoric times till the present days. For building of large hydro-accumulations, like in Livanjsko,
example, in Popovo polje prehistoric mounds, medieval Popovo, Fatničko, Jezero polje, and in Ličko polje as well
cemeteries and contemporary churches can be seen in as in Mostarsko and Hutovo blato, in Imotsko-Bekijsko,
the same place.  Usually, poljes received their name from Nikšićko polje, Skadarsko jezero, etc. The aim of all these
main settlements, like e. g. Duvanjsko, Fatničko, Gatačko, projects was to remove the seasonal hydrologic rhythm
Glamočko, Kupreško, Ličko and Livansjko polje. A number of the polje. All caused the loss of invaluable natural
of traditional tools for agriculture and fishing, water tanks values (Fig. 9) and of ecological functions, while up to

22
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Workshop and project results

now human impacts and damages to karst environments of all other, smaller karst poljes. By doing so, biologists
are largely ignored (Bonacci 2003). will heavily contribute to the scope and competence of the
karst sciences which, in contrast to its broad approach, are
An exception is Cerkniško polje: During the 20th century up to now heavily skewed to geophysics. In accordance
the polje was drained as well as flooded, but it soon with their natural values, Livanjsko polje and adjacent
became clear that in the long term the most valuable poljes in the Cetina river basin have a good chance to
and most economical way will be to return the polje in develop into world centers of karstology and sustainable
its approximate natural state. Today Cerkniško polje is karst management.
declared and protected as a Regional Park.
References
Perspectives
Bonacci O. (2003): Poljes. In: Gunn J. (ed.), Encyclopedia of Caves and
Karst Science. Fitzroy Dearborn, New York and London; pp. 1279 - 1782.
After all, the question remains: What are the future Cvijić J. (1895): Karst, geografska monografija. Beograd, 176 pp.
perspectives for the karst poljes environment? In Cvijić J. (1902): Karsna polja zapadne Bosne i Hercegovine. Glas. srpsk.
kralj. Akad. 59, Beograd; 106 pp.
short, the application of a holistic karst science and the Ford D., Williams P. (2007): Karst Hydrogeology and Geomorphology. John
implementation of sustainable land use and management Wiley & Sons, London.
Gams I. (1974): Kras - zgodovinski, naravoslovni in geografski oris.
is the only acceptable way. This means, to apply sciences Slovenska matica, Ljubljana; pp 358.
with a holistic paradigm, i. e. ecology, geography, Grund A. (1903): Die Karsthydrographie. Studien aus Westbosnien (=
anthropology, etc. According to its subjects, karstology Geographische Abhandlungen, Band 7. 3). Teubner & Graeser, Leipzig u.
Wien; 200 pp.
is a holistic science - an integrated scientific system that Kranjc A. (2003): Dinaric Karst. In: Gunn J. (ed.), Encyclopedia of Caves
covers all aspects of Karst (Panoš 1995), although, so and Karst Science. Fitzroy Dearborn, New York and London; pp. 591 -
594.
far, most investigations on karst poljes have focused on Lewin J. & Woodward J. C. (2009): Karst Geomorphology and
isolated geographical, geological, hydrological and some Environmental Change. In: Woodward J.C (ed.) The Physical Geography of
the Mediterranean. 1st ed. Oxford University Press; p. 287-317.
other aspects. While, up to now, anthropogenic impacts
Milanović P. (2003): Dinaride Poljes. In: Gunn J. (ed.), Encyclopedia of
and damages to karst environments were largely ignored, Caves and Karst Science. Fitzroy Dearborn, New York and London; pp.
it is necessary to develop a holistic karstology that will 599 – 603.
Mojsisovics E., Tietze E., Bittner E. (1880): Geologie von Bosnien. Jhb. Geol.
recognize all values of the karst poljes – natural, cultural Reichsanstalt 1880, 2 - 272.
and economical – and to consolidate them to a single, Panoš V. (1995): Karstology, an integrated system of sciences on karst.
Acta carsologica 24: 43 - 50.
refined and more credible picture of the karst environment.

Officials perceive the

karst environment as
useless wastelands.

Secondly, a sustainable management of the karst

environment and ecosystems is urgently needed which
means that, based on data and results of a holistic
karstology, sustainable use and management of the karst
environment in which a wide number of local people are
included, as given by the Arhus Convention, have to be
developed. This will demand a complete and versatile
survey of the geology, hydrology and ecology of the
karst poljes in the Dinaric Mountains. Besides Livanjsko
polje which is comparably well studied, to gain a realistic
overview it will be necessary to evaluate the natural values

23
Agricultural lands in drained Popovo polje, 10 July 2007 (Photo: Dejan Kulijer)

24
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Workshop and project results

Ecohydrology of karst poljes and their vulnerability

Ognjen Bonacci

Faculty of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Geodesy, University of Split, Matice hrvatske 15, 21000 Split, Croatia; E-mail: [email protected]

Summary and potentially dangerous and threatening. By combining

hydrological and biological data it will be possible to
In karst sciences the geomorphological term ‘polje’ refers develop better strategies for the protection of the valuable
to large closed depressions with flat bottoms which and vulnerable poljes in karst ecosystems. The aim of the
have been developed in karst rocks. The surface area of present paper is to move the discussion between different
poljes varies from lesser than 0.5 km2 to more than 500 disciplines forward and to promote a closer cooperation
km2. The ecological and economical importance of karst between engineers, biologists and ecologists for the
poljes derives from the fact that they often form the only protection of karst poljes. The best strategic objective for
larger, fertile, and habitable oases in karst landscapes. In the conservation of surface and underground ecosystems
general, poljes provide conditions for the development of in the Dinaric Karst region will be to preserve the present
rich ecosystems which are favourable for human beings. character of the landscape, the rich biodiversity of the
Therefore, the ecological functions of poljes are crucial for karst poljes as a global natural heritage and by securing a
a sustainable economical development of the valuable, balanced management of their natural resources.
but highly vulnerable karst environment. Ecohydrology can
be defined as the science of integrating hydrological and Sažetak
biological processes over different spatial and temporal
scales. In karst poljes there is a strong and direct interaction U znanostima koje izučavaju krš geomorfološki izraz “polje”
between the circulation and storage of ground- and surface odnosi se na velike zatvorene depresije s ravnim dnom koje
water. These fluxes, in turn, affect the spatial distribution su razvijene u kraškim stijenama. Površina polja varira od
of organisms in surface and underground habitats. Karst manje od 0.5 km2 do više od 500 km2 . Ekološki i ekonomski
poljes are characterized by different, often very complex značaj kraških polja proizlazi iz činjenice ona često čine
hydrological and hydrogeological features, like permanent jedinu veću, plodnu i naseljivu oazu u kraškim krajolicima.
and temporary springs and rivers, losing and sinking rivers, U principu, polja osiguravaju uvjete za razvoj bogatih
swallow holes and estavelles. Generally, karst poljes are ekosistema povoljnih za ljude. Stoga, ekološke funkcije
regularly flooded during cold and wet periods of the year. polja su ključne za održivi ekonomski razvoj vrijednog, ali
Consequently, they have to be recognized and should be vrlo osjetljivog kraškog okruženja. Ekohidrologija se može
protected as wetland habitats. In the Dinaric Karst under definirati kao nauka o integraciji hidroloških i bioloških
natural conditions poljes are flooded annually between 3 procesa u različitim prostornim i vremenskim skalama. U
and 7 months. The importance of seasonal flooding for the kraškim poljima postoji jaka i direktna interakcija između
hydrology and ecology of karst poljes is discussed. Many cirkulacije i skladištenja podzemne i površinske vode.
engineering attempts have been made to prevent the Te promjene, zauzvrat, utječu na prostornu distribuciju
flooding of poljes. In most engineering projects resulting organizama u površinskim i podzemnim staništima.
benefits were smaller than the ecological damages Kraška polja odlikuju se različitim, često vrlo složenim
they have caused. Anthropogenic interventions in karst hidrološkim i hidrogeološkim značajkama, poput stalnih
regions may disrupt the natural ecological equilibrium. i povremenih izvora i rijeka, ponornica, ponora i estavela.
Environmental effects of interventions can be very serious, Generalno, kraška polja redovno plave tokom hladnih

25
i vlažnih perioda godine. Prema tome, ona moraju as for the development of a rich but very vulnerable
biti prepoznata i zaštićena kao močvarna staništa. and mostly endemic karst flora and fauna. Karst poljes’
U dinarskom kršu, pod prirodnim uvjetima, polja su ecological role is extremely important but till now not
poplavljena od 3 do 7 mjeseci godišnje. O značaju sezonskih enough recognized and investigated. Due to strong and
poplava za hidrologiju i ekologiju kraških polja vođene su uncontrolled anthropogenic pressures during the last
mnoge rasprave i pravljeni mnogi građevinskih projekti, sa hundred years karst poljes belong to the most endangered
ciljem da se spriječi plavljenje polja. Većina građevinskih environments on the Earth.
projekata rezultirala je manjom koristi od ekološke štete A wide range of closed surface depressions, a well-developed
koje su izazvali. Antropogeni zahvati u kraškim regijama underground drainage system, and a strong interaction
mogu poremetiti prirodnu ekološku ravnotežu. Ekološki between circulation of surface water and groundwater
efekti intervencija mogu biti jako ozbiljni i potencijalno typify karst. Due to these reasons karst represents an
opasni. Kombiniranjem hidroloških i bioloških podataka extremely vulnerable and hardly predictable hydrological-
bit će moguće razviti bolje strategije za zaštitu vrijednih hydrogeological as well as ecological system. In this article,
i ugroženih polja u ekosistemu krša. Cilj ovog rada je da special attention is paid to ecohydrological functions of
promiče diskusiju između različitih disciplina i bližu karst poljes, which play a crucial role in: (1) hydrology and
saradnju između inžinjera, biologa i ekologa radi zaštite hydrogeology of water circulation and storage; and (2)
kraških polja. Najbolji strateški cilj za očuvanje površinskih provide support for a sustainable development of biological
i podzemnih ekosistema u dinarskom kršu bit će očuvanje diversity for many rare and endangered species.
sadašnjeg karaktera krajolika, bogate biološke raznolikosti
kraških polja kao globalne prirodne baštine i osiguravanje
uravnoteženog upravljanja njihovim prirodnim resursima. A wide range of closed
surface depressions,
Keywords: karst polje, karst ecohydrology, flood, a well-developed
anthropogenic influence underground drainage
system, and a strong
interaction between
Introduction
circulation of surface
Karst is estimated to cover about 25 % of the surface of
water and groundwater
all the continents. It represents a type of landscape with typify karst.
many specific surface and underground features, which
facilitate and accelerate the exchange of surface water The dramatic degradation of global water resources
and groundwater. By this way karst strongly influences during the last two centuries has forced environmental
the development of the environment and its ecosystems. and geoscientists to focus and intensify their research
The total area covered by karst poljes represents on integration of biological processes with hydrology and
approximately 2 % of the total karst area. Although they hydrogeology. The pattern and intensity of hydrological
variability especially in karst media significantly influences
biotic structure and activity. On the other hand, biotic
The importance of karst
structures may regulate abiotic ones. As a result of these
poljes is that they are interrelationships, a new concept called ecohydrology has
the larger, fertile, and emerged (Zalewski 2002).
inhabited oases in karst... A greater demand of the technical, natural and
social sciences for information and interdisciplinary
are relatively small in size, they are extremely significant investigations to protect and manage all processes in
from an ecological, social and economic standpoint. The karst poljes emerged. The aim of this article is to move
importance of karst poljes is that they are the larger, forward the discussion among different disciplines using
fertile, and inhabited oases in karst, commonly providing karst ecohydrology as the efficient tool in order to ensure
the only conditions favourable for human beings as well sustainable development and biological diversity of

26
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Workshop and project results

Ford and Williams (2007) defined the following three

zones of water circulation in karst: (1) the unsaturated,
or the vadose zone, the zone of vertical circulation;
(2) intermittently saturated or epiphreatic zone; and
(3) saturated, or phreatic zone, the zone of horizontal
circulation, or karst aquifer. The vadose zone with a karst
aquifer forms in time and space a very dynamic two-
component system in which the major part of storage is
in the form of true groundwater in narrow fissures, where
diffuse and laminar flow prevails. On the other hand, the
majority of groundwater is transmitted through the karst
underground by turbulent flows in solutionally enlarged
conduits in the epiphretaic zone. Figure 1 shows three
different types of karst landscape (covered, bare and karst
polje) with different zones of water circulation during low
groundwater level (GWL) (Fig. 1a) and high GWL (Fig. 1b).
Figure 1 Three different types of karst landscape (covered karst, bare
karst and karst polje) with different zones of water circulation during Large karst underground geomorphological patterns occur
low groundwater level (GWL) (Fig. 1a) and high GWL (Fig. 1b) in many sizes and varieties, ranging from a few meters
long or deep to very large, the deepest being deeper than
1  km and longer than hundreds of kilometers. The great
vulnerable karst polje ecosystems. variability of the shape of surface and underground karst
In the paper shortly are presented the various threats forms, as well as the interplay of pervious and impervious
that karst poljes are facing due to human interventions, layers within the karst massif, creates practically endless
especially in terms of hydrology and water resources possibilities for contact between two or more karst
management. The goal of this paper is to give an insight aquifers and feed different karst springs in different karst
into the importance of karst hydrology for the overall poljes.
ecological functioning of the superficial and subterranean Oscillations of GWLs in karst are high and fast and could
compartments of so important karst ecosystems as the reach more than few hundred meters. Water circulation
karst poljes are. and storage are strongly dependent on hydrogeological
The intention of this article is to encourage scientific and characteristics of the karst massif and the existence of
professional discussions that will lead to a more complete surface and underground karst features. It can change very
development of karst ecohydrology in case of ecologically, fast in space and time. Due to very high infiltration rates,
socially and politically so important karst landscape as the overland and surface flow on karst terrains is rare and water
karst poljes are. circulation is more heterogeneous in comparison with non-
karst terrains. Karst areas have some of the most complex
Characteristics of Karst and karst polje aquifers in the world because of extreme and fast GWL
oscillation. Therefore, the complex water network remains
Karst is a type of landscape found on carbonate rocks or poorly investigated, despite many geological, hydrological,
evaporates. Karstification is a geological characteristic hydrogeological, hydrochemical and geomorphological
which strongly influences surface and underground water studies performed.
circulation and storage. It can be evaluated through the Karst polje as the geomorphological term refers to large
density, frequency, dimensions, locations and number of closed depressions with conspicuously flat bottoms
all types of karst voids (intergranular porosity, bedding developed on karst rocks (Bonacci 2013). Poljes developed
planes, pores, joints, cracks, fissures, fractures, conduits, in karst areas are relatively densely inhabited spaces
jamas, caves etc.). Generally, karstification is greatest near surrounded by bare, inhospitable, non arable soil and
surface and decreases with the depth of a karst massif. It biologically poor karst environments, which are practically
is a fast and continuous process governed by natural and not populated.
anthropogenic interventions. Karst poljes vary from less than 0.5 km2 to more than

27
 (4) upstream- and downstream-open polje. In closed and
upstream-open poljes, only underground drainage exists.
In downstream- and upstream- and downstream-open
poljes, both underground and surface drainage are present.
Poljes play an important role in the hydrologic–hydrogeologic
water balance of larger karst areas. Calculating a water
budget for a polje in karst is complicated by the influence
of the surface water and groundwater of higher conditions.
Determination of the karst polje catchment area is an

The differences between

the topographic and
Karst spring Ćorci 50 m above the level of Duvanjsko polje in village hydrologic catchments
Sarajlije has not been active about a century. On 10 January 2010 a
waterfall with an estimated 10 m3/s flow run into the village. Compare in karst terrain are, as a
the dimension of the waterfall with humans on top of the photo who
admire their forgotten spring (Photo: Mirko Šarac)
rule, so large that data
about the topographic
catchment are useless
500 km2 in area. They exhibit complex hydrological and in hydrological and
hydrogeological features and characteristics, such as
hydrogeological analyses
permanent and temporary springs and rivers, losing
and water management
and sinking rivers, and swallow holes (ponors or sinks)
and estavelles. Geomorphological and hydrogeological
practice.
features of poljes, mainly flat surface covered by
impermeable soil, make possible formation of permanent unreliable procedure due to the unknown morphology of
as well as temporary streams and lakes, which enable the underground karst features (mainly karst conduits and
development of rich biological forms in and around them. characteristics of karst aquifers) and their connections
Poljes can be divided into the following groups according with surface karst forms. The variability across time and
to the hydrological regime: (1) permanently flooded or space of a karst aquifer, as well as conduit parameters,
lakes; (2) periodically, partly, or completely flooded; and (3) makes this process extremely sensitive and complex.
dry poljes. Their catchment areas can change very fast in time due
to the influence of fast GWL rising (and falling) caused by
Karst areas have some abundant and intensive rainfall. The differences between
the topographic and hydrologic catchments in karst terrain
of the most complex
are, as a rule, so large that data about the topographic
aquifers in the world
catchment are useless in hydrological and hydrogeological
because of extreme and analyses and water management practice. The previously
fast GWL oscillation. mentioned fact very often prevents efficient protection of
karst polje water and environment from pollution.
Poljes exhibit complex hydrological and hydrogeological As a consequence of intensive tectonic activity the poljes
features and characteristics, such as permanent and in the Dinaric Karst have been formed as terraces from
temporary springs and rivers, losing and sinking rivers, an altitude of more than 1000 m above sea level to the
and swallow holes and estavelles. Estavelles are the karst sea level. They represent more or less interconnected
openings that may function as either a ponor or a spring, subsystems within the process of surface and groundwater
depending on the GWL in their environment. Bonacci flow through the karst spring catchment. From the
(1987, 2004a, 2013) classified poljes into four basic types hydrologic–hydrogeologic perspective, a polje is to be
based on their inflows and outflows: (1) closed polje; (2) considered as part of a wider system. It cannot be treated
upstream-open polje; (3) downstream-open polje; and as an independent system, but only as a subsystem in the

28
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Workshop and project results

hydrological processes, including the types, rates, timing,

and pathways of water, influence ecological processes.
Developing the research interface between hydrology
and ecology has been recognised as a research frontier in
geosciences. Despite a history of research that integrates
insight from the two scientific disciplines, they still operate
somewhat independently with different philosophies,
conceptual frameworks, terminology and experimental
approaches. Harte (2002) seeks a synthesis of what he
calls the Newtonian and Darwinian approaches to science.
He believes that such a synthesis offers opportunities for
progress at the intersection of physics and ecology where
many critical issues in earth system science reside.
Hutovo blato, a permanently flooded karst polje, 8 April 2010 (Photo:
Dejan Kulijer)
Ecohydrology as a concept is in a very early phase of
formation. Because of this it offers many scientific
challenges and possibilities for exciting, hardly foreseen
and dynamic development. Ecohydrology has the
potential to provide scientists with environmentally
process of surface and groundwater flow through the karst friendly and sustainable solutions to several problems
massif. related to water quantity, flooding and pollution. Karst
In the Dinaric Karst the poljes as the basic structural and as a specific landscape and environment, to insure its
stratigraphic units are elongated in a NW-SE direction sustainable development and protection, definitely
which follows the extension of the Dinarides. Arable needs new achievements in ecohydrology. It needs
Quaternary sediments (in Dinaric Karst it is mostly “terra specific approaches to ecohydrology, i.e. it needs karst
rossa”) cover the bottom of the numerous poljes in karst. ecohydrology. Karst ecohydrology should help in answering
Although rainfall in the Dinaric Karst poljes (as well as on many crucial questions dealing with interactions
in many other of the world’s karst poljes) is abundant,
surface water is leaked heavily and groundwater is buried
deeply due to the dual hydrological structure. Before the Ecohydrology can be
large human interventions in karst poljes practically each defined as the science of
year poljes were flooded during the wet period of the year
integrating hydrological
and suffered from severe karst droughts during the hot and
and biological processes
dry summers during the same year. Due to construction of
tunnels nowadays situation is changed. Duration of floods
over varied spatial and
is shortened but droughts are longer with more serious and temporal scales.
dangerous consequences. The water deficit during the hot
summer period is still the primary factor for influencing between karst hydrology and karst ecology. Both of them
vegetation restoration due to discontinuous shallow soils are very different than in other types of environment.
and low soil storage capacity. Especially it should take care about the strong interplay
between surface water and groundwater and the existence
Karst ecohydrology of rich karst underground environments, which strongly
depend on surface water management in poljes.
Ecohydrology can be defined as the science of integrating The decisive components of ecology in any physical
hydrological and biological processes over varied spatial setting, including karst, are: (1) species; (2) population; (3)
and temporal scales. Interdisciplinary research efforts to community; (4) environment; and (5) ecosystem. Species
integrate the ecological aspects of water with its physical are organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile
and social roles have a long history as well as some new offspring. A population is a collection of individuals, all
developments. A key concern in ecohydrology is how members of the same species. A community is a collection

29
of populations of different species living together in
an environment. The environment represents abiotic
and biotic surroundings. The ecosystem consists of
communities and the abiotic environment. An ecosystem
has three biotic components (producers, consumers and
decomposers) and three abiotic components (organic
matter, inorganic matter and climate).
Subterranean karst ecosystems are sensitive to
environmental changes that occur on the surface. The
importance of maintaining biological diversity goes
far beyond mere protection of endangered species and
beautiful landscapes. It is necessary to obtain a thorough
understanding of how aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems
Erosion along the meanders of periodical Šuica River, Duvanjsko polje,
function and interact in very complex, vulnerable and in illustrates the fertile soils of karst polje, 5 June 2010 (Photo: Kenan
time and space extremely dynamic karst systems. Pašić)
Determination of water circulation in karst media is crucial for
explaining hydrological and hydrogeological processes and rapid transport of contaminants.
their influence on resident surface and underground biota The range of geomorphology, climate, hydrogeology and
(Palandačić et al. 2012). Interactions between surface and hydrology cause a remarkable number of different karst
groundwater environments: (1) inland and coastal caves;
(2) superficial and deep phreatic networks; (3) interstitial-
The importance of hyporheic substrates; and (4) epikarst and other
maintaining biological infiltration zones. The habitats inside the subterranean
diversity goes far beyond karst environment can be classified as: (1) terrestrial; (2)
mere protection of aquatic; and (3) interstitial.
Differences in morphology, hydrology, hydrogeology and
endangered species and
climate have resulted in a range of different environments,
beautiful landscapes. It which provide the opportunity for the coexistence of
is necessary to obtain a different species. The role of the epikarst and vadose
thorough understanding zones, as well as caves in ecohydrological processes, is
of how aquatic and of special importance. The coupling of thermal, chemical,
terrestrial ecosystems mechanical, ecological, and hydraulic processes in karst
function and interact in fluid-rock interaction is extremely complex and subjected
very complex, vulnerable to multiple feedback loops that often cannot be adequately
and in time and space understand or properly addressed in models. The first
problem is that science does not know enough about these
extremely dynamic karst
feedback loops especially between water and biota.
systems.
The importance of maintaining the morphological and
ecological connections between surface and underground
subsurface in karst are very strong. In karst ecohydrological parts of the karst systems should be stressed. The
investigations, the basic problem is that subsurface water connectivity of various habitats is important for fulfilling
is highly heterogeneous in terms of location of conduits, the needs of organisms to move within the landscape
location of vertically moving water toward the phreatic zone, and karst underground and for sustaining a series of
and flow velocities. The surface and especially subterranean physical, biological and chemical processes that control
environment in karst provides a range of habitats with the structure and functioning of the karst system.
different chemical and biological processes. To biologists A special important role karst ecohydrology should play in the
and ecologists, they are fragile ecosystems, hosting rare and protection and management of the karst polje environment,
endangered species. For geochemists, they are the route of which is under severe anthropogenic as well as natural

30
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Workshop and project results

stresses. The survival of the vulnerable ecosystem of a

broader poljes’ karst area depends on the efficient protection
and management of water in the karst poljes during the
whole year. Occurrence and connection between surface
water and groundwater in karst is strongly influenced by the
location and behaviour of water bodies in and around karst
poljes. From the ecological point of view, the role of vadose
zone, including epikarst is extremely important.
Hydrological and hydrogeological processes involve
flows of matter and energy (water, nutrients, sediments,
species, seeds, heat, microhabitats etc.) between different
landscape components and parts of the ecosystem. The
spatial structure and temporal dynamics of pathways
Burnig of peat layers in Ždralovac, Livanjsko polje, 6 October 2011
of connectivity are driven by climatic factors and are (Photo: Dejan Kulijer)
mediate by catchment landscape characteristics (Soulsby
et al. 2006). In karst terrains a special important role play
surface and underground karst features (karren, doline, as a catastrophe but in reality floods are an integral part of
nature, playing a critical role in ecosystem function. At the
same time flooding brings many benefits particularly for
Occurrence and ecological variability and soil fertility. Flooding promotes
connection between exchange of materials and organisms between habitats
surface water and and plays a key role in determining the level of biological
groundwater in karst is productivity and diversity. Those processes are especially
strongly influenced by the important for the karst environment.
location and behaviour Poljes are regularly flooded in the cold and wet periods
of the year. Flooding of the poljes in the Dinaric Karst in
of water bodies in and
natural conditions lasts on average from 3 to 7 months
around karst poljes.
per year, mostly between October and April, but there
are cases when flooding can even persist for 10 months.
sinkhole, dry valley, polje, jama, cave, karst conduit etc.). Poljes may be flooded when: (1) the GWL rises above their
The interconnections of surface water and groundwater bottoms; (2) inflow exceeds the maximum capacity of the
change in karst systems very fast in time and space and outflow structures (ponors or swallow holes); or (3) both
by this way add to the vulnerability of the flora and fauna. occur simultaneously.
In many cases it is very hard (sometimes impossible) to With the objective of flood prevention in poljes, attempts
detect precisely connections between inflow and outflow of have been made to increase the capacity of ponors. Such
water in the karst system. Karst ecohydrology should help attempts have usually failed because the capacity of
in explaining the sensitivity of different karst habitats and ponors depends on the conduit system to which they drain
their ecological communities to fast and drastic exchanges and on the GWL as well as their size. The most effective
of low flow and flood in karst poljes. In order to efficiently measure to prevent the flooding or to reduce duration of
protect karst polje ecosystems karst ecohydrology should floods is the construction of a tunnel. But, it should be
concentrate their scientific investigation efforts in critical aware that this measure may have very negative ecological
areas, such as surface and underground streams, ponors, consequences, especially for a long time period.
dolines, karst springs and water bodies (lakes and marshes). Flood as a violent periodic disturbance must have
important ecological effects (Hawes 1939). It operates as
Role of floods in karst poljes agents of distribution, and help in maintaining a regular
food supply. As mechanical agents, floods in karst poljes
Floods are one of the most dramatic interactions between introduce species from the surface and so initiate the
human beings and the environment. People look at floods colonisation of the karst underground. Hawes (1939)

31
 position in the landscape, and wetland diversity and
function, contribute to the tractable nature of the
definition. Each individual or group brings to the definition
its own perspective based upon cumulative experience and
personal needs (Kent 2001). In accordance with previously
mentioned definition each of the permanent or temporary
flooded karst poljes can be treated as a wetland. It
especially concerns the lowest part of the polje. Each of
it has very different characteristics (dimensions, water
quantity and quality, hydrological and hydrogeological
characteristics, climate etc.) but they all are extremely
endangered more by human interventions than by climate
changes and/or variability.
Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca (Photo: Andreas Hafen)
Because of the rare natural habitats of water birds, its
fresh water springs and biodiversity, Livanjsko Polje was
protected by the Ramsar Convention on February 3rd
stresses the importance of karst polje flooding giving April 2009. The Ramsar site covers a total area of 45,868
an example of possible underground colonisation of the ha. It is the largest wetland of Bosnia and Herzegovina,
karst underground in the Popovo Polje (Trebišnjica River) with important populations of rare birds and significant
in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Generally the cyprinid fish communities including Corncrake Crex crex, Montagu’s
Phoxinellus ghetaldii, locally named “gaovica”, spends Harrier Circus pygargus, Lesser Spotted Eagle Aquila
most of its time underground. Gaovica are the only cyprinid pomarina, Common Redshank Tringa totanus, Common
fish without scales on their skin. Floods wash them out in Snipe Gallinago gallinago and Eurasian Bittern Botaurus
great quantities and regularly every year at the beginning stellaris. Livanjsko Polje vegetation is a very special mix
of the wet and cold period (mostly during October or of northern European grasslands and forests as well as
November). Breeding occurs at this time, and the young Mediterranean plants, while large areas are covered with
fish are left to spend a year in the open, while their
parents are carried back into the karst underground. After
the next flood, the young fish in turn are swept into the
Fishing at the openings
underground. The eyes of Phoxinellus ghetaldii are normal
of estavelles, which
but the fish exhibits a tendency to reduce scales, which
is remarkably common among cave fishes. Maybe in this
for centuries had been
case we are witnesses of the early stages of colonisation an important source
of caves by an epigean fish. of nutrition for the
Development of Trebišnjica Hydroelectric Power Plant inhabitants of Popovo
system during the 1970s caused huge changes in Popovo polje, has now completely
Polje natural hydrological and hydrogeological regime. vanished.
They had a negative influence on the natural ecological
system. The subsequent permanent non-reappearance
of the poljes’ flooding, the main source for this formerly oak, ash and alder forests important to conservation.
rich supply of food also dried up. Fishing at the openings The polje is shaped by seasonal floods which provide
of estavelles, which for centuries had been an important habitat for up to 70,000 wintering water birds. During
source of nutrition for the inhabitants of Popovo Polje, the dry season, surface water disappears through many
has now completely vanished. Biological diversity of the ponors or evaporate, and leave behind lush pastures, large
surface as well as underground karst flora and fauna is fens, alluvial forests and good-quality arable peatlands
reduced and many endemic species are endangered. that harbour a rich set of species, including in the least
Wetlands are defined directly or implicitly in a variety of accessible areas, probably the most southern breeding
ways. Several factors, including personal perspective, pairs of Eurasian Cranes Grus grus, the symbol of this

32
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Workshop and project results

underground reservoirs; (2) increase or decrease in the

capacity of outlet structures; (3) construction on the karst
surface (urbanisation, industrialisation, construction of
railways and motorways, dams and reservoirs, irrigation
and drainage, river regulation, etc.); (4) construction in
the karst underground (mining, drilling tunnels and other
underground engineering construction); (5) actions to the
groundwater (mainly massive pumping, rarely recharging,
pollution); (6) use of the karst spring water; (7) interbasin
water transfer; (8) quarrying; (9) grouting; (10) massive
tourism; (11) deforestation and land use changes, which
can have end in “rocky desertification”; (12) changes in fire
regimes; (13) introduced predator species and introduced
Popovo Minnow Phoxinellus ghetaldii (Photo: Dušan Jelić)
competitor species; (14) intensive agriculture (overgrazing,
undergrazing, nutrient enrichment, pollution etc.).
Many subterranean taxa in karst regions, especially in
Ramsar site. In the caves connected with the polje, a karst poljes, are threatened by pesticides, storm-water
number of endemic fish survive until the next floods. discharge, microbiological pathogens and nutrient stress
resulting from the remote transport of pollutants.
Negative anthropogenic influences A cave is a natural subsurface void in rocks (predominantly
in carbonate rocks) that is large enough for human
The karst ecosystem is very fragile and sensitive to access. It can be filled by air and/or water, and often is
environmental change. Surface water and groundwater partially occupied by sediment. Caves are conspicuous
in karst poljes evolve in concert with and in response to and interesting features of relatively mature karst
surrounding ecosystems. Changes within a surrounding terrains. From the karst ecohydrological point of view
ecosystem will impact the physical, chemical and
biological processes occurring within a karst polje. These
systems normally function within natural ranges of flow, It is obvious that present-
sediment movement, temperature, and other variables, in day pressure on the karst
what is termed “dynamic equilibrium”. When changes in ecosystems, especially
these variables go beyond their natural ranges, dynamic in karst poljes, does
equilibrium may be lost. Karst niches have provided not ensure sustainable
shelter for many animals to survive environmental crises development as well as
by “fossilizing” the evolutionary process, environments biological diversity.
and habitats in karst areas
Human activity has profoundly affected natural state
in all parts of the world, to such an extent that it is now it is very important to incorporate numerous pieces
extremely difficult to find any karst polje which has not of cave information into site-specific environmental
been in some way altered. The cumulative effect of these characterizations (Jancin 1999). Especially in recent times
activities results in significant changes, not only to the quarrying and intensive motorway building have destroyed
polje itself, but also to the other parts of the karst system many caves including their valuable habitats and species.
which with this polje is connected by water circulation. In the last about hundred years and especially in recent
It is obvious that present-day pressure on the karst time anthropogenic influences created a new and very
ecosystems, especially in karst poljes, does not ensure fast redistribution of surface water and groundwater in
sustainable development as well as biological diversity. karst areas, which had caused changes of connections
Humanity’s interventions in karst are numerous (Drew & between aquifers of neighbouring (in some cases distant)
Hötzl 1999, Milanović 2002, Bonacci 2004b). They can be karst springs (Bonacci 2004). For this reason technical
categorized as follows: (1) water storage in surface and and environmental damage in some cases has exceeded

33
the benefits. The most common damages caused by them total destruction of the existing ecosystems as a result
are: (1) collapse of surface and underground structures of the stripping of soil, grassland and woodland (Gunn
(Waltham et al. 2005); (2) pollution of groundwater; (3) & Bailey 1991). The problem is that, although limestone
increasing risk of flooding; (4) decrease in karst springs quarrying represents the most visually obvious and the
outflow capacity (even their drying up) and the intrusion most dramatic anthropogenic impact on karst terrain, it
of the sea water; (5) changes in local and regional has received little attention from karst geomorphologists
hydrological and hydrogeological regimes, which can cause or karst ecologists. Quarrying definitely has a strong
many different negative consequences; (6) the massive negative influence on karst water circulation and causes
destruction of surface, and especially underground the pollution of groundwater. Many karst freshwater
habitats; and (7) threatening species of karst subterranean organisms have a restricted geographical distribution.
ecosystems, which can cause the disappearance of
endangered species most of which are endemic (Bonacci
et al. 2009b). The injection of materials
The karst region of southwest China is a geology-controlled into karst groundwater,
eco-environment, and the basic characteristics include i.e. the construction
the shortage of surface water and soil resources, low of grout curtains,
vegetation coverage and high diversity of microhabitats. definitely could be the
Due to the special geological background, intensive karst cause of unpredictable
process and recent irrational land uses, both vegetation
negative consequences
destruction and soil and water loss are increasingly serious
on karst groundwater
in the karst region of southwest China. This results in karst
desertification, a process of land degradation involving
environments.
extensive exposure of basement rocks and drastic decrease
in soil productivity. Karst desertification has been leading Because of that they are extremely vulnerable to habitat
for the concentrated population to poverty and the lack of destruction and other anthropogenic modifications to
cultivated land (Chen et al. 2013). karst water circulation.
Many dolines in karst poljes today are filled up with Dams and large-scale impoundments have caused severe
different kinds of unknown waste material, covered with population declines in or the extinction of many karst
variable thick layers of cover-material or simply overgrown aquatic species worldwide (Žganec & Gottstein 2009).
by vegeta­tion (Breg 2007). Waste materials (excavation Dams and reservoirs definitely cause changes in the
material, municipal, construction, indus­trial waste etc.) groundwater as well as surface water regimes, which may
deposited in nature represent the most irresponsible have very distinct negative effects on karst underground
activity affecting the karst features and pro­cesses that at species. The adverse impact of dams and impoundments on
one point became subject to degradation processes that river systems have been recognized as the most important
had not only a great effect on karst hydrology or ecology cause of fragmentation and habitat loss in running
but also permanently influenced karst landforms and water (Strayer 2006). In open water courses below dams
the entire landscape. Breg (2007) gives the example of the changes of physical as well as chemical conditions,
Logaško Polje (Slovenia), where degradation processes of include great modification of natural hydrological and
dolines have been very intense during the last fifty years. water temperature regimes so that few native species
The analysis of aerial photographs from different periods can survive. In karst terrains this problem is amplified.
(years 1944 and 2000) showed that 77.5 % of the dolines Problems regarding the karst environment do not start
(441 out of a total of 569) have completely disappeared after dam construction is finished and its reservoir is full
mostly by being filled up with different waste materials or of water. Instead, they appear during the civil engineering
they were built up, while 22.5 % (128) of dolines have been works, especially due to massif excavation, transport
entirely or partly preserved. with heavy lorries, the work of civil engineering machines,
The removal of rock by quarrying results in either the blasting and the construction of grout curtains (Bonacci et
modification or the destruction of specific and beautiful al. 2009a).
karst landforms in the quarried area together with the The last mentioned reason, the injection of materials

34
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Workshop and project results

into karst groundwater, i.e. the construction of grout

curtains, definitely could be the cause of unpredictable
negative consequences on karst groundwater
environments. The building of dams in karst areas
always includes the construction of grout curtains.
Grouting is a procedure by means of which grout is
injected into karst voids, fissures, crevices, conduits and
caves. During construction millions of tons of injection
mass are injected in the underground. Physically as well
as chemically this mass voraciously and quickly destroys
underground habitats and kills an enormous number of
endangered and endemic species. The great problem
is that until now neither engineers nor ecologists took
Olm Proteus anguinus (Photo: Slavko Polak)
care of this great and massive negative influence on
underground karst environments.
The dams have made an important and significant
contribution to human development, but the social karst region landscape. Dry stone walls are of fundamental
and environmental costs have, in too many cases, been importance as a habitat for a very diverse flora and fauna.
unacceptable and often unnecessary (WCD 2000). There They keep the moisture during the hot summer period,
cannot be one, single, dogmatic a priori answer to the create shade and serve as the shelter for many species.
questions of dams or no dams, in terms of optional Hand-built dry stone wall terraces permitted agricultural
water and environment resources management, which production on slopes up to an inclination of 70 %. Terracing
will suit all the different conditions of all the countries of by dry stone walls prevents overland flow and serves as a
the world, either at present, or for the decades to come very effective measure against erosion. At the same time
(Biswas 2004). dry stone walls can help in the protection of the rapid
Karst ecosystems have been resilient and resistant to the spreading of wildfires.
long-lasting but slow human pressure, especially land Massive stone clearings mean the entire disappearance
use changes, whose main activity was “primitive stone of stonewalls. This process could be very dangerous from
clearing”, i. e. construction of dry stone walls. This kind of ecological and hydrogeological points of view. The carbonate
coexistence between human beings and nature resulted in formation of the Murgia (Southern Italy) represents a huge
a sustainable functioning and balance of vulnerable karst karst aquifer, holding the main groundwater resource of
ecosystems. the region. Up to the 1980s, agriculture consisted in typical
The present-day karst landscape is the result of natural extensive fields of olive and almond trees, and grapes. A
and human interactions over thousands of years. Human high degree of division into parcels, physically delimited by
societies have been so closely intermingled with their a very developed network of dry stone walls, represented
environment that a complex co-evolution has been claimed an important feature of this region. By the massive stone
to shape the interactions between ecosystem components clearing at the end of 2003, 40 % of the Murgia territory
and humans. The components and dynamics of current had been transformed (Conora et al. 2008).
geomorphological variability as well as biodiversity The above scenario represents a worrying example of man-
and ecosystem functioning in karst region cannot be made evolution of the karst surface’s textural features.
understood without taking into account the history of Current studies indicate that the agricultural activities
human interactions. Various and ingenious systems of in the Murgia region have important consequences on
land use and resource management provided a framework groundwater quality, variable with the season and the trend
for the development of civilizations living on this region of precipitation. Direct observation of the stone cleared
(Blondel & Aronson 1999). surfaces evidences a net loss of the fine soil component,
A high degree of division into parcels, physically delimited so farmers are obliged to add new soil. A great part of the
by a very developed network of dry stone walls, represents lost soil finally reaches the sea during the frequent floods.
the most important feature of the whole Mediterranean The soil loss is the closest precursor of the desertification

35
of the concerned areas (Conora et al. 2008). karst water resources in karst poljes should be performed
The hazard of wildfires has increased over the last decades with special caution.
throughout the whole Mediterranean region. One of the The impacts of agriculture on karst poljes ecology is of
reasons can be found in massive stone clearing. Wildfires special importance. It is crucial to find new management
can have a significant effect on some hydrological and approaches to minimize negative impacts and maximize
ecological parameters. The destruction of the forested production. The further study should attach the
ecosystem of a basin has direct and serious consequences importance to investigate the relationship between
for its behaviour. At the same time wildfires can affect water movement in soils and fractured rocks and plant
ecohydrological processes indirectly, but profoundly, by water utilization, and to survey the effects of various
altering the physical and chemical properties of the soil, environmental factors on ecohydrological processes in
converting organic ground cover to soluble ash, modifying the atmosphere-plant-soil-rock system. In order to reveal
the microclimate, etc. the interactive mechanism of vegetation and hydrological
processes at hill slope and catchment scales in karst areas,
Conclusions the multidisciplinary research methods and techniques,
including soil physics, ecohydrology, plant physiology
Karst poljes represent small but fertile and for human and karstology, should be applied (Chen et al. 2013). New
beings and biota hospitable geomorphological forms modern methods of risk evaluation and management
in generally inhospitable large surrounding karst areas. strategies to minimize impacts of agriculture, including
Because of this they represent crucial social and ecological the use of Best Management Practices, community-based
systems. The problem is that this fact is not enough agro-environmental initiatives, and various legislative
scientifically and especially politically recognized. In controls can help in efficiently protecting ecosystems and
recent times human pressure on karst poljes is enormous biological diversity of karst poljes.
and uncontrolled what is absolutely unacceptable. If this The cave protection as well as protection of other
dangerous trend will continue it is obvious that values significant karst water features has great and not
and functions of karst poljes will be very soon irreparably only ecological importance. The aim is to prevent their
destroyed. destruction and ensure their preservation in a condition
A new joint strategy for the protection of all karst polje in which their ecological and scientific potential can
values (social, economic, ecologic, political etc.) should be realized (Howarth 1993). The unavoidable steps for
be found in close and democratic cooperation between realization of these goals are: (1) to designate caves and
different interesting groups based on interdisciplinary other karst features or areas of international importance in
scientific analyses. Of special importance is the restoration a list of sites; (2) to organize their continuous monitoring
of valuable karst habitats and preservation of endemic of the most important hydrological, hydrolgeological and
species. ecological parameters; (3) to enact legislation, especially
A karst ecohydrological approach means integration of in case of transboundary shared karst poljes and/or their
karst studies into a more general ecological, biological, catchments and aquifers.
hydrological, hydrogeological, geomorphological, and The needs for better understanding of the deep and long
geochemical context. Works on karst ecohydrology brings lasting mutual relationship between human activities and
the diverse perspective of ecologists and karst hydrologist natural processes in karst poljes is of crucial importance
and hydrogeologists together and by this way can help in in order to achieve their real sustainable development
achieving previously mentioned goals. and protect their rich, valuable and vulnerable biological
For karst surface water and groundwater management, diversity.
water crises are increasingly serious all over the world.
In karst terrains man’s interventions very often are References
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Biswas A. K. (2004): Dams: cornucopia or disaster? International Journal
cases of transboundary shared karst surface water and
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groundwater catchments, like in the Dinaric Karst region, Blondel J., Aronson J. (1999): Biology and Wildlife of the Mediterranean
they can be a trigger for serious international conflicts. Due Region. Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK
Bonacci O. (1987): Karst Hydrology with Special Reference to the Dinaric
to this reason management of the internationally shared Karst. Springer Verlag, Berlin, Germany

36
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Workshop and project results

Bonacci O. (2004a): Poljes. In: Gunn J. (ed), Encyclopedia of Caves and

Karst Science. Fitzroy Dearborn, New York, USA, pp: 599–600.
Bonacci O. (2004b): Hazards caused by natural and anthropogenic
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Bonacci O. (2013): Poljes, ponors and their catchments. In: Shroder J. F.
(ed.), Frumkin A. (vol. ed). Treatise on Geomorphology Vol. 6. Academic
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Bonacci O., Pipan T., Culver D. (2009b): A framework for karst
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Breg M. (2007): Degradation of dolines on Logaško Polje (Slovenia). Acta
Carsologica, 36(2): 223-231.
Canora F., Fidelibus M. D., Sciortino A., Spilotro G. (2008): Variation of
infiltration rate through karstic surface due to land use changes: a case
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– Impacts, Consequences and Implications. Balkema, Rotterdam, The
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Harte J. (2002): Toward a synthesis of the Newtonian and Darwinian
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Hawes R. S. (1939): The flood factor in the ecology of caves. Journal of
Animal Ecology, 8(1): 1-5.
Howarth F. G. (1993): High-stress subterranean habitats and evolutionary
change in cave-inhabiting arthropods. American Naturalists, 142: S65-S77.
Jancin M. (1999): Role of cave information in environmental site
characterization. Karst Water Institute Special Publication, 5: 213-221.
Kent D. M. (2001): Applied Wetlands Science and Technology. 2nd ed.,
CRC Press, Boca Ratom, USA.
Milanović P. (2002): The environmental impacts of human activities and
engineering constructions in karst regions. Episodes, 25: 13-21.
Palandačić A., Bonacci O., Snoj A. (2012): Molecular data as a possible
tool for tracing in karst environment: example of Delminichthys adspersus
in Dinaric karst system. Ecohydrology, 5(6): 791-797.
Soulsby C., Tetzlaff D., Rodgers P., Dunn S. M., Waldron S. (2006):
Runoff processes, stream water and controlling landscape characteristics
in a mesoscale catchment: an initial evolution. Journal of Hydrology, 325:
197-221.
Zalewski M. (2002): Ecohydrology - the use of ecological and hydrological
processes for sustainable management of water resources. Hydrological
Sciences Journal, 47: 823-832.
Žganec K., Gottstein S. (2009): The river before damming: distribution
and ecological notes on the endemic species Echinogammarus cari
(Amphipoda: Gammaridae) in the Dobra River and its tributaries, Croatia.
Aquatic Ecology, 43(1): 105-115.
Waltham T., Bell F., Culshaw, M. (2005): Sinkholes and Subsidence -
Karst and Cavernous Rocks in Engineering and Construction. Springer
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WCD (World Commission on Dams) (2000): Dams and Development.
World Commission on Dams, Cape Town, South Africa.

37
Mostarsko blato, 18 January 2010 (Photo: Martin Schneider-Jacoby)

38
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Workshop and project results

Flooding analysis of the karst poljes in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Ulrich Schwarz

FLUVIUS - Floodplain Ecology and River Basin Management, Hetzgasse 22/7, A - 1030 Vienna, Austria; E-mail: [email protected]

Summary Introduction

The karst poljes of the Dinarides and, in particular, in Bosnia The Dinarides’ karst poljes in Bosnia-Herzegovina
and Herzegovina are the subject of long-lasting and regular are subject to regular and long-lasting floods which
floods which characterize the habitat conditions of these characterize the habitat conditions and land use patterns
unique landscapes. The present study tries to summarize since centuries. The present Euronatur study tried to
the potential flooding situation of the karst poljes in summarize the potential flooding situation in the karst
Bosnia and Herzegovina for highlighting the most sensible poljes of Bosnia-Herzegovina with the aim to highlighting
habitat areas and to identify the potential flood risk for the ecologically most sensible habitat areas by using a
adjacent settlements and infrastructure. Because few and digital elevation model, high resolution satellite data of
very scattered data, in particular hydrological data, are land use and main habitat types and visual data on floods,
currently available, the applied approach is based on the collected over the last 10 years.
freely available ASTER2 elevation model, documentations
of flood events from the field and secondary information, Materials and approach
such as historic maps.
The main goal of the present study was to identify the
Sažetak area and extent of floods in the more or less frequently
and regularly flooded karst poljes in the Dinaric Mountains
Kraška polja Dinarida, a posebno ona u Bosni i Hercegovini, in Bosnia-Herzegovina. While flooding is strongly based
su podložna redovnim dugotrajnim poplavama koje on underground filling and release, including cave springs
su karakteristične za uslove staništa ovih jedinstvenih and ponors, the hydrological conditions and functioning
krajolika. Ovaj rad nastoji prikazati potencijalnu situaciju of flooding in the karst poljes are basically known (e.
kraških polja u Bosni i Hercegovini kada su u pitanju g. Bonacci 1987). However, flood behavior, occurrence,
poplave, da bi se naglasila najosjetljivija staništa i duration and magnitudes are highly differentiated.
identificirao potencijalni rizik od poplava za susjedna Because, currently, only very scattered hydrological data
naselja i infrastrukturu. Zbog malog broja podataka, and information on the occurrence and extent of floods are
posebno hidroloških, pristup je baziran na slobodno available, the approach which was applied for the present
dostupnom ASTER2 modelu, terenskim podacima o study, is based on the freely available ASTER2 elevation
poplavama i sekundarnim izvorima podataka, kao što su model (ASTER GDEM v2 2011), high resolution satellite
povijesne karte. images on land use and habitats, documentations of
floods from the field and secondary information, such as
Keywords: flood extent, flood water depth, karst polje topographical and historical maps.
landscapes, Bosnia-Herzegovina In a first major analysis step elevation data, derived from
ASTER 2 data, were evaluated. Aside of some limitations,
like resolution and the visualization of elevation artifacts,
the ASTER 2 data set currently constitutes the most

39
Fig. 1: Example Mostarsko Blato: The rather huge and frequently flooded karst polje (3,314 ha) is fed by the Lišitca River and by underground water
sources which fill the polje like a “bath tube”, before the water is running through the underground into the Neretva River valley through the 10 km long
Jasenica River, 200 m below the surface of the polje (Photo: Borut Stumberger).

40
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Workshop and project results

elaborated digital elevation model which is freely available. outline of floods is exclusively based on the
Basically, ASTER 2 elevation information for the rather flat elevation model by allowing a certain buffer of
surfaces of the karst poljes which are mainly covered by 2 - 10 m in terrain height. As mentioned above
low grassland vegetation, with an estimated accuracy of for the current flood outline, it is impossible
30 x 30 m² per pixel and a high accuracy of 2 - 5 m proved to define return intervals, but the potential
to be useful for analysis. Calculating the model for larger outline should represent the multi-century
areas of the poljes differing altitude information, such as flood outline, similar to the definition of
forests or infrastructure, were rather good recognizable “morphological floodplains” for rivers which
and, consequently, excluded from flood area calculations. means the maximum potential extent of
In the case that surrounding areas are deeper and the proof flooding.
by satellite images and maps was given, these areas were
assumed as “flooded”, e. g. flooded forests. All calculations
were done in 1 m steps and for better visualization later Results
aggregated to larger classes.
In a second run of the analysis resulting elevation maps were All 57 karst poljes in Bosnia-Herzegovina which were
directly overlaid with land use/habitat information which assessed for the present study, are situated between 5
are available by free satellite images such as Google and and 1,180 m a.s.l. They are often connected by underground
Bing maps (cf. former experiences and systematic habitat
classifications by Spot data in the same geographical area
in Schwarz 2010). The resulting overlays indicated some Out of the total of 57
changes to already existing general outlines of karst poljes karst poljes which
by Stumberger (2010) and thus improved the delimitation represent a total area
of many karst poljes from surrounding areas. Higher of 152,574 ha, 37
terrain which is hosting dry vegetation, could be excluded poljes (67,507 ha) are
from “current”, but in most cases not from “potentially” presumably regularly
flooded areas. flooded.
Additionally, in a third step a review of raw field data on
flood events in the poljes was prepared. Unfortunately,
existing documentation on the flooding of the karst poljes water courses and range in size from 30 up to 40,000 ha,
is rather poor. However, at least for some localities, local with a mean of some 2,500 ha. In most cases flooding
people have good long-lasting experiences of average occurs in the winter and spring seasons and can take
and catastrophic flood events. In particular, the current from several days to three months. Flood water levels,
Euronatur photo documentation (Euronatur 2000 - 2011) ranging from 1 - 40 m, are highly differentiated. Almost all
was helpful to improve the analysis for some poljes. poljes are more or less feed by underground water (karst
Based on the results of the previous analyses, in a last step springs) or by partially intermittent karst rivers which
the flood outlines for individual karst poljes were assessed. show significant discharges during the flood season. The
The final flood outlines were prepared regarding: release of water is mostly based on ponors (sink holes) and
• Current maximum flood outline, proved by field groundwater, and seldom, but only partially, by surface
documentation: Unfortunately, it is almost discharge.
impossible to define return intervals, but in the Out of the total of 57 karst poljes which represent a total
best case the current maximum flood outline area of 152,574 ha, 37 poljes (67,507 ha) are presumably
should represent the “maximum flood outline regularly flooded. Additionally, in nine more poljes at least
in the last century”, i. e. an approximately 100 potential flooding can be expected. Thus, only 10 of all
year event as it is usual for the definition of karst poljes in Bosnia-Herzegovina (17,5 %) are mostly dry
river flood discharge. and the overall maximum potential for flooding amounts
•  Maximum potential flood outline: Without at 80,261 ha.
considering any flood protection dikes or
similar infrastructure, like canals, the potential

41
Fig. 2: Overview on the current and potential extent of floods in the karst poljes of Bosnia-Herzegovina. Karst poljes without fillers lie in Croatia.

42
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Workshop and project results

Conclusions

The present first and rapid analysis of the current and

potential extent of floods which by encompassing the karst
poljes of Bosnia-Herzegovina covered a relatively large
area, was prepared with a commonly used methodology
to approximate potential flooding in the polje landscape,
mainly by analyzing the elevation model, in combination
with field documentation of flood events within the last
10 years and various other sources. For many karst poljes
the results clearly indicate the importance of flooding.
Therefore, the water sources of the poljes should be used
very carefully and hydro-engineering must be restricted
to structural measures which are absolutely necessary for
flood protection of infrastructure and settlements.
For further analyses hydrological data which will allow
evaluating flood events, returning intervals and flood
durations as important factors of karst hydrology and the
ecological functioning of the habitats of the poljes, are
needed. The karst poljes of Bosnia-Herzegovina represent
an integral part of the “Blue Heart of Europe” of the Balkan
rivers which are closely linked to floodplains and river
flooding (Schwarz 2012) as well as stepping stones within
the “Adriatic Flyway” for migratory birds (Schwarz 2010).

References

ASTER GDEM v2 data (2011): http://gdem.ersdac.jspacesystems.or.jp/

index.jsp (Date of access: January 2013).
Bonacci O. (1987): Karst Hydrology - With Special Reference to the Dinaric
Karst. Springer, Berlin & Heidelberg.
Euronatur (2000 - 2010): Karst Polje Photo Documentation, prepared
by Martin Schneider-Jacoby and Borut Stumberger. Unpubl. database,
Euronatur, Radolfzell.
Schwarz U. (2010): Habitat mapping of the Livanjsko Polje (BA), the
Neretva Delta (HR, BA) and Lake Skadar-Shkoder (ME, AL). In: Denac D.,
Schneider-Jacoby M., Stumberger B. (eds.): Adriatic Flyway - Closing the
Gap in Bird Conservation. Euronatur, Radolfzell; pp. 79 - 87.
Schwarz U. (2012): Outstanding Balkan River Landscapes – A Basis for
Wise Development Decisions. Unpubl. report, ECA Watch Austria/
Euronatur Germany/MAVA Switzerland, 150 pp. (101 pp. Annex „River
Catalogue“), Vienna.
Stumberger B. (2010): A classification of karst poljes in the Dinarides and
their significance for waterbird conservation. In: Denac D., Schneider-
Jacoby M., Stumberger B. (eds.), Adriatic Flyway - Closing the Gap in Bird
Conservation. Euronatur, Radolfzell; pp. 69 - 78.

43
Silene sendtneri Boiss (Photo: Dubravka Šoljan)

44
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Workshop and project results

Floristic values of the karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Sabaheta Abadžić1 & Nermina Sarajlić2

1
National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Zmaja od Bosne 3, BA-71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina; E-mail: [email protected]
2
Ornithological Society „Naše ptice“ Semira Frašte 6, BA-71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina; E-mail: [email protected]

Summary polje, Kupreško polje i Hutovo blato) u skladu sa kriterijima

za identifikaciju područja značajnih za floru (Important Plant
In the past century, there was a great interest in studying the Areas – IPA), da bi se ova područja, od kojih neka već imaju IBA
flora of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The results of field studies i Ramsar status, za još jednu međunarodno značajnu oznaku.
that have been obtained during several decades indicate
that the karst poljes have the highest biodiversity and Keywords: Karst poljes, Bosnia-Herzegovina, plant
species richness in all Bosnia and Herzegovina. This paper species, flora, Important Plant Area
presents the list of plant species documented in literature
sources and during field surveys conducted during the April
2012 - July 2013 period within the „Karst Poljes of Bosnia Introduction
and Herzegovina – Wetlands of National and International
Importance“ project, and analyzes the floristic values of In his major work “Flora Bosne, Hercegovine i Novopazarskog
eight karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Gatačko sandžaka” (Flora of Bosnia, Herzegovina and Sanjak of Novi
polje, Nevesinjsko polje, Livanjsko polje, Mostarsko blato, Pazar), the most prominent botanist researcher of the past
Duvanjsko polje, Glamočko polje, Kupreško polje and century, Dr. Günther Beck-Mannagetta (1856-1931) has listed
Hutovo blato), according to criteria for the identification of a number of plant species distributed in karst poljes. Exactly
Important Plant Areas (IPA), in order to qualify some of these 60 years ago, in 1953, Dr. Hilda Ritter-Studnička started the
areas, some of which have already been designated as IBA more intensive study of the flora and vegetation of the karst
and Ramsar sites, for another designation as conservation poljes of Bosnia-Herzegovina. Their results, and the data from
areas of international importance. the scientific collection (herbarium) of the National Museum
of Bosnia-Herzegovina indicate that the karst poljes have the
Sažetak highest biodiversity and species richness in the entire country.
The aim of this paper is to give an overview of the floristic
U prošlom stoljeću je postojao veliki interes za proučavanje values of several karst poljes of Bosnia-Herzegovina (Gatačko
flore Bosne i Hercegovine. Rezultati do kojih se došlo polje, Nevesinjsko polje, Livanjsko polje, Mostarsko blato,
višedecenijskim terenskim istraživanjima su pokazali da Duvanjsko polje, Glamočko polje, Kupreško polje and Hutovo
kraška polja po svom florističkom i vegetacijskom sadržaju blato), and to analyze the present status of the flora according
predstavljaju svojevrstan dragulj jer se radi o neprocjenjivom to criteria for the identification of Important Plant Areas (IPA),
bogatstvu biodiverziteta na ovom prostoru. U radu je dat in order to qualify karst poljes, some of which have already been
spisak biljnih vrsta iz raspoloživih literaturnih izvora i vrsta designated as IBA and Ramsar sites, for another designation
registrovanih tokom terenskih istraživanja u periodu april as conservation areas of international importance.
2012 – juli 2013, u okviru projekta „Kraška polja Bosne
i Hercegovine – močvare od državnog i međunarodnog Materials and methods
značaja“, i analizirane florističke vrijednosti osam kraških
polja Bosne i Hercegovine (Gatačko polje, Nevesinjsko polje, The field work was conducted within Euronatur’s “Karst
Livanjsko polje, Mostarsko blato, Duvanjsko polje, Glamočko poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina – Wetlands of National

45
and International Importance” Project between April 2012 polje, Hutovo blato, Imotsko polje, Kupreško polje, Livanjsko
and July 2013. Most plants were identified in situ, using field polje, Lukavačko polje, Lušci polje, Nevesinjsko polje, Medeno
keys for determination (Domac 2002). Some specimens polje, Mostarsko blato, and in Petrovačko, Popovo, Rakitno
were brought to the laboratory of the National Museum of and Rudo polje. The data which were collected during field
Bosnia and Herzegovina, for identification with the help of surveys, have been completed with the data from the
magnifying glasses and comparison with specimens from available literature sources (Abadžić 2007, Jasprica & Carić
the scientific collection “Herbarium of the National Museum 2002, Milanović & Kotrošan 2012, Ritter-Studnička 1954, 1972,
of Bosnia and Herzegovina”. Fieldwork was conducted in a 1973, 1974; Ritter-Studnička & Grgić 1971). This paper presents
number of localities in a total of 20 karst poljes in Bosnia- the results for eight selected poljes, i. e. Duvanjsko polje,
Herzegovina: Bjelajsko polje, Dabarsko polje, Dugo polje, Gatačko polje, Glamočko polje, Hutovo blato, Kupreško polje
Duvanjsko polje, Fatničko polje, Gatačko polje, Glamočko Livanjsko polje, Mostarsko blato and Nevesinjsko polje.

Tab. 1: List of the plant species found in eight karst poljes in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Neve-
Duvanjsko Gatačko Glamočko Hutovo Kupreško Livanjsko Mostarsko
Family Species Common name sinjsko
polje polje polje blato polje polje blato polje

Equisetaceae Equisetum hyemale L. Rough Horsetail X X X

Equisetaceae Equisetum limosum L. Water Horsetail X X X
Equisetaceae Equisetum palustre L. Marsh Horsetail X X
Thelypteridaceae Thelypteris palustris Schott Marsh Fern X
Polypodiaceae Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn Bracken Fern X X
Cupressaceae Juniperus communis L. Common Juniper
Betulaceae Betula pendula Roth. Silver Birch X
Betulaceae Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn. Common Alder X
Betulaceae Corylus avellana L. Common Hazel X X X
Betulaceae Ostrya carpinifolia Scop. Hop Hornbeam X
Betulaceae Carpinus betulus L. Common Hornbeam X
Betulaceae Carpinus orientalis Mill. Oriental Hornbeam X
Fagaceae Quercus conferta Kit. Hungarian Oak
Fagaceae Quercus lanuginosa (Lam.) Thuill. Pubescent Oak
Fagaceae Quercus robur L. Pedunculate Oak X X
Fagaceae Quercus trojana Webb. Macedonian Oak X
Salicaceae Populus tremula L. Quaking Aspen X X
Salicaceae Populus nigra L. Black Poplar X
Salicaceae Salix alba L. White Willow X X X X
Salicaceae Salix cinerea L. Gray Willow X X X X X X
Salicaceae Salix incana Schrank Elaeagnus willow X
Salicaceae Salix pentandra L. Laurel Willow X X X
Salicaceae Salix purpurea L. Purple Willow X X X X
Salicaceae Salix repens L. var. rosmarinifolia (L.) W.Gr. Creeping Willow X X X
Ulmaceae Ulmus campestris L. Field Elm X
Ulmaceae Ulmus laevis Pall. White Elm X
Santalaceae Thesium intermedium Schrad. Flaxleaf X X X
Polygonaceae Rumex acetosa L. Common Sorrel X X X X
Polygonaceae Rumex acetosella L. Red Sorrel X X X X
Polygonaceae Rumex conglomeratus Murray Clustered Dock X X X
Polygonaceae Rumex crispus L. Curled Sorrel X X X X X X
Polygonaceae Rumex hydrolapathum Huds. Water Dock X X
Polygonaceae Rumex patientia L. Patience Dock X X
Polygonaceae Rumex pulcher L. Fiddle Dock X
Polygonaceae Rumex sanguineus L. Red-veined Dock X
Polygonaceae Polygonum amphibium L. f. natans Mch. Water Knotweed X X X
Polygonaceae Polygonum amphibium L. f. terrestris Leers Water Knotweed X X X X
Polygonaceae Polygonum bellardi All. Narrowleaf Knotweed X
Polygonaceae Polygonum hydropiper (L.) Delabre Water-pepper X
Polygonaceae Polygonum aviculare L. Common Knotgrass X
Polygonaceae Polygonum mite Schrank Tasteless Water-pepper X
Polygonaceae Reynoutria japonica Houtt Japanese Knotweed
Polygonaceae Polygonum bistorta L. Meadow Bistort, Adderwort X X X
Polygonaceae Polygonum persicaria L. Spotted Ladysthumb X X X X
Polygonaceae Polygonum tomentosum Schrk Curlytop Knotweed X X X
Chenopodiaceae Chenopodium album L. White Goosefoot X X
Chenopodiaceae Chenopodium glaucum L. Oak-leaved Goosefoot X
Chenopodiaceae Chenopodium murale L. Nettle-leaved Goosefoot X
Chenopodiaceae Chenopodium polyspermum L. Many-seeded Goosefoot X
Chenopodiaceae Amaranthus retroflexus L. Common Amaranth X
Chenopodiaceae Atriplex latifolia Wahlenb Wide-leaved Orache X
Euphorbiaceae Euphorbia chamaesyce L. var. massiliensis Thellg. Prostrate Spurge X
Euphorbiaceae Euphorbia cyparissias L. Cypress Spurge X
Euphorbiaceae Euphorbia dulcis L. Sweet Spurge X
Euphorbiaceae Euphorbia exigua L. Dwarf Spurge X X
Euphorbiaceae Euphorbia falcata L. Sickle Spurge X
Euphorbiaceae Euphorbia helioscopia L. Sun Spurge X X
Euphorbiaceae Euphorbia lucida Waldst. & Kit. Shining Spurge X X
Euphorbiaceae Euphorbia palustris L. Marsh Spurge X X X
Euphorbiaceae Euphorbia spinosa L. Spiny Spurge X
Euphorbiaceae Euphorbia villosa Waldst. & Kit. Hairy Spurge X X
Celastraceae Euonymus europaeus L. Common Spindle X
Caryophyllaceae Herniaria glabra L. Smooth Rupturewort X X X X

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Duvanjsko Gatačko Glamočko Hutovo Kupreško Livanjsko Mostarsko
Family Species Common name sinjsko
polje polje polje blato polje polje blato polje
Caryophyllaceae Herniaria incana Lam. Gray Rupturewort X X X X
Caryophyllaceae Corrigiola litoralis L. Strapwort X
Caryophyllaceae Spergularia rubra (L.) Presl. Purple Sandspurry X
Caryophyllaceae Scleranthus annuus L. Knawel, German Knotgrass X X
Caryophyllaceae Scleranthus uncinatus Schur. Knawel X
Caryophyllaceae Moenchia mantica (L.) Bartl. Upright Chickweed X X X X
Caryophyllaceae Cerastium brachypetalum var. glandulosum Frenzl. Gray Chickweed X
Caryophyllaceae Cerastium brachypetalum Desp. var. tauricum Gray Chickweed X
Caryophyllaceae Cerastium caespitosum Gilib. Mouse-Ear Chickweed X X X
Caryophyllaceae Cerastium semidecandrum L. Five-stamened Chickweed X X
Caryophyllaceae Cerastium sylvaticum Waldst. et Kit. Wood Chickweed X
Caryophyllaceae Stellaria graminea L. Common Stitchwort X X X X
Caryophyllaceae Stellaria holostea L. Greater Stitchwort X
Caryophyllaceae Tunica saxifraga Scop. Tunic Flower X X X X
Caryophyllaceae Dianthus armeria L. Deptford Pink X
Caryophyllaceae Dianthus cruentus Gris. f. baldacci (Degen) Beck Feld Pink X X
Caryophyllaceae Dianthus deltoides L. Maiden Pink X X X X
Caryophyllaceae Dianthus sanguineus Vis. Dark-Red Pink X X X X
Caryophyllaceae Dianthus superbus Vis. Large Pink, Fringed Pink X
Caryophyllaceae Saponaria officinalis L. Common Soapwort X
Caryophyllaceae Saponaria officinalis L. f. alluvionum Dum. Common Soapwort X X
Caryophyllaceae Vaccaria grandiflora (Fisch) Janb. et Spach Cow Soapwort X
Caryophyllaceae Silene otites (L.) Wibel Spanish Catchfly X X X
Caryophyllaceae Silene sendtneri Boiss. Sendtner's Campion X
Caryophyllaceae Silene vulgaris (Mch.) Garcke Bladder Campion X X X X X
Caryophyllaceae Silene vulgaris (Mch.) Garcke var. colorata Hampe Bladder Campion X
Caryophyllaceae Melandrium album (Mill.) Garcke White Campion X X
Caryophyllaceae Lychnis flos-cuculi L. Ragged Robin X X X X X
Caryophyllaceae Viscaria vulgaris Bernh. Sticky Catchfly X X X
Aristolochiaceae Aristolochia clematitis L. European Birthwort X
Aristolochiaceae Aristolochia rotunda L. Round-leaved Birthwort X X
Hydrocharitaceae Hydrocharis morsus-ranae L. Frogbit X
Ranunculaceae Anemone nemorosa L. Wood Anemone X X
Ranunculaceae Caltha palustris L. Marsh Marigold X X X X X X
Ranunculaceae Caltha laeta Sch. Marsh Marigold X
Ranunculaceae Nigella damascena L. Love In A Mist X
Ranunculaceae Delphinium consolida L. Royal Knight's-Spur X
Ranunculaceae Clematis flammula L. Fragrant Virgin's Bower X
Ranunculaceae Clematis recta L. Ground Virgin's Bower X
Ranunculaceae Clematis vitalba L. Traveller's Joy
Ranunculaceae Clematis viticella L. Virgin's Bower X X X
Ranunculaceae Thalictrum aquilegifolium L. Greater Meadow Rue X X X
Ranunculaceae Thalictrum flavum L. Yellow Meadow Rue X X X X X X
Ranunculaceae Thalictrum flexuosum Bernh. Lesser Meadow Rue X X
Ranunculaceae Thalictrum simplex L. Small Meadow Rue X
Ranunculaceae Ranunculus acer L. Meadow Buttercup X X X X X X X
Ranunculaceae Ranunculus arvensis L. Corn Buttercup X X
Ranunculaceae Ranunculus auricomus L. Goldilocks Buttercup X X X X X
Ranunculaceae Ranunculus circinatus Sibth. Fan-leaved Water-crowfoot X
Ranunculaceae Ranunculus ficaria L. Lesser Celandine X
Ranunculaceae Ranunculus flammula L. Lesser Spearwort X X X X X
Ranunculaceae Ranunculus flammula L. var. reptans Rchb. Lesser Spearwort X X
Ranunculaceae Ranunculus lanuginosus L. Wooly Buttercup X
Ranunculaceae Ranunculus lingua L. Greater Spearwort X X X
Ranunculaceae Ranunculus neapolitanus Ten. Bulbous Buttercup
Ranunculaceae Ranunculus ophioglossifolius Vill. Badgeworth Buttercup X X
Ranunculaceae Ranunculus paucistamineus Tsch. Thread-leaved Water Crowfoot X X X X X
Ranunculaceae Ranunculus repens L. Creeping Buttercup X X X X X X X
Ranunculaceae Ranunculus sardous Cr. Hairy Buttercup X X X X X X
Ranunculaceae Ranunculus velutinus Ten. Velvet Buttercup
Ranunculaceae Ranunculus sceleratus L. Celery-leaved Buttercup X
Ranunculaceae Trollius europaeus L. Globe Flower X
Ranunculaceae Helleborus multifidus Vis. Early Green Hellebore X X X
Nymphaceae Nuphar luteum (L.) Sm. Yellow Waterlily X X X
Nymphaceae Nymphaea alba L White Waterlily X X
Nymphaceae Nymphoides peltata (S.G. Gmel.) Kuntze Fringed Waterlily X
Papaveraceae Papaver rhoeas L. Field Poppy X X X X
Papaveraceae Fumaria rostellata Knaf. Fumitory X
Papaveraceae Fumaria vaillantii Lois. Few-flowered Fumitory X
Brassicaceae Lepidium graminifolium L. Grassleaf Pepperweed X
Brassicaceae Sisymbrium officinale (L.) Scop. Hedge Mustard X
Brassicaceae Aethionema saxatile (L.) Desv. Golden-tuft Madwort X
Brassicaceae Nasturtium officinale R. Br. Watercress X X
Brassicaceae Barbarea vulgaris R. Br. Bittercress X X X X
Brassicaceae Rorippa amphibia (L.) Bess. Great Yellowcress X X X X
Brassicaceae Rorippa lippizensis (Wulfen) Rchb. Yellowcress X X X X
Brassicaceae Rorippa sylvestris (L.) Bess. Creeping Yellowcress X X X X X X X
Brassicaceae Cardamine pratensis L. Cuckoo Flower X X X X X
Brassicaceae Arabis hirsuta (L.) Scop. Hairy Rockcress X
Brassicaceae Arabis glabra (L.) Bernh Tower Mustard X
Brassicaceae Berteroa mutabilis (Vent.) DC Roadside False Madwort X X
Brassicaceae Sinapis arvensis L. Wild Mustard X X X
Cucurbitaceae Ecbalium elaterium (L.) A.Rich Exploding Cucumber X
Cistaceae Helianthemum nummularium (L.) Mill. Common Rockrose X X X
Violaceae Viola canina Borb. Dog Violet X
Violaceae Viola reichenbachiana Jord. ex Boreau Early Dog-violet X
Violaceae Viola saxatilis F.W. Schmidt Mountain Violet X X X
Violaceae Viola stagnina Kit. Fen Violet X
Droseraceae Drosera rotundifolia L. Round-leaved Sundew X

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Duvanjsko Gatačko Glamočko Hutovo Kupreško Livanjsko Mostarsko
Family Species Common name sinjsko
polje polje polje blato polje polje blato polje
Hypericaceae Hypericum barbatum Jacq. Bearded St. John's Wort X
Hypericaceae Hypericum perforatum L. Common St. John's Wort X X
Hypericaceae Hypericum quadrangulum L. Square St. John's Wort X
Malvaceae Hibiscus trionum L. Flower-of-an-Hour X
Malvaceae Abutilon theophrasti Med. Velvetleaf X X
Malvaceae Malva moschata L. Musk Mallow X
Malvaceae Malva parviflora L. Small-flowered Mallow X
Malvaceae Malva sylvestris L. Common Mallow X
Malvaceae Althaea hirsuta L. Rough Marsh Mallow X
Malvaceae Althaea officinalis L. Marsh Mallow X X X
Linaceae Linum angustifolium Huds. Pale Flax X
Linaceae Linum catharticum L. Fairy Flax X X X X X
Linaceae Linum flavum L. Golden Flax X X
Linaceae Linum hirsutum L. Hairy Flax X
Linaceae Linum montanum Schleich. ex DC Mountain Flax X
Linaceae Linum tenuifolium L. Slim-leaved Flax X X X X
Linaceae Radiola linoides Roth. Allseed X
Geraniaceae Geranium dissectum L. Cut-leaved Cranesbill X X X
Geraniaceae Geranium molle L. Dove's-foot Cranesbill X
Geraniaceae Geranium robertianum L. Herb Robert
Geraniaceae Geranium sanguineum L. Bloody Cranesbill X X
Rutaceae Ruta patavina L. Rue of Padua X X X X
Polygalaceae Polygala oxyptera Rchb. var. variegata Frbg. & Sag. Milkwort X
Polygalaceae Polygala oxyptera Rchb. f. collina Rchb. Milkwort X X X
Polygalaceae Polygala comosa Schkuhr Tufted Milkwort X
Aceraceae Acer campestre L. Field Maple X X
Aceraceae Acer monspessulanum L. Montpellier Maple X
Aceraceae Acer tataricum L. Tatar Maple X
Rhamnaceae Frangula alnus Mill. Glossy Buchthorn X X
Rhamnaceae Rhamnus cathartica L. Common Buckthorn X
Rhamnaceae Rhamnus intermedia Steud. et Hochst Medium Buchthorn X
Rhamnaceae Frangula rupestris (Scop.) Schur. Rock Buckthorn X X
Rhamnaceae Paliurus spina-christi Mill. Christ's Thorn X X
Anacardiaceae Pistacia terebinthus L. Turpentine Tree X
Punicaceae Punica granatum L. Pomegranate X
Crassulaceae Sedum acre L. Goldmoss Stonecrop X X X X
Crassulaceae Sedum album L. White Stonecrop
Crassulaceae Sedum boloniense Lois. Tasteless Stonecrop X X
Saxifragaceae Parnassia palustris L. Grass of Parnassius X X
Rosaceae Filipendula hexapetala Gilib. Dropwort X X X X X X
Rosaceae Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim Meadowsweet X X X X X
Rosaceae Fragaria moschata Duch. Musk Strawberry X
Rosaceae Fragaria vesca L. Wild Strawberry X
Rosaceae Potentilla anserina L. Silverweed Cinquefoil X X X
Rosaceae Potentilla argentea L. Silvery Cinquefoi X X X
Rosaceae Potentilla erecta (L.) Rauschel Common Tormentil X X X X
Rosaceae Potentilla palustris (L.) Scop. Marsh Cinquefoil X
Rosaceae Potentilla reptans L. Creeping Cinquefoil X X X X X
Rosaceae Geum rivale L. Water Avens X X
Rosaceae Geum urbanum L. Wood Avens X
Rosaceae Agrimonia eupatoria L. Common Agrimony X X X X
Rosaceae Agrimonia odorata Mill. f. glandulosa Simonk Creeping Grovebur X X
Rosaceae Agrimonia procera Walhr. Fragrant Agrimony X
Rosaceae Sanguisorba minor Scop. Salad Burnet X X X X X X X
Rosaceae Sanguisorba officinalis L. Great Burnet X X X X X X
Rosaceae Rosa arvensis Huds. Field Rose
Rosaceae Rosa canina L. Dog Rose X
Rosaceae Rosa gallica L. Gallic Rose X X X
Rosaceae Rosa spinosissima L. Burnet Rose X
Rosaceae Pyrus amygdaliformis Vill. Almond-leaved Pear
Rosaceae Pyrus communis L. Common Pear X X X X
Rosaceae Pyrus pyraster (L.) Borkh. Wild Pear X
Rosaceae Rubus caesius L. Dewberry X
Rosaceae Rubus dalmaticus (Ser.) Guss. Dalmatian Raspberry X
Rosaceae Crataegus monogyna Jacq. Common Hawthorn X X X X X
Rosaceae Prunus mahaleb L. Mahaleb Cherry X
Rosaceae Prunus spinosa L. Blackthorn X X X X
Rosaceae Alchemilla xanthochlora Rothm. Lady's Mantle X
Araliaceae Hydrocotyle vulgaris L. Marsh Pennywort X
Araliaceae Hedera helix L. Ivy X
Vitaceae Vitis vinifera L. ssp. sylvestris (Gmel.) Hegi Wild Grape X
Cannabaceae Celtis australis L. European Nettle Tree X
Cannabaceae Humulus lupulus L. Hop X
Fabaceae Petteria ramentacea Webb & Berthel. Dalmatian Laburnum X
Fabaceae Astragallus illyricus Bernh. Illirian Milkvetch X X X
Fabaceae Astragallus gremlii Burn. Gremli’s Milkvetch
Fabaceae Glycyrrhiza echinata L. Wild Liquorice X
Fabaceae Vicia grandiflora Scop. Large Yellow Vetch X X
Fabaceae Vicia grandiflora Scop. var. scopoliana Koch Large Yellow Vetch X
Fabaceae Vicia hirsuta (L.) Gray. Hairy Vetch
Fabaceae Vicia onobrychoides L. False Sainfoin X X X
Fabaceae Vicia sativa L. Common Vetch
Fabaceae Vicia striata M.B. Striped Vetch X X X
Fabaceae Vicia tenuifolia Roth. Fine-leaved Vetch X X X X
Fabaceae Vicia tetrasperma (L.) Schreb. Smooth Vetch X X
Fabaceae Vicia cracca L. Bird Vetch X X
Fabaceae Lens culinaris Med. Lentil X
Fabaceae Lathyrus aphaca L. Yellow Vetchling X X X X
Fabaceae Lathyrus niger (L.) Bernh. Black Pea X

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Duvanjsko Gatačko Glamočko Hutovo Kupreško Livanjsko Mostarsko
Family Species Common name sinjsko
polje polje polje blato polje polje blato polje
Fabaceae Lathyrus palustris L. Marsh Vetchling X
Fabaceae Lathyrus pannonicus (Jacq.) Garcke Felted Vetchling X X X X X X
Fabaceae Lathyrus pratensis L. Meadow Vetchling X X
Fabaceae Lathyrus tuberosus L. Tuberous Vetchling X X X X X
Fabaceae Lathyrus latifolius L. Everlasting Sweet Pea X
Fabaceae Ononis antiquorum L. Rock Rest Harrow X X
Fabaceae Ononis hircina Jacq. Common Rest Harrow X X
Fabaceae Ononis spinosa L. Spiny Rest Harrow X
Fabaceae Trigonella corniculata L. Cultivated Fenugreek X
Fabaceae Medicago arabica (L.) Huds. Spotted Medick X
Fabaceae Medicago falcata L. Yellow-flowered Alfalfa X X X X
Fabaceae Medicago hispida Gaertn. Toothed Medick
Fabaceae Medicago lupulina L. Black Medick X X X X X X
Fabaceae Medicago minima (L.) Bartl. Small Medick X X
Fabaceae Medicago orbicularis (L.) Bartl. Button Medick X
Fabaceae Medicago prostrata Jacq. Prostrate Medick X X
Fabaceae Melilotus officinalis (L.) Desrs. Yellow Sweet Clover X X X X
Fabaceae Trifolium alpestre L. Owl Head Clover X X
Fabaceae Trifolium campestre Schreb. Hop Trefoil X X X X X
Fabaceae Trifolium dalmaticum Vis. Dalmatian Clover X X
Fabaceae Trifolium dubium Sibtth. Lesser Hop Trefoil X X X X
Fabaceae Trifolium fragiferum L. Strawberry Clover X X X X X X X X
Fabaceae Trifolium hybridum L. Alsike Clover X X X X X X
Fabaceae Trifolium incarnatum var. molinieri (Balb.) DC. Crimson Clover X
Fabaceae Trifolium lappaceum L. Burdock Clover X
Fabaceae Trifolium medium L. Zigzag Clover X
Fabaceae Trifolium montanum L. Mountain Clover X X X X X X
Fabaceae Trifolium ochroleucum Huds. Sulphur Clover X X
Fabaceae Trifolium patens Schreb. Hop Clover X X X
Fabaceae Trifolium pratense L. Red Clover, Purple Clover X X X X X X X X
Fabaceae Trifolium repens L. White Clover X X X X X X X
Fabaceae Trifolium resupinatum L. Reversed Clover X
Fabaceae Trifolium strictum L. Upright Clover X
Fabaceae Trifolium strepens Cr. Golden Clover X X
Fabaceae Dorycnium herbaceum Vill. Herbaceous Canary Clover X X X X X
Fabaceae Lotus anguistissimus L. Slender Bird's Foot Trefoil X
Fabaceae Lotus corniculatus L. Common Bird's Foot Trefoil X X X X X X X
Fabaceae Lotus tenuifolius L. Narrow Bird's Foot Trefoil X X X X X X X
Fabaceae Lotus uliginosus Schk. Marsh Bird's Foot Trefoil X
Fabaceae Anthyllis vulneraria L. Kidney Vetch X X X X X
Fabaceae Anthyllis illyrica Beck. Illyrian Kidney Vetch X X
Fabaceae Genista ovata Waldst. & Kit. Oval Broom X
Fabaceae Genista sagittalis L. Winged Broom X X X X
Fabaceae Genista tinctoria L. Dyer's Broom X X
Fabaceae Coronilla scorpioides (L.) Koch Annual Scorpion Vetch X
Fabaceae Coronilla varia L. Crown Vetch X X X X X X
Fabaceae Hippocrepis comosa L. Horseshoe Vetch X X X X
Fabaceae Onobrychis ocellata Beck n/a X X
Fabaceae Onobrychis viciifolia Scop. Common Sainfoin X X X
Lemnaceae Lemna minor L. Common Duckweed X X
Lythraceae Lythrum hyssopifolia L. Hyssop Loosestrife
Lythraceae Lythrum salicaria L. Purple Loosestrife X X X X X X
Lythraceae Peplis portula L. Spatulaleaf Loosestrife X
Oenotheraceae Epilobium adnatum Gris. Square-stalked Willowherb X
Oenotheraceae Epilobium hirsutum L. Great Hairy Willowherb X X X
Oenotheraceae Epilobium palustre L. Marsh Willowherb X X X
Oenotheraceae Epilobium parviflorum Schreb. Smallflower Hairy Willowherb X X X
Halorrhagidaceae Myriophyllum spicatum L. Eurasian Water Milfoil X X X X
Halorrhagidaceae Myriophyllum verticillatum L. Whorled Water Milfoil X X X
Hippuridaceae Hippuris vulgaris L. Common Mare's Tail X X
Callitrichaceae Callitriche palustris L. Water Starwort X X X
Callitrichaceae Callitriche stagnatilis Scop. Pond Water Starwort X
Cornaceae Cornus sanguinea L. Common Dogwood X X
Cornaceae Cornus mas L. Cornelian Cherry
Apiaceae Foeniculum vulgare Mill. Fennel X
Apiaceae Eryngium amethystinum L. Amethyst Sea Holly X X X
Apiaceae Eryngium campestre L. Field Eryngo
Apiaceae Bupleurum aristatum Bartl. Thorow Wax X X X X X
Apiaceae Bupleurum lancifolium Hornem. Lanceleaf Thorow Wax X
Apiaceae Carum carvi L. Caraway X X X
Apiaceae Sium erectum Huds. Cut Leaf Water Parsnip X X
Apiaceae Sium latifolium L. Great Water Parsnip X X X
Apiaceae Oenanthe fistulosa L. Tubular Water Dropwort X X X X
Apiaceae Oenanthe silaifolia M.B. var. media Gris. Narrow-leaved Water Dropwort X X X X X X
Apiaceae Oenanthe aquatica (L.) Poir. Fine-leaved Water Dropwort X
Apiaceae Ferulago galbanifera Koch Giant Fennel X
Apiaceae Peucedanum oreoselinum (L.) Mch. Mountain Parsley X
Apiaceae Peucedanum palustre Mnch. Milk Parsley X X
Apiaceae Peucedanum coriaceum Rchb. Leather Parsley X X X X X X
Apiaceae Laserpitium latifolium L. Broad Leaved Sermountain X X
Apiaceae Laserpitium prutenicum L. Sermountain X
Apiaceae Daucus carota L. Wild Carrot X X X
Apiaceae Orlaya grandiflora (L.) Hoffm. White Lace Flower X X X X X X X
Apiaceae Anthriscus nemorosus M.B. Hedge Parsley X
Apiaceae Scandix pecten-veneris L. Venus' Comb X X X
Apiaceae Bifora radians M.B. Wild Bishop X
Apiaceae Tordylium apulum L. Mediterranean Hartwort X
Apiaceae Selinum carvifolia L. Milk Parsley X
Apiaceae Pimpinella major (L.) Huds. Burnet Saxifrage X

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Duvanjsko Gatačko Glamočko Hutovo Kupreško Livanjsko Mostarsko
Family Species Common name sinjsko
polje polje polje blato polje polje blato polje
Apiaceae Smyrnium perfoliatum L. Perfoliate Alexanders
Plumbaginaceae Plumbago europaea L. Common Leadwort X
Plumbaginaceae Armeria canescens Host. Sea Pink X X X
Primulaceae Hottonia palustris L. Water Violet X
Primulaceae Cyclamen repandum Sm. Wavy-edged Cyclamen X
Primulaceae Primula vulgaris Huds. Primrose X
Primulaceae Lysimachia nummularia L. Creeping Jenny X X X X X X X
Primulaceae Lysimachia vulgaris L. Yellow Loosestrife X X X X X
Convolvulaceae Convolvulus arvensis L. Field Bindweed X X X X X X X
Convolvulaceae Convolvulus cantabricus L. Cantabrican Morning Glory
Convolvulaceae Calystegia sepium (L.) R. Br. Larger Bindweed X
Cuscutaceae Cuscuta epithymum (L.) Murr. Dodder X
Solanaceae Solanum dulcamara L. Bittersweet Nightshade X X
Boraginaceae Symphytum tuberosum L. Tuberous Comfrey X
Boraginaceae Heliotropium europaeum L. European Heliotrope X
Boraginaceae Cynoglossum officinale L. Dog's Tongue X
Boraginaceae Lappula echinata Gilib. Flat Spine Sheepburr X
Boraginaceae Anchusa barrelieri (All.) Vitm. Barrelier's Bugloss X X X
Boraginaceae Myosotis caespitosa Schultz. Tufted Forget-Me-Not X X X X
Boraginaceae Myosotis caespitosa Schultz. f. glabriuscula Rouy. Tufted Forget-Me-Not X
Boraginaceae Myosotis scorpioides L. Water Forget-Me-Not X X
Boraginaceae Echium altissimum Jacq. Pale Bugloss X X X
Boraginaceae Echium vulgare L. Viper's Bugloss X X X
Samolaceae Samolus valerandi L. Water Cabbage X
Scrophulariaceae Verbascum nigrum L. Dark Mullein
Scrophulariaceae Verbascum pulverulentum Vill. Hoary Mullein X X X
Scrophulariaceae Verbascum thapsus L. Common Mullein
Scrophulariaceae Gratiola officinalis L. Common Hedgehyssop X X X X X X X
Scrophulariaceae Veronica anagallis-aquatica L. Water Speedwell X X X X
Scrophulariaceae Veronica anagalloides Guss. Marsh Speedwell X X X
Scrophulariaceae Veronica beccabunga L. Brooklime X X X
Scrophulariaceae Veronica jacquinii Baumg. Jacquin's Speedwell
Scrophulariaceae Veronica officinalis L. Heath Speedwell X
Scrophulariaceae Veronica maritima L. Longleaf Speedwell X X
Scrophulariaceae Veronica orbiculata Kern. n/a X X X X
Scrophulariaceae Veronica poljensis Murb. n/a X X X X
Scrophulariaceae Veronica scutellata L. Marsh Speedwell X X X X
Scrophulariaceae Veronica serpyllifolia L. Thyme-leaved Speedwell X X
Scrophulariaceae Veronica spicata L. Spiked Speedwell X X X
Scrophulariaceae Veronica chamaedrys L. Germander Speedwell X X
Scrophulariaceae Euphrasia liburnica Wettst. Liburnian Eyebright X
Scrophulariaceae Euphrasia rostkoviana Hayne Red Eyebright X
Scrophulariaceae Euphrasia stricta Wolff ex J. F. Lehm. Drug Eyebright X X
Scrophulariaceae Rhinanthus major (Ehrh.) Rchb. Great Yellow Rattle X X
Scrophulariaceae Rhinanthus minor L. Little Yellow Rattle X X X X X X X
Scrophulariaceae Rhinanthus rumelicus Vel. Glandulous Yellow Rattle X X
Scrophulariaceae Rhinanthus serotinus (Schonh) Obomy Late-flowering Yellow Rattle X
Scrophulariaceae Pedicularis brachyodonta Schloss. et Vuk. Short-toothed Lousewort X
Scrophulariaceae Pedicularis palustris L. Marsh Lousewort X
Scrophulariaceae Melampyrum barbatum Waldst. & Kit. Bearded Cow Wheat X
Scrophulariaceae Melampyrum cristatum L. Crested Cow Wheat X
Scrophulariaceae Melampyrum pratense L. ssp. vulgatum (Pers.) Ronn Common Cow Wheat X
Lentibulariaceae Pinguicula vulgaris L. Common Butterwort X X X
Lentibulariaceae Utricularia vulgaris L. Common Bladderwort X X X X
Orobanchaceae Orobanche alba Steph. White Broomrape X X
Orobanchaceae Orobanche caryophyllacea Sm. Bedstraw Broomrape X X
Orobanchaceae Orobanche reticulata Wallr. Thistle Broomrape X X
Verbenaceae Verbena officinalis L. Common Vervain X X X X
Verbenaceae Vitex agnus-castus L. Chaste Tree X X
Lamiaceae Ballota nigra L. Black Horehound X
Lamiaceae Lamium maculatum L. Spotted Dead-nettle X
Lamiaceae Ajuga chamaepitys (L.) Schreb. Yellow Bugle X X
Lamiaceae Ajuga genevensis L. Upright Bugle X X X X
Lamiaceae Teucrium chamaedrys L. Common Germander X X X
Lamiaceae Teucrium montanum L. Mountain Germander X
Lamiaceae Teucrium scordioides Schreb. Water Germander X X
Lamiaceae Teucrium scordium L. Wall Germander X X X X X X
Lamiaceae Teucrium polium L. Felty Germander X X
Lamiaceae Scutellaria altissima L.. Tall Skullcap X X X
Lamiaceae Scutellaria galericulata L. Marsh Skullcap X X X X
Lamiaceae Scutellaria hastifolia L. Spear-leaved Skullcap
Lamiaceae Nepeta pannonica L. Catmint X X X
Lamiaceae Prunella laciniata L. Cut-leaved Self-Heal X X X X X
Lamiaceae Prunella vulgaris L. Common Self-Heal X X X X
Lamiaceae Stachys annua L. Annual Yellow Woundwort X X
Lamiaceae Stachys germanica L. Downy Woundwort X X X
Lamiaceae Stachys palustris L. Marsh Woundwort X
Lamiaceae Stachys serotina (Host.) Fritsch Bishopwort X X X X X
Lamiaceae Salvia bertolonii Vis. Meadow Sage X X X X X X
Lamiaceae Salvia verticillata L. Lilac Sage X X X
Lamiaceae Satureja montana L. Winter Savory X X X
Lamiaceae Satureja subspicata Bartl. ex Vis Creeping Winter Savory X
Lamiaceae Lycopus exaltatus L. Tall Bugleweed X
Lamiaceae Lycopus europaeus L. European Bugleweed X X X X
Lamiaceae Thymus longicaulis Presl. Creeping Thyme X X X X
Lamiaceae Thymus striatus Vahl NeedleThyme X
Lamiaceae Mentha aquatica L. Water Mint X X X X X
Lamiaceae Mentha pulegium L. European Pennyroyal X X X X X X
Lamiaceae Marrubium incanum Desr. Silver Horehound X

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Duvanjsko Gatačko Glamočko Hutovo Kupreško Livanjsko Mostarsko
Family Species Common name sinjsko
polje polje polje blato polje polje blato polje
Onagraceae Ludwigia palustris (L.) Elliott Marsh Seedbox X
Globulariaceae Globularia willkommii Nym. Globe Daisy X X X
Plantaginaceae Plantago altissima L. Tall Ribwort Plantain X X X X
Plantaginaceae Plantago bellardii All. Hairy Plantain X
Plantaginaceae Plantago carinata Schrad. Slim-leaved Plantain X X X X X
Plantaginaceae Plantago lanceolata L. Ribwort Plantain X X X X X
Plantaginaceae Plantago major L. Greater Plantain X X X X X X X X
Plantaginaceae Plantago maritima L. Sea Plantain X X X
Plantaginaceae Plantago media L. Hoary Plantain X X X X X X
Gentianaceae Centaurium pulchellum (Sw.) Druce Lesser Centaury X X X
Gentianaceae Centaurium umbellatum Gilib. Common Centaury X X
Gentianaceae Blackstonia serotina (Koch.) Beck Yellow Wort X
Gentianaceae Gentiana crispata Vis. Curled Dwarf Gentian X
Gentianaceae Gentiana crispata Vis. ssp. poljensis Rt. St. Curled Dwarf Gentian X X
Gentianaceae Gentiana pneumonanthe L. Marsh Gentian X X X
Gentianaceae Gentiana utriculosa L. Bladder Gentian X X X X X X
Menyanthaceae Menyanthes trifoliata L. Buckbean X X X X
Oleaceae Phillyrea latifolia L. Broad-leaved Phillyrea X
Oleaceae Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl. Narrow-leaved Ash X X
Oleaceae Ligustrum vulgare L. Privet X X X X X X X
Rubiaceae Sherardia arvensis L. Blue Field Madder X
Rubiaceae Asperula cynanchica L. Squincywort X
Rubiaceae Galium boreale L. Northern Bedstraw X X X
Rubiaceae Galium cruciata (L.) Scop. Crosswort X X X X
Rubiaceae Galium divaricatum Lam. Lamarck's Bedstraw X
Rubiaceae Galium palustre L. Marsh Bedstraw X X X X X X
Rubiaceae Galium purpureum L. Purple Bedstraw X X
Rubiaceae Galium verum L. Yellow Bedstraw X X X X X X X X
Rubiaceae Galium mollugo L. Upright Bedstraw X X
Rubiaceae Galium aparine L. Stickywilly X X
Rubiaceae Galium corrudaefolium Vill. Bald Bedstraw X
Sambucaceae Sambucus ebulus L. Dwarf Elder X
Sambucaceae Sambucus nigra L. Elder
Caprifoliaceae Viburnum lantana L. Wayfaring Tree X X
Caprifoliaceae Viburnum opulus L. Snowball Tree X
Valerianaceae Valerianella dentata (L.) Poll. var. leiosperma Rchb. Lamb's Lettuce X
Valerianaceae Valeriana officinalis L. Valerian X X X
Dipsacaceae Dipsacus laciniatus L. Cutleaf Teasel
Dipsacaceae Succisella petteri (Kern. & Murb.) Beck n/a X X X X X
Dipsacaceae Succisa pratensis Mch. Devil's Bit Scabious X X X X X
Dipsacaceae Knautia arvensis (L.) Coult. Field Scabious X X X X X
Dipsacaceae Scabiosa canescens Waldst. & Kit. Fragrant Scabious X X
Dipsacaceae Scabiosa delminiana Abadžić Delminian Scabious X X X
Dipsacaceae Scabiosa gramuntia L. ssp. agrestis (W.K.) Sch. et Kell. n/a X
Dipsacaceae Scabiosa leucophylla Borb. White-leaved Scabious X
Campanulaceae Campanula moesiaca Vel. n/a X
Campanulaceae Campanula patula L. Spreading Bellflower X X X X
Campanulaceae Campanula pyramidalis L. Chimney Bellflower
Campanulaceae Campanula rapunculus L. Rampion X X X
Campanulaceae Campanula trachelium L. Nettle-leaved Bellflower X
Campanulaceae Campanula erinus L. Small Bellflower X
Campanulaceae Edraianthus dalmaticus A. DC. Dalmatian Rockbell X X X X
Urticaceae Urtica dioica L. Stinging Nettle X
Urticaceae Parietaria judaica L. Spreading Pellitory X
Asteraceae Eupatorium cannabinum L. Hemp-agrimony X
Asteraceae Scolymus hispanicus L. Common Golden Thistle X
Asteraceae Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronquist Horseweed X
Asteraceae Carlina corymbosa L. Clustered Carline Thistle X
Asteraceae Lapsana communis L. Common Nipplewort X
Asteraceae Stenactis annua (L.) Nees Daisy Fleabane
Asteraceae Sonchus oleraceus L. Common Sowthistle X
Asteraceae Sonchus arvensis L. Corn Sow Thistle X
Asteraceae Sonchus asper (L.) Hill. Prickly Sow Thistle X
Asteraceae Arctium lappa L. Greater Burdock
Asteraceae Bellis perennis L. Common Daisy X
Asteraceae Micropus erectus L. Upright Cudweed X
Asteraceae Filago minima (Sm.) Pers. Small Cudweed X X
Asteraceae Antennaria dioica (L.) Gaertn. Mountain Everlasting X X
Asteraceae Gnaphalium uliginosum L. Marsh Cudweed X X
Asteraceae Inula britannica L. British Yellowhead X X X X
Asteraceae Inula helenium L. Elecampane X
Asteraceae Inula hirta L. Yellow Pheasant's Eye X X
Asteraceae Inula oculus-christi L. Hairy Fleabane X X
Asteraceae Inula salicina L. Willowleaf Yellowhead X
Asteraceae Pulicaria vulgaris Gaertn. Small Fleabane X
Asteraceae Xanthium spinosum L. Spiny Cocklebur X X
Asteraceae Xanthium strumarium L. Common Cocklebur X X X X
Asteraceae Bidens cernuus L. Nodding Beggarticks X X X
Asteraceae Bidens tripartitus L. Three Lobe Beggarticks X X
Asteraceae Anthemis arvensis L. Corn Chamomile X
Asteraceae Achillea collina Beck. ex Rchb. Yarrow X
Asteraceae Achillea millefolium L. Common Yarrow X X X
Asteraceae Achillea nobilis L. Noble Yarrow X
Asteraceae Achillea pannonica Scheele Pannonian Yarrow X X
Asteraceae Achillea ptarmica L. Sneezeweed X
Asteraceae Chrysanthemum tenuifolium Kit. n/a X
Asteraceae Leucanthemum vulgare Lam. Ox Eye Daisy X X X X X X X
Asteraceae Artemisia abrotanum L. Southern Wormwood X X X
Asteraceae Artemisia absinthium L. Absinthe Wormwood X

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Duvanjsko Gatačko Glamočko Hutovo Kupreško Livanjsko Mostarsko
Family Species Common name sinjsko
polje polje polje blato polje polje blato polje
Asteraceae Artemisia lobelii All. Camphor Wormwood X X
Asteraceae Artemisia campestris L. Field Wormwood X
Asteraceae Artemisia vulgaris L. Mugwort
Asteraceae Senecio barbareifolius Wimm. et Grab. Ragwort X X
Asteraceae Senecio jacobea L. Tansy Ragwort X
Asteraceae Senecio paludosus L. Fen Ragwort X X X X
Asteraceae Senecio vulgaris L. Common Groundsel X
Asteraceae Carduus acanthoides L. Spiny Plumeless Thistle X X X
Asteraceae Carduus candicans Waldst. & Kit. Hoary Plumeless Thistle X X
Asteraceae Carduus nutans L. Nodding Plumeless Thistle X X
Asteraceae Carduus pycnocephalus L. Italian Thistle X
Asteraceae Cirsium acaule L. Dwarf Thistle X X
Asteraceae Cirsium arvense Scop. Creeping Thistle X X X X
Asteraceae Cirsium palustre (L.) Scop. Marsh Thistle X
Asteraceae Cirsium rivulare (Jacq.) All. Brook Thistle X X X
Asteraceae Cirsium oleraceum (L.) Scop. Cabbage Thistle X
Asteraceae Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. Mediterranean Milk Thistle X X
Asteraceae Serratula lycopifolia (Vill.) Kern. Saw Wort X X X X X
Asteraceae Serratula tinctoria L. Dyer's Saw Wort X X X X X
Asteraceae Centaurea cyanus L. Cornflower X X X
Asteraceae Centaurea deusta Ten. Cicada Star Thisle X
Asteraceae Centaurea jacea L. Brown Knapweed X X X
Asteraceae Centaurea pannonica (Heuff.) Simonk. Pannonian Knapweed X X X X X X
Asteraceae Centaurea weldeniana Rchb. Brown Knapweed X X X X
Asteraceae Centaurea scabiosa L. Greater Knapweed X X X
Asteraceae Erigeron acer L. Bitter Fleabane X
Asteraceae Cichorium intybus L. Common Chicory X X X X
Asteraceae Hypochoeris radicata L. Cat's Ear X
Asteraceae Leontodon hispidus L. Rough Hawkbit X
Asteraceae Leontodon autumnalis L. Fall Dandelion X X
Asteraceae Leontodon crispus Vill. Curled Hawkbit X
Asteraceae Picris hieracioides L. Hawkweed Oxtongue X X
Asteraceae Tragopogon dubius Scop. Western Goat's Beard X
Asteraceae Tragopogon orientalis L. Eastern Goat's Beard X X X X X X
Asteraceae Tragopogon pratensis L. Meadow Goat's Beard X
Asteraceae Scorzonera rosea Waldst. & Kit. Viper's Grass X
Asteraceae Scorzonera villosa Scop. Villous Viper's Grass X
Asteraceae Chondrilla juncea L. Rush Skeletonweed X X
Asteraceae Taraxacum officinale Webb. Common Dandelion X
Asteraceae Taraxacum paludosum (Scop.) Crepin. n/a X X X X X
Asteraceae Taraxacum palustre Lam. et DC. Marsh Dandelion X X
Asteraceae Crepis chondrilloides Jacq. Narrow-leaved Hawksbeard
Asteraceae Crepis biennis L. Rough Hawksbeard X X
Asteraceae Crepis neglecta L. Longleaf Hawksbeard X
Asteraceae Crepis paludosa (L.) Mch. Marsh Hawksbeard X X
Asteraceae Crepis setosa Hall. Bristly Hawksbeard X X X
Asteraceae Hieracium pilosella L. Mouse Ear Hawkweed X X X X
Asteraceae Hieracium bauhinii Schult. ssp. cattarense (NP)Z. Mouse Ear Hawkweed X
Asteraceae Hieracium pavichii Heuff. Slender Hawkweed X X X X
Asteraceae Hieracium umbellatum L. Narrowleaf Hawkweed X
Alismataceae Sagittaria sagittifolia L. Arrowhead X X
Alismataceae Echinodorus ranunculoides (L.) Engelm. Lesser Water Plantain X X
Alismataceae Alisma gramineum Lej. Narrowleaf Water Plantain X X X X X
Alismataceae Alisma plantago-aquatica L. Common Water Plantain X X X X X
Alismataceae Baldellia ranunculoides (L.) Parl. Lesser Water-plantain X
Butomaceae Butomus umbellatus L. Flowering Rush X X X X X X
Scheuchzeriaceae Triglochin palustre L. Marsh Arrowgrass X X X
Potamogetonaceae Zannichellia palustris L. Horned Pondweed X
Potamogetonaceae Potamogeton crispus L. Curly Leaf Pondweed X X X X X
Potamogetonaceae Potamogeton fluitans Roth. Long-leaved Pondweed X X X
Potamogetonaceae Potamogeton lucens L. Shining Pondweed X X X X
Potamogetonaceae Potamogeton natans L. Broad-leaved Pondweed X X X X X
Potamogetonaceae Potamogeton perfoliatus L. Clasping Leaf Pondweed X X X
Potamogetonaceae Potamogeton pusillus L. Small Pondweed X X X X
Ceratophyllaceae Ceratophyllum demersum L. Rigid Hornwort X
Najadaceae Najas minor All. Brittle Waternymph X X
Araceae Arum maculatum L. Lords-and-Ladies X
Ophioglossaceae Ophioglossum vulgatum L. Adder's Tongue X
Liliaceae Polygonatum latifolium (Jacq.) Def. Broadleaf Solomon's Seal X
Liliaceae Polygonatum multiflorum (L.) All. Common Solomon's Seal X
Liliaceae Tofieldia calyculata (L.) Wahl. False Asphodel X
Liliaceae Veratrum album L. White Hellebore X X X X
Liliaceae Colchicum autumnale L. Meadow Saffron X X X X X X
Liliaceae Convallaria majalis L. Lily-of-the-Valley X
Liliaceae Allium angulosum L. Mouse Garlic X X
Liliaceae Allium carinatum L. Keeled Garlic X X X X X X
Liliaceae Allium saxatile Bieb. Globe Garlic X
Liliaceae Allium scordoprasum L. Sand Leek X
Liliaceae Allium vineale L. Wild Garlic X
Liliaceae Lilium bosniacum G. Beck Bosnian Lily X
Liliaceae Scilla pratensis Waldst. & Kit. Amethyst Meadow Squill X X X X X X X
Liliaceae Ornithogalum comosum L. Star-of-Betlehem X
Liliaceae Ornithogalum pyrenaicum L. Spiked Star-of-Bethlehem X
Liliaceae Ornithogalum umbellatum L. Common Star-of-Bethlehem X
Liliaceae Ornithogalum tenuifolium Guss. Narrow-leaved Star-of-Betlehem X
Liliaceae Muscari comosum (L.) Mill. Tassel Hyacinth X X X X X
Liliaceae Muscari racemosum (L.) Lam. Grape Hyacinth X
Liliaceae Asparagus acutifolius L. Wild Asparagus X
Liliaceae Asparagus tenuifolius Lam. Slim-leaved Asparagus X

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Duvanjsko Gatačko Glamočko Hutovo Kupreško Livanjsko Mostarsko
Family Species Common name sinjsko
polje polje polje blato polje polje blato polje
Liliaceae Ruscus aculeatus L. Butcher's Broom X
Amaryllidaceae Leucojum aestivum L. Summer Snowflake X X X X X X X
Amaryllidaceae Narcissus angustifolius Curtis Sweet-scented Jonquil X X X X
Iridaceae Crocus vernus Wulf. Spring Crocus X
Iridaceae Crocus albiflorus Kit. White Crocus X
Iridaceae Iris pseudacorus L. Yellow Iris X X X X
Iridaceae Iris sibirica L. Siberian Iris X X
Iridaceae Gladiolus illyricus Koch. Illyrian Gladiolus X X X X
Juncaceae Luzula campestris (L.) DC. Field Wood-rush X
Juncaceae Juncus anceps Laharpe var. hercegovinus Sag. Sand Rush X X X X X X
Juncaceae Juncus bufonius L. Toad Rush X X X X X X
Juncaceae Juncus compressus Jacq. Round-fruited Rush X X X X X X
Juncaceae Juncus conglomeratus L. Compact Rush X X X
Juncaceae Juncus effusus L. Common Rush X X X
Juncaceae Juncus glaucus Erh. Blue Rush X X
Juncaceae Juncus atriculatus L. Jointleaf Rush X X X X X X
Juncaceae Juncus murbeckii Sag n/a X
Juncaceae Juncus tenageja Ehrh. Sand Rush X
Juncaceae Juncus tenuis Willd. Slender Rush X
Cyperaceae Cyperus longus L. Common Galingale X X
Cyperaceae Cyperus serotinus Rottb. Tidalmarsh Flatsedge X
Cyperaceae Cyperus fuscus L. Brown Flatsedge X
Cyperaceae Cyperus flavescens L. Yellow Flatsedge X
Cyperaceae Cyperus michelianus (L.) Delile Pygmy Flatsedge X
Cyperaceae Scirpus lacustris L. Common Club-rush X X X X X X
Cyperaceae Schoenoplectus tabernemontani (Gmel.) Palla Softstem Bulrush X
Cyperaceae Schoenoplectus triqueter (L.) Palla Triangular Club-rush X
Cyperaceae Scirpus maritimus L. Sea Club-rush X X
Cyperaceae Blysmus compressus (L.) Panz. Flat-sedge X X
Cyperaceae Holoschoenus vulgaris Link. Roundhead Bulrush X
Cyperaceae Eleocharis acicularis (L.) R. S. Needle Spikerush X X X
Cyperaceae Eleocharis carniolica Koch Spikerush X X X
Cyperaceae Eleocharis palustris (L.) R. S. Common Spikerush X X X X X X X X
Cyperaceae Eleocharis quinqueflora (Hartm.) O. Schwarz Fewflower Spikerush X X X
Cyperaceae Eriophorum angustifolium Honch. Common Cottonsedge X X
Cyperaceae Eriophorum gracile Koch ex Roth Slender Cottonsedge X X
Cyperaceae Eriophorum latifolium Hoppe Broad-leaved Cottonsedge X X X X
Cyperaceae Schoenus nigricans L. Black Bogrush X X
Cyperaceae Cladium mariscus (L.) Pohl. Sawtooth Sedge X X X
Cyperaceae Carex acutiformis Ehrh. Lesser Pond Sedge X
Cyperaceae Carex appropinquata Sch. Fibrous Tussock-sedge X
Cyperaceae Carex caryophyllea Lattour Spring Sedge X X
Cyperaceae Carex davalliana Sw. Bath Sedge X
Cyperaceae Carex digitata L. Fingered Sedge X
Cyperaceae Carex disticha Huds. Two-ranked Sedge X
Cyperaceae Carex distans L. Distant Sedge X X X X X
Cyperaceae Carex divisa Huds. Divided Sedge X
Cyperaceae Carex flava L. Yellow Sedge X X
Cyperaceae Carex goodenowii Gay. Black Sedge X X X X X
Cyperaceae Carex glauca Murr. Blue Sedge X X
Cyperaceae Carex gracilis Curt. Gracile Sedge X X
Cyperaceae Carex hirta L. Hairy Sedge X X X X X
Cyperaceae Carex hostiana DC Tawny Sedge
Cyperaceae Carex humilis Leyss. Dwarf Sedge X
Cyperaceae Carex lasiocarpa Ehrh. Woollyfruit Sedge X
Cyperaceae Carex lepidocarpa Tsch. Slender Sedge X
Cyperaceae Carex leporina L. Oval Sedge X X X
Cyperaceae Carex oederi Retz. Small Fruited Yellow Sedge X X X
Cyperaceae Carex pallescens L. Pale Sedge X X X
Cyperaceae Carex panicea L. Grass-like Sedge X X X X X
Cyperaceae Carex paniculata L. Greater Tussock Sedge X X X X
Cyperaceae Carex pendula Huds. Pendulous Sedge X X
Cyperaceae Carex pseudocyperus L. Sedge Hop X X X
Cyperaceae Carex remota L. Remote Sedge X
Cyperaceae Carex riparia Curb. Greater Pond Sedge X X
Cyperaceae Carex rostrata Stok. Bottle Sedge X
Cyperaceae Carex stellulata Good. Star Sedge X X
Cyperaceae Carex stricta Lam. Tussock Sedge X X
Cyperaceae Carex sylvatica Huds. Wood Sedge X
Cyperaceae Carex tomentosa L. Downy-fruited Sedge X
Cyperaceae Carex vesicaria L. Blister Sedge X X X
Cyperaceae Carex vulpina L. var. nemorosa (Reb.) Koch Fox-sedge X X
Cyperaceae Fimbristylis dichotoma (L.) Wahl. Two-rowed Rush X
Poaceae Crypsis alopecuroides (Piller & Mitterp.) Schrad. Foxtail Pricklegrass X
Poaceae Avena fatua L. Wild Oat
Poaceae Brachypodium pinnatum (L.) P. Beauv. Tor Grass X
Poaceae Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv. Barnyard Grass X
Poaceae Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop. Hairy Crabgrass X
Poaceae Phalaris arundinacea L. Reed-canary Grass X X X
Poaceae Anthoxanthum odoratum L. Sweet Vernal Grass X X X X X X
Poaceae Heleochloa alopecuroides (Pill. & Mitt.) Host Foxtail Pricklegrass X X X
Poaceae Phleum pratense L. Meadow Cat's-tail X X X
Poaceae Phleum pratense L. var. bertolonii DC. Meadow Cat's-tail X
Poaceae Phleum pratense L. var. Nodosum L. Meadow Cat's-tail X X X
Poaceae Phleum subulatum (Savi) A. et G. Italian Timothy Grass X
Poaceae Alopecurus aequalis Sch. Orange Foxtail X X
Poaceae Alopecurus geniculatus L. Marsh foxtail X
Poaceae Alopecurus pratensis L. Meadow Foxtail X X X X
Poaceae Alopecurus utriculatus (L.) Sol. Rendle's Meadow Foxtail X X X X

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Duvanjsko Gatačko Glamočko Hutovo Kupreško Livanjsko Mostarsko
Family Species Common name sinjsko
polje polje polje blato polje polje blato polje
Poaceae Agrostis alba L. Creeping Bent Grass X X X X X X
Poaceae Agrostis canina L. Velvet Bent Grass X
Poaceae Agrostis olivetorum Gren. et Gord. Highland Bent Grass X
Poaceae Holcus lanatus L. Soft Meadow Grass X X X
Poaceae Holcus mollis L. Creeping Soft Grass X X
Poaceae Aira capillaris Host. Annual Hair Grass X X
Poaceae Deschampsia caespitosa (L.) Beauv. Tufted Hairgrass X X X X X X
Poaceae Deschampsia media R. Sch. Small Hairgrass X X X X X
Poaceae Setaria viridis (L.) P. Beauv. Green Bristlegrass X
Poaceae Arrhenatherum elatius (L.) J. & K. Presl. Tall Oatgrass X
Poaceae Danthonia calycina (Vill.) Rchb. Alpine Oatgrass X
Poaceae Sesleria uliginosa Opiz. Blue Moor Grass X X X X X X
Poaceae Phragmites communis Trin. Common Reed X X X X X X
Poaceae Sieglingia decumbens (L.) Bernh. Common Heath Grass X X
Poaceae Molinia arundinacea Schrank. Moor Grass X X
Poaceae Molinia caerulea (L.) Mnch. Purple Moor Grass X X X X X
Poaceae Koeleria gracilis Pers. Hair Grass X X X
Poaceae Koeleria phleoides (Vill.) Pers. Annual Junegrass X
Poaceae Koeleria splendens Presl. Shiny Hair Grass X X
Poaceae Briza media L. Common Quaking Grass X X X X X X
Poaceae Dactylis glomerata L. Cocksfoot X X X X
Poaceae Dactylis hispanica Roth. Spanish Cocksfoot X
Poaceae Cynosurus cristatus L. Crested Dog's Tail X X X X
Poaceae Sclerochloa dura (L.) P. B. Common Hardgrass X X
Poaceae Poa annua L. Annual Meadow Grass X
Poaceae Poa bulbosa L. Bulbous Meadow Grass X X X X X
Poaceae Poa compressa L. Flattened Meadow Grass X X X
Poaceae Poa sylvicola Guss. Rough Bluegrass X X X X X X X
Poaceae Glyceria fluitans (L.) R. Br. Water Mannagrass X X X X
Poaceae Glyceria plicata Fries Plicate Sweet Grass X X
Poaceae Festuca elatior L. Meadow Fescue X X X X X X X
Poaceae Festuca pseudovina Hack ssp. illyrica Mgf.- Dbg. Illyrian False Striated Fescue X
Poaceae Festuca pseudovina Hack False Striated Fescue X X X X X X
Poaceae Festuca valesiaca Schl. Wallis fescue X X X X X
Poaceae Festuca rubra L. Red Fescue X X
Poaceae Festuca arundinacea Schreb. Tall Fescue X
Poaceae Vulpia myuros (L.) Gmel. Rat’s-tail Fescue X X X
Poaceae Bromus arvensis L. Field Brome X X X
Poaceae Bromus erectus Huds. Upright Brome X X X X X X
Poaceae Bromus mollis L. Soft Brome X X X X X X X X
Poaceae Bromus racemosus L. Bald Brome X X X X X X X
Poaceae Bromus squarrosus L. Rough Brome X X
Poaceae Bromus sterilis L. Barren Brome X X X
Poaceae Polypogon monspeliensis (L.) Desf. Annual Beard Grass X
Poaceae Cynodon dactylon Pers. Dog's Tooth Grass X X
Poaceae Nardus stricta L. Matgrass X
Poaceae Lolium perenne L. Perennial Rye-grass X X X X X X
Poaceae Lolium temulentum L. Darnel X X X
Poaceae Agropyron intermedium (Host) Beauv. Intermediate Wheatgrass X
Poaceae Haynaldia villosa Schur. Mosquito Grass X X X X
Poaceae Aegilops ovata L. Ovate Goatgrass X
Poaceae Aegilops triuncialis L. Barbed Goatgrass X
Poaceae Hordeum gussoneanum Parl. Sea Barley X X X X X
Poaceae Hordeum marianum Huds. Sea Barley X X
Poaceae Hordeum secalinum Schreb. Meadow Barley X X X X
Poaceae Leersia oryzoides (L.) Sw. Rice Cutgrass X X
Poaceae Stipa pennata L. Feather Grass X
Orchidaceae Listera ovata (L.) R. Br. Common Twayblade X
Orchidaceae Neottia nidus-avis (L.) C. Rich Bird's-nest Orchid X
Orchidaceae Orchis coriophora L. Bug Orchid X X
Orchidaceae Orchis coriophora L. var. fragrans Fragrant Bug Orchid X
Orchidaceae Orchis incarnata L. Early Marsh Orchid X X X X
Orchidaceae Orchis laxiflora Lam. Loose-flowered Orchid X X
Orchidaceae Orchis mascula L. Early Purple Orchid X
Orchidaceae Orchis maculata L. var. ochrantha (Panč.) Fgleisch. Spotted Orchid X X
Orchidaceae Orchis militaris L. Military Orchid X
Orchidaceae Orchis morio L. Green-winged Orchid X X X
Orchidaceae Orchis palustris Jacqu. Marsh Orchid X X X X X X
Orchidaceae Orchis simia Lam. Monkey Orchid X X
Orchidaceae Orchis tridentata Scop. Three-toothed Orchid X X
Orchidaceae Ophrys apifera Huds. Bee Orchid
Orchidaceae Anacamptis pyramidalis (L.) Rich. Pyramidal Orchid X
Orchidaceae Gymnadenia conopsea (L.) R. Br. Fragrant Orchid X X X X
Orchidaceae Platanthera bifolia (L.) Rchb. Lesser Butterfly Orchid X X
Orchidaceae Epipactis palustris (L.) Cr. Marsh Helleborine X X X
Orchidaceae Liparis loeselii (L.) Rich. Fen Orchid X
Sparganiaceae Sparganium erectum L. Branched Bur-reed X X
Sparganiaceae Sparganium microcarpum Čelak. Bur-reed X X
Sparganiaceae Sparganium simplex Huds. var. longissimum Fries n/a X
Typhaceae Typha angustifolia L. Narrowleaf Cattail X
Typhaceae Typha latifolia L. Broadleaf Cattail X X X
Typhaceae Typha shutllerworthi Koch et Sond. Shuttleworth's Bulrush X X

54
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Workshop and project results

Results and discussion the family Asteraceae, with 85 species or 11% of all plant
species found, followed by Poaceae (73 or 9%, Fabaceae
The sharp seasonal changes of the climate and the fact (65/8%), Cyperaceae (54/7%), Ranunculaceae (31/4%),
that most karst poljes are flooded during winter and dry Caryophyllaceae (30/4%), Lamiaceae (30/4%), and
up in summer, allowed the development of a diverse Rosaceae (29 or 4% of all species).
and specific floristic composition, from continental
forests and hygrophilous grasslands, to thermophilic With a total of 768 plant species which were found during
plant communities that are characteristic for the our field surveys or which are documented in available
Mediterranean region. At present, the number of plant literature sources, the karst poljes of Bosnia-Herzegovina
species recorded in different localities in eight selected harbour a high species diversity. Among others, there is a
karst poljes of Bosnia-Herzegovina, found during field significant number of rare, vulnerable (as proposed by Šilić
surveys and listed in available literature sources, contain 1992-1995) and endemic plant species (Šilić 1988, Ritter-
768 species of 92 families (Tab. 1). The most numerous is Studnička 1954) which are listed in Tab. 2.

Species Red Book of B&H IUCN Red List

Salix repens L. var. rosmarinifolia (L.) W. Gr. R -
Dianthus sanguineus Vis.* V -
Dianthus superbus Vis. R n/a
Silene sendtneri Boiss.* R -
Thalictrum flavum L. R n/a
Nuphar luteum (L.) Sm. V n/a
Nymphaea alba L. V n/a
Drosera rotundifolia L. V n/a
Astragallus illyricus Bernh.* R -
Astragallus gremlii Burn.* V -
Veronica anagalloides Guss. V LC
Veronica maritima L. V n/a
Veronica poljensis Murb.* V -
Euphrasia liburnica Wettst. R -
Pedicularis brachyodonta Schloss. et Vuk. V -
Pedicularis palustris L. V n/a
Pinguicula vulgaris L. V -
Utricularia vulgaris L. V n/a
Satureja subspicata Bartl. ex Vis V -
Menyanthes trifoliata L. V n/a
Succisella petteri (Kern. & Murb.) Beck* V -
Scabiosa delminiana Abadžić* R -
Scabiosa leucophylla Borb. R -
Edraianthus dalmaticus A. DC.* V n/a
Serratula lycopifolia (Vill.) Kern. V DD
Echinodorus ranunculoides (L.) Engelm. V n/a
Tofieldia calyculata (L.) Wahl. V n/a
Lilium bosniacum G. Beck V n/a
Scilla pratensis Waldst. & Kit.* V DD
Narcissus angustifolius Curtis V n/a
Iris sibirica L. V n/a
Gladiolus illyricus Koch. V n/a
Eriophorum gracile Koch ex Roth V n/a
Carex acutiformis Ehrh. V n/a
Orchis maculata L. var. ochrantha (Panč.) Fgleisch. V - Tab. 2: List of endemic (marked with *), rare
Orchis simia Lam. V n/a and vulnerable plant species in eight karst
Liparis loeselii (L.) Rich. RE - poljes of Bosnia-Herzegovina. Red Book of
Bosnia-Herzegovina: R - rare, V - vulnerable,
Anacamptis pyramidalis (L.) Rich. V n/a
RE - regionally extinct; IUCN Red List: LC –
Platanthera bifolia (L.) Rchb. R n/a least concern, DD – data deficient, n/a - data
Typha shutllerworthi Koch et Sond. V - not available

55
Delminian Scabious (Scabiosa delminiana Abadžić) Bosnian Lily (Lilium bosniacum G. Beck)
(Photo: Dubravka Šoljan) (Photo: Dubravka Šoljan)

In addition, the list contains a number of medicinal herbs relation to its biogeographic zone
and berries that have been used by local communities for • Presence of threatened habitats: the site is an
centuries and which have the potential as commercial outstanding example of a habitat or vegetation
crops: Symphytum tuberosum L., Hypericum perforatum type of global or regional plant conservation
L., Teucrium montanum L., Rosa canina L., and Fragaria and botanical importance.
vesca L.
The data presented in Tab. 2 show that none of the species
Although Livanjsko polje and Hutovo blato have been listed as endemic, vulnerable or rare in Bosnia-Herzegovina
designated as Important Bird Areas (IBA) and Wetlands of are currently listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
International Importance (Ramsar sites), so far the habitats (http://www.iucnredlist.org/, access date: 16.11.2013.). On the
in those poljes are not formally protected by national laws. In IUCN website species marked with ‘n/a’ are commented as „…
order to contribute to the protection of these areas which have taxon has not yet been assessed for the IUCN Red List, but is
already been seriously endangered by antrophogenic impacts, in the Catalogue of Life“, species marked with ‘-‘ as „… taxon
the data presented in the above tables were analyzed in has not yet been assessed for the IUCN Red List, and also is
accordance to criteria for the identification of Important Plant not in the Catalogue of Life.“. However, the recent discovery of
Areas (IPA). IPAs are selected with the intention of focusing the endemic species Scabiosa delminiana Abadžić (Abadžić
on the conservation of important wild plant populations in 2007) in Duvanjsko polje and the rediscovery of the orchid
these areas, and act as a subset in the broader context of Key Liparis loeselii (L.) Rich. in Livanjsko polje (Milanović 2012)
Biodiversity Areas. Designating an IPA is intended to gain which was thought that it is already regionally extinct,
awareness and encourage long-term conservation through indicate the need for further research on the flora and plant
an ‘ecosystem-based’ approach. communities which, presumably, will qualify many karst
poljes - additionally, to the actual status of Livanjsko polje
In order to qualify for the Important Plant Areas (IPA) status, and Hutovo blato as IBA and Ramsar sites - as conservation
the karst poljes of Bosnia-Herzegovina have to fullfill at least areas of international importance.
one of three IPA criteria:
Conclusions
• resence of threatened plant species: the
P
site holds significant populations of one or The number of plant species recorded in different localities
more species that are of global or regional in eight selected karst poljes of Bosnia-Herzegovina, found
conservation concern during field surveys and by comparison with available
• Presence of botanical richness: the site has an literature sources, consists of 768 species of 92 families. The
exceptionally rich flora in a regional context in most numerous is the family Asteraceae, with 85 species or

56
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Workshop and project results

Acknowledgements

We cordially thank Prof. dr Dubravka Šoljan for the

photographs.

References

Abadžić S. (2007): Nova vrsta genusa Scabiosa L. (Dipscaceae). Hrvatska

misao 1/07(42) Nova serija 30: 38-49
Anonymus (2004): Identifying and protecting the world’s most
Important Plant Areas. The Important Plant Area Secretariat, Plantlife
International, Salisbury, UK
Domac R. (2002): Flora Hrvatske: Priručnik za određivanje bilja. Školska
knjiga, Zagreb.
Jasprica N., Carić M. (2002): Vegetation of the natural park of Hutovo
Blato (Neretva river delta, Bosnia and Herzegovina). Biologia (Bratislava)
Dalmatian Rockbell (Edraianthus dalmaticus A. DC.)
57: 505 - 516.
(Photo: Dubravka Šoljan)
Milanović Đ. (2012): Liparis loeselii (L.) Rich. – a plant rediscovered in
the Balkan peninsula. Botanica Serbica 36 (2): 85 – 89.
Milanović Đ., Kotrošan D. (2012): Ptice i šaševi Livanjskog polja:
11% of the total number, followed by Poaceae (73 or 9%), Priručnik za praćenje stanja šaševa (Carex sp.) i indikatorskih vrsta ptica
na širom području Ždralovca. Ornitološko društvo Naše ptice i Centar
Fabaceae (65 or 8%), Cyperaceae (54 or 7%), followed by the mladih Livno, Livno.
families Ranunculaceae, Caryophyllaceae, Lamiaceae, and Ritter-Studnička H. (1954): Flora i vegetacija kraških polja Bosne i
Hercegovine. Godišnjak Biološkog instituta u Sarajevu. Sveska 1-2.:25–101.
Rosaceae, each of it containing approximately 4% of the
Ritter-Studnička H. (1972): Neue Pflanzengesellschaften aus den
total number of species. Among others, there are significant Karstfeldern Bosniens und Hercegovina. Bot. Jhb. Syst. 92: 108 – 154.
numbers of rare, vulnerable and endemic plant species, Ritter-Studnička H. (1973): Reliktgesellschaften des Caricion davallianae
aus den Karstfeldern Bosniens. Ber. Geobot. 51: 179 – 182.
listed in the national Red Book of Bosnia-Herzegovina, as Ritter-Studnička H. (1974): Die Karstpoljen Bosniens und der
well as medicinal herbs and berries that have been used Hercegovina als Reliktstandorte und die Eigentümlichkeit ihrer
Vegetation. Bot. Jhb. Syst. 94: 139 – 189.
by local communities for centuries and which have the Ritter-Studnička H., Grgić P. (1971): Die Reste der Stileichenwälder in
potential as crops. In contrast, the conservation status of Livanjsko polje (Bosnien). Bot. Jhb. 91: 330 – 347.
many species, listed in the national Red List, has not yet Šilić Č. (1988): Endemične biljke. Svjetlost, Sarajevo
Šilić Č. (1992-1995): Spisak biljnih vrsta (Pteridophyta i Spermatophyta)
been assessed in the IUCN Red List. While some of the latter za Crvenu knjigu Bosne i Hercegovine. Glasnik Zemaljskog muzeja Bosne
species have been already included, a total of 15 taxons, half i Hercegovine Sarajevo 31: 323 – 367.
of it (7 taxons) which are endemic to the Dinaric Karst, up
to now have not been assessed for the Catalogue of Life.
Thus, with regard to the large number of endemic species
whose global conservation status has not been assessed,
many karst poljes or habitats in the karst poljes of Bosnia-
Herzegovina may, in addition to already designated IBAs and
Ramsar sites, qualify as conservation areas of international
importance. The results of the present study further indicate
that additional research on the plantlife of the karst poljes
is urgently needed. Continuing the investigation of the flora
and plant communities of the karst poljes should be one of
the priorities of science in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Given the
fact that it harbours one of the country’s largest botanical
libraries and scientific plant collections (SARA) which is
highly recognized by the international scientific community,
it is recommended to establish the National Museum in
Sarajevo as a center for the study of the flora and plant
communities of karst poljes in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

57
Wet meadow with Narcissus angustifolius in the northern part of Gatačko polje, 31 May 2012 (Photo: Gerhard Bronner)

58
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Workshop and project results

A preliminary survey of the wet- and grassland vegetation of

the karst poljes of Bosnia-Herzegovina

Gerhard Bronner

Talstraße 27, D-78166 Donaueschingen, Germany; E-mail: [email protected]

Summary under national or European laws (EU Habitats Directive),

as they are frequently at the edge of being converted into
In June 2012, the vegetation of 16 karst poljes in Bosnia- urban or intense agricultural land in the near future.
Hercegovina was studied and classified according to
vegetation types. Vegetation was roughly mapped for Together with its partner organization Naše ptice (“Our
those parts of the poljes, covered by wetlands, pastures Birds”), EuroNatur has identified the karst poljes of the
and meadows. The ecological values, threats and the Dinarides, representing a unique element of global karst
importance of the karst poljes for the conservation of diversity, as the most important habitats for migratory
habitats, protected under the EU Habitats Directive, are birds in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Because karst poljes are
discussed based on vegetation mapping. characterized by very specific karst phenomena they are
of great geomorphological interest, at the same time.
Sažetak Many poljes typically harbour vegetation types and plant
communities which depend on flooding, intermittent
U junu 2012 godine obavljeno je istraživanje vegetacije 16 karst rivers and karst lakes. Periodically flooded karst
kraških polja Bosne i Hercegovine. Vegetacija je klasificira poljes are important for many migrating and resident bird
prema vegetacijskim tipovima i okvirno su napravljene species. Their ecological functions are unique and cannot
vegetacijske mape za dijelove polja pokrivene močvarama, be replaced by other habitats.
pašnjacima i livadama. U radu su na osnovu vegetacijskih
mapa razmatrane ekološke vrijednosti, opasnosti i značaj In mountainous regions, like Bosnia-Herzegovina, flat-
kraških polja za očuvanje staništa koja su zaštićena bottomed temporarily flooded karst poljes constitute priority
evropskom Direktivom o staništima. areas for agriculture – at least in those parts of the poljes
which fall dry and allow growing of fodder and crops, as well
Keywords: karst polje, vegetation, conservation, EU as livestock grazing. Thus, the actual vegetation of the karst
Habitats Directive, flooding, Bosnia-Herzegovina poljes is highly influenced by human utilization. Without
agricultural use, the poljes would be probably dominated by
forests. Such forests still exist in Livanjsko polje, but are absent
Introduction or very repressed in other poljes. For maintaining typical karst
polje habitats extensive farming and traditional agricultural
In cooperation with local non-governmental organizations practices have to be maintained. Like in other countries along
(NGOs), the EuroNatur Foundation commits itself to the the Western Balkans, the last Bosnian war and its aftermaths
promotion of nature and biodiversity conservation in forced many people to move from rural to urban areas, giving
South Eastern Europe. An ongoing project entitled the up small-scale traditionally used arable lands. Subsequently,
’Adriatic Flyway’, aims at identifying important breeding these are at risk due to desertion, particularly in former war-
habitats and resting sites of migratory birds in the zones, or might be lost to intensified land use. According to
region. Many wet- and grassland habitats which harbour Karoglan Todorović (2012), only half of the agricultural lands
significant bird numbers, urgently need better protection are used in Bosnia-Herzegovina at the present day.

59
Fig. 1: Wet meadow with Lathyrus pannonicus and some Scilla litardiere Fig. 2: Lukavačko polje with stretches of Scilla meadows; the lake is a
in the southern part of Nevesinjsko polje, 30 May 2012 (Photo: Gerhard remnant of spring flooding, 30 May 2012 (Photo: Gerhard Bronner).
Bronner).

The plant communities of karst poljes in Bosnia- Plant species were arranged in tables and classified
Herzegovina were comprehensively studied and classified according to indicator values for vegetation classification.
by Hilda Ritter-Studnička during the early 1950s (Ritter- Sites with similar combinations of species were classified
Studnička 1954). A more recent study of the vegetation by using syntaxa established by Horvat et al. (1974) and
of the karst poljes in Croatia was published by Jasenka Ritter-Studnička (1954). With the help of geo-referenced
Topić from the University in Zagreb (Topić 2009). In recent topographical maps and Google Earth-screenshots, rough
times, only a few poljes were thoroughly studied in Bosnia- vegetation maps were created of those parts of the poljes
Herzegovina, however. Vegetation mapping was restricted which were visited or, at least, were seen from not too far
to the most popular poljes – among them „Livanjsko away by using GIS.
polje“, the largest and most precious polje of the Dinaric
Karst (Schwarz 2010). For the present study, the author The roughly localized vegetation units were only
visited 16 karst poljes in June 2012 together with members approximately classified, such as „Magnocaricion“,
of Naše ptice. „Lathyrus-meadow“, „moist meadow“, „pasture“, „mixture
arable fields-meadows“. Therefore, even though the
Methods present results are far from exact as vegetation maps
prepared for Livanjsko polje and Hutovo blato by Schwarz
Because time for field-work was limited, no thorough (2010), the recent survey will give a first impression of the
vegetation mapping could be done and some parts of extension of main vegetation types in the investigated
the investigated poljes were not visited. Other parts, poljes.
which have not been cleared from landmines yet, could
be only investigated from roads. In the latter, mainly Results
the vegetation along safe access roads was inspected.
For the classification of vegetation simplified Braun- The karst poljes visited in June 2012 are characterized in
Blanquet relevées were used: Altogether, lists of the most Tab. 1. Geographical and hydrological information was
characteristic and dominant plant species (only flowering taken from Stumberger (2010). Livanjsko polje is not
plants) were compiled for 51 sites. The frequency of explicitly mentioned, as it was already described in detail
different species was estimated in three classes: present, by Schwarz (2010). Surface areas of meadows shown in
moderately frequent and frequent. Tab. 1 represent only these parts of the poljes which were
visited during the present survey and exclude meadows

60
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Workshop and project results

Fig. 3: Pasture in Dabarsko polje (Deschampsion) with „ant-hills“ as Fig. 4: Jaruga River in Livanjsko polje with Carex and Typha stands, 5
remnants of previous Carex nigra-tussocks, 31 May 2012 (Photo: Gerhard June 2012 (Photo: Gerhard Bronner).
Bronner)

situated in small-scale meadow-arable fields-mosaics. In Festuco-Brometea (Code 6210): Dry parts of poljes are
most cases real figures are assumed to be higher. Overall, covered by meadows and pastures which belong to this
in visited karst poljes (Livanjsko polje excluded) 7,548 ha of syntaxon. Festuco-Brometa meadows harbour a lot of
dry meadows and 6,876 ha of wet meadows were recorded different plant species (e.g., orchids).
(figures according to GIS based calculations).
Deschampsion caespitosae (Code 6540): This taxon
Results are shown in Tab. 2, with plant species clustered which grows above mineral soil, is represented with the
according to phyto-ecological indicator values. According associations Centaureetum pannonicae, Plantaginetum
to the analysis in Tab. 2, the karst poljes harbour the altissimae, Trifolio-Hordeetum secalini and Edraiantho-
following habitat types listed in the European Union Deschampsietum mediae. Although it is not yet included,
Habitats Directive: Croatia has recently suggested the taxon to include in
the Habitat Directive. Fig. 3 shows this habitat type in
Potamion eurosibiricum (Code 3150): Vegetation in Dabarsko polje. According to the undulating surface which
deeper waters than reeds of natural eutrophic lakes; most derives from remnants of Carex nigra-tussocks, Ritter-
plants rooted in the bottom, but with leaves floating on Studnička (1954) called this aspect “ant-hill-meadows”.
the surface.
Rivers with Ranunculion fluitantis (Code 3260): This
Molinietum coeruleae Illyricum (Code 6410): More or less habitat type covers some rivers, mainly in Livanjsko polje.
wet meadows which grow above organic soils, mainly in Besides the later, some other habitats of high conservation
areas with regular spring flooding. Molinietum meadows value for migrating and nesting birds which are not listed
are very rich in species and result from mowing, and in the Habitat Directive, were found:
therefore constitute no natural habitats. Through mowing
most nutrients are removed and, because nutrients are Phragmition communis: Reed-like vegetation grows
not replaced by fertilization, Molinietum meadows are on very wet ground and in shallow waters of lakes and
oligotrophic habitats. Characteristic species are Lathyrus rivers. In the karst poljes these are often areas which are
pannonicus, Scilla litardiere and Narcissus angustifolius. intermittently flooded. In the study area Phragmites as
The photo on page 58 and Fig. 1 show typical aspects of well as Typha stands were founds. The most frequent
these habitats; Fig. 2 shows a mosaic of Scilla meadows association in the area which grows at the fringes of
and some other habitats in Lukavačko polje. lakes and permanent rivers is Scirpeto-Phragamitetum

61
Tab. 1: Surface areas, habitat types, land-use and conservation status of karst poljes visited in June 2012.

Polje name Altitude Size sqkm Vegetation value and habitats

Mostarsko blato 223 - 236 m 33.14 wet vegetation in E part used as meadows; some areas not longer cut, Artemisia campestris dominating; traces
of extensive grazing; in W parts riverine forests and large tracts of dry grasslands

Popovo polje 230 - 270 m 118.91 S parts corrugated karst area covered with bushland; central part mixture of pastures, open woodlands and
agriculture; in NW arable lands dominating, some areas drained, partly fallow; westernmost part ponors; no
typical vegetation of flooded poljes found

Fatničko polje 468 - 478 m 7.72 N part: typical polje vegetation of Scilla-meadows, aerial photographs indicate regular cutting; S part: poorer
vegetation used for grazing.

Dabarsko polje 460 - 500 (530) m 28.96 pastures - in comparison to meadows at the same sites – very poor in species; influence of grazing decreasing
to the N with higher water levels; SE Berkovici typical polje vegetation (Scilla-meadows); Berkovici - Hatelji
downslope sequence Deschampsia-media-Association, previous Carex-nigra-stands and Scilla-meadows

Lukavačko polje 870-890 3.39 S parts typical Scilla-meadows; otherewise dry meadows, arable fields and pastures

Nevesinjsko polje 835 – 870 m 77.53 S Humcani extensive pastures with good polje vegetation with Scilla and orchids; some forests and bushlands;
along road Humcani-Kifino mixture of agriculture and meadows, S parts with hedges; southernmost part Scilla-
meadows.

Gatačko polje 937 - 956 m 60.12 NW part good wetland meadows preserved, containing small deciduous forests on higher elevations; S Gatacko
interesting wetland areas, mixed with areas used for agriculture; along river large areas with Typha and other
water plants; some wet meadows with Scilla contain large amounts of Narcissus, other poorer in species;
wetland vegetation stretches to the SE, but is less developed along the river

Glamočko polje 858-900 m 62.44 In the northern part almost no interesting habitats.
More interesting is the southern part south of Skucani. At first there is a mixture of agriculture and meadows.
South of Vidimilje extensive pasture is dominating. In the southernmost part there are lakes with wetland
surroundings, Scilla meadows (mown or not).

Cernica (Cerniško 816 - 848 m 2.95 between Cernica and Kljuc some meadows with Scilla, otherwise small-scale agriculture with dry meadows
polje)
Ravanjsko polje 1132 - 1148 m 19.27 grasslands, but no typical polje vegetation; frequently Taraxacum, Vicia, Veronica sp., Asteraceae, Viola cf.
tricolor or elegantula

Livanjsko polje 702 m 408.03 Detailed description in Schwarz (2010)

Šuićko polje 914 - 920 m 2.77 vegetation not studied from near, but seems to be in a perfect conditio; along river Carex stands.

Vukovsko polje 1160 - 1204 m 28.14 mountain pasture, no typical polje vegetation

Duvanjsko polje 850 - 900 m 125.08 along river wet meadows, dry grasslands in central area part (low hills); extensive grasslands important as
nesting and feeding areas for birds

Kupreško polje 1115 - 1150 m 81.82 in wetter sites nice Narcissus- und Trollius-grasslands; mountain pastures in the N with no special vegetation,
but spectacular craters W Rasticevo

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 Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Workshop and project results

Utilization Conservation Natura 2000 habitats Area meadows

mainly used for mowing, some wet central (formerly?) large numbers of resident and migrating birds; Code 3150 Potamion eurosibiricum 2341 ha (wet)
parts not mown; some parcels with rubbish dumping should be stopped Code 6410 Molinietum coeruleae Illyricum
crops and some arable fields abandoned, Code 6210 Festuco-Brometea
but vegetation still reflecting previous Code 6540 Deschampsion caespitosae
cultivation
good agricultural lands partly used by Code 6210 Festuco-Brometea
small-scale, partly by drained larg-scale
agricultural fields; many fields fallow as a
result of depopulation following and due
to artificial flooding; World Bank project
financed to (re)establish orchards and
vineyards
meadows in N and possibly southernmost no obvious agricultural pressure; unclear, if poorer vegetation Code 6410 Molinietum coeruleae Illyricum 170 ha (wet)
part, grazing in central part in the center/south due to natural factors or grazing

W Bjeljani already cut during our visit at large tracts of untouched typical polje vegetation with Code 3150 Potamion eurosibiricum 1108 ha (wet)
the end of May; adjacent area grazing by vegetation gradients according to wetness; encroachment Code 6410 Molinietum coeruleae Illyricum
sheep by agriculture should be prevented; effects of grazing of Code 6210 Festuco-Brometea
vegetation should be studied Code 6540 Deschampsion caespitosae

partly small-scale agriculture with dry and following to its typical vegetation the polje should be Code 6410 Molinietum coeruleae Illyricum 249 ha (wet)
wet meadows, arable fields and pastures protected, but small-scale arable fields should be allowed Code 6210 Festuco-Brometea

small-scale agriculture, but also a huge drainage target area with typical polje vegetation, if project Code 6410 Molinietum coeruleae Illyricum 398 ha (wet)
agricultural project with drainage system not rentable the drainage system should be closed and the Code 6210 Festuco-Brometea
medows restored for extensive use; large-scale agriculture Code 3260 Rivers with Ranunculion
might have destroyed some interesting parts; karstic area, N fluitantis
Kifino, could be protected too
W of main road meadows, to the E coal mine which feeds a power plant, causes heavy air Code 3150 Potamion eurosibiricum: 1025 ha wet
pastures; no typical wetland vegetation pollution; huge mountains of rubble deposis; water pumped Code 6410 Molinietum coeruleae Illyricum:
left; pastures of no conservation interest; out of the mine - all these has destroyed several sqkm of Code 6210 Festuco-Brometea
meadows normally cut in mid-July; S previously precious wet meadows, remaining meadows worth Code 6540 Deschampsion caespitosae
Gatacko interesting wetland areas, mixed protection in which regular mowing should be maintained Code 3260 Rivers with Ranunculion
with areas used for agriculture fluitantis

In the northern part agriculture is only the middle and southern part are suitable for a protected Code 6410 Molinietum coeruleae Illyricum 122 ha (wet)
prevailing. In the southern part meadows area. Code 6540 Deschampsion caespitosae
and pasture, possibly more of the latter.
In the middle part fields and meadows
are mixed.

mixture of meadows, pastures, some Code 6410 Molinietum coeruleae Illyricum

arable fields and hedges Code 6210 Festuco-Brometea
no mowing, pastures, in the W some no valuable habitats found
arable fields

Detailed description in Schwarz (2010) Ramsar site; previously (failed?) drainage and agriculture see Schwarz (2010) and Stumberger et al.
project; NE Prolog big (illegal?) rubbish dump; in Ždralovač (2010)
area (desperate) agriculture development project; turf
extraction areas should be restored for birds; IMCG expertise
has to be evaluated

meadows, grazing along E side of channel a earth dam was built for some 100 m, Code 6410 Molinietum coeruleae Illyricum 161 ha (wet)
its purpuse unknown Code 6210 Festuco-Brometea 13 ha (dry)
mainly used by grazing, two larger farms not clear if special protection needed; no obvious dangers; NW
part with the highest biodiversity and different habitats
extent of mowing, grazing and fallow the extensive grasslands together with interspersed wet spots Code 6410 Molinietum coeruleae Illyricum 6177 ha (dry)
lands unknown; small arable fields around are of significant conservation value Code 6210 Festuco-Brometea 555 ha (wet)
villages; large-scale agriculture S Duvno
agriculture and mowing near settlements, erxtensive target habitats in the S should be protected; N part Code 6410 Molinietum coeruleae Illyricum 594 ha (wet)
otherwise extensive pastures; some large- less interesting, but has spectacular craters Code 6210 Festuco-Brometea
scale farming S Kupres where grazing is
more intensive

63
Tab. 2: Habitat types and characteristic plant species of karst poljes in Bosnia-Herzegovina, based on 51 surveys.

Vegetation Classification
and characteristic species

Taxum Magnocaricion Deschampsion

Classification Carex-stands wet meadow, partly

pasture

Found in Dabarsko polje Mostarsko blato,

Duvanjsko polje, Dabarsko
polje

characteristic for: species

Magnocaricion Carex spec.(Magnocarex)

Molinio-Lathyretum Lathyrus pannonicus, Sanguisorba officinalis, Iris

ass.,verb. cf. sibirica, Serratula lycopifolia, Sesleria uliginosa,
Gladiolus illyricus
Molinietalia Scilla litardiere, Orchis palustris; Colchicum
autumnale; Narcissus angustifolius; Lychnis flos-
cuculi; Leucojum aestivum; Polygonum bistorta
Plantaginetum altissimae Plantago altissima

Centaureetum pannonicae Centaurea pannonica

Deschampsion Gratiola officinalis, Deschampsia media

*
Deschampsion Deschampsia media

Scirpetum lacustrisLac Scirpus lacustris

* *
Typhetum latifolii Typha latifolia

Festuco-Brometea Trifolium pratense, Tragopogon orientalis,

Sanguisorba minor, Rhinanthus cf. minor, Festuca
sp., Chrysanthemum leucanthemum, Knautia
arvensis, Galium verum, Lotus cf. corniculatus, Salvia
cf. bertolonii, Ranunculus acris, Anthoxanthum
odoratum, Anthyllis vulneraria

The fields in table marked in blue show groups of species which are
characteristic of the respective vegetation types

64
 Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life adriatic flyway conference poster session

Molinion Phragmition /Scirpteum Phragmition / Typhetum Festuco-Brometea unknown

Scilla-meadow, wet Scirpus-stands reed swamp meadow, partly dry, some meadows and pasture
meadow pastures

Lukavačko polje, Dabarsko polje, Mostarsko Livanjsko polje, Gatačko Livanjsko polje, Duvanjsko Mostarsko blato, Livanjsko
Gatačko polje, Livanjsko blato polje polje, Mostarsko polje, polje, Dabarsko polje,
polje, Kupreško polje, Popovo polje Gatačko polje
Nevesinjsko polje,
Duvanjsko polje, Dabarsko
polje, Fatničko polje

*
*

* The fields in table marked with asterisk show other groups of species
which occur in the respective vegetation types

65
 Fig. 5: Vegetation map of Šuičko polje.
0 1 2 km

schoenoplectosum, with Scirpus lacustris as the dominate are shown, the later together with Fatničko and Lukavačko
species. polje. Finally, the southernmost part of Glamočko polje is
shown in Fig. 8.
Magnocaricion elatae: Grows on similar, but often on lesser
eutrophic sites as Phragmition, and is, particularly, present Discussion
in Livanjsko polje. Ritter-Studnicka (1954) assumes that
under natural conditions the association was widespread, The karst poljes of Bosnia-Herzegovina harbour different
but was through regularly mowing replaced by Molinion- vegetation types of high conservation value according to
associations and other grasslands. Fig. 4 shows an example European Union Habitats Directive. Even if the present
of these habitats along the Jaruga River in Livanjsko polje. results are too sparse for the generation of detailed
As an indicator of previous Magnocaricion associations, vegetation maps, the coverage of typical polje vegetation
Ritter-Studnička (1954) describes “Busike”, i.e. a particular was estimated.
micro-relief which is formed by the tussocks of previous
Carex elata stands and which is widespread in Livanjsko, The conservation value of the karst poljes is threatened by
Gatačko and Nevesinjsko polje. different factors:
• Due to highly fluctuating water-levels many
Caricetalia fuscae: Covers permanently wet areas above poljes can be used only for cattle and sheep
acid soils – usually not in permanent water. grazing or for hay-cutting. Changes of the
hydrological regimes through drainage and
In Livanjsko polje as the biggest and most diverse karst other water engineering projects undermine
polje in the Dinaric Karst further vegetation types exist, the ecological function of the karst poljes.
some of it listed in the EU Habitat Directive, like some wet In former Yugoslavian times, when Ritter-
forest types. Studnička conducted her studies, several water
engineering projects were realized, which
As examples for maps which have been prepared on the significantly altered the hydrology of affected
basis of the field surveys in June 2012, in Fig. 5 – Fig. 7 poljes. Until today, large-scale drainage for
vegetation maps for Šuičko, Glamočko and Dabarsko polje the cultivation of crops, as well as large scale

66
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Workshop and project results

Fig. 6: Vegetation map of

Dabarsko (left), Fatničko
(right) and Lukovačko polje.

0 2 4 6 8 10 km

hydropower projects are in progress in some hydrological connected poljes. In the future,
poljes putting their ecosystem functions and huge water engineering projects risk changing
ecological values at risk. the hydrological regimes of several karst
• On the other side, important infrastructure is poljes to such an extent, that the typical polje
largely lacking and the depopulation of rural vegetation will be lost.
areas as a result of the last war in Bosnia- • Furthermore, extraction of peat, coal mining
Herzegovina proceeds in many poljes. Since and incineration, rubbish dumping and
the percentage of fallow lands is still increasing urbanization jeopardize the value of some
and numbers of livestock are in decline, a poljes.
minimum of utilization which is necessary to
preserve the conservation value of grassland As a potential member of the EU, Bosnia-Herzegovina will
habitats, is not guaranteed in some areas. The have to establish a network of Natura 2000 areas and has
later will eventually lead to the transformation recently started preparations for the adoption of EU nature
of typical wet meadows (Molinion) into other conservation policy. As all habitat types of wet meadows
vegetation types (Magnocaricion, Phragmition, occurring in the karst poljes of Bosnia-Herzegovina, as well
bushlands, forests). Regarding the EU’s as many dry grassland habitats, are listed in the Habitats
Habitats Directive, this development means Directive, the country will be able to use funds of EU
that today´s Natura 2000 habitat found in the agro-environmental schemes for grassland conservation
karst poljes will progressively be transformed and management when joining the EU. On the other
into non Natura 2000 habitats. This process hand, if neither the EU nor national authorities will show
was recently described for the karst poljes of stronger commitment for the preservation of the karst
Croatia by Topić (2009). polje ecosystems in the future, devastating projects and
• Hydroelectric projects have impacted the water transformation may progress. EU legislation opens the
flow of individual poljes as well as between chance for NGOs to influence the Natura 2000 process,

67
 Fig. 7: Vegetation map
of the southern parts of
Glamočko polje.
0 2 4 6 8 10km

even if national authorities do not take non-governmental In the same way, plant species´ diversity will decline if the
support in account in many cases. In many countries (also in grazing pressure is increased, if grazing periods do not
the Western Balkans) NGOs have prepared “shadow lists” respect the reproductive cycle of the vegetation, or in case
of habitats which were not designated by local authorities. of prolonged grazing seasons. While grazing occurs in most
Thus, national states are no longer able to “hide” their poljes, it does not necessarily have a negative impact, but
natural values, but have to designate protected areas in frequently represents the main driver for the development of
a participatory process. A comprehensive and adequate characteristic plant communities in the poljes.
documentation of the karst poljes of Bosnia-Herzegovina
will reveal these ecosystems to be prominent elements for Conclusion
the national shadow list.
After the designation as Natura 2000 areas, management The wetlands of periodically flooded poljes are of great
plans will be needed. For the identification of management importance for nesting and migrating birds. The karst
needs for different karst poljes, comprehensive understanding poljes harbour a number of ecologically important habitat
of the effects of previous farming practices for present types. Among them there are habitats depending on
habitat conditions is crucial. polje-specific water regimes and regular flooding. These
The grassland habitats in karst poljes have developed as a habitats belong to syntaxa which are protected by the
result of regular mowing and grazing or the combination of European Union’s Habitats Directive: Molinietum coeruleae
both practices. Changes in grassland management will affect (Code 6410), Deschampsion caespitosae (Code 6540)
the ecological values of the poljes. For instance, the production and Festuco-Brometea (Code 6210). Together, Bosnia-
of silage instead of hay will change the composition of plant Herzegovina and Croatia harbour more than three quarters
communities and heavily reduce grassland biodiversity, of the karst poljes of the Dinaric Karst. For maintaining
because meadows used for silage are cut earlier, before these unique habitats it is crucial to put them under sound
many rare and ecologically valuable plants have reproduced. protection in both countries.

68
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Workshop and project results

Fig. 8: The intermittent lake in the southernmost part of Glamočko polje is a remnant of spring flooding, 5 June 2012 (Photo: Gerhard Bronner).

and their significance for waterbird conservation. In: Denac D.,

Acknowledgements Schneider-Jacoby M., Stumberger B. (eds.), Adriatic Flyway – Closing the
Gap in Bird Conservation. EuroNatur, Radolfzell. pp. 69 – 78.
I am grateful to Ena Simić from Naše Ptice for her Karoglan Todorović S. (2012): Bosnia and Herzegovina. In: Oppermann
R., Beaufoy G., Jones G. (eds.), High Nature Value Farming in Europe.
comprehensive help in establishing contacts, finding Verlag Regionalkultur, Ubstadt-Weiher. pp. 138 – 145.
information and providing logistical assistance; EuroNatur Topić J. (2009): Grassland vegetation in karstic poljes in Croatia. In: Veen
P. (ed.), Grasslands in Europe of High Nature Value. KNNV Publishing,
and its staff for covering travel costs, establishing contacts Zeist, The Netherlands; pp. 267 - 273.
and the provision of literature; Sabaheta Abadzić for her
company and help in identifying plants; Ilhan Dervović
for his company, information about his country and its
people, and his help in transportation; to Romy Durst
and Peter Sackl for their comments on an earlier draft of
the manuscript and to Ulrich Schwarz for help with the
processing of geographical information.

References

Horvat I., Glavač V., Ellenberg H. (1974): Vegetation Südosteuropas.

Gustav Fischer Verlag, Stuttgart.
Ritter-Studnička H.(1954): Flora und Vegetation der Wiesen in den
Karstpoljen Bosniens und der Hercegowina. God. Biol. Inst. Sarajevo; 1-2:
25-109
Schwarz U. (2010): Habitat mapping of the Livanjsko Polje (BA), the
Neretva Delta (HR, BA) and Lake Skadar-Shkoder (ME, AL). In: Denac D.,
Schneider-Jacoby M., Stumberger B. (eds.), Adriatic Flyway – Closing the
Gap in Bird Conservation. EuroNatur, Radolfzell. pp. 79 – 87.
Stumberger B. (2010): A classification of karst poljes in the Dinarides

69
Olm Proteus anguinus (Photo: Gregor Aljančič)

70
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Workshop and project results

Endangered Proteus: combining DNA and GIS analyses for its

conservation

Gregor Aljančič1, Špela Gorički1, Magdalena Năpăruş1, 2, David Stanković3 & Matjaž
Kuntner4

1
Society for Cave Biology, Tular Cave Laboratory, Oldhamska c. 8a, SI-4000 Kranj, Slovenia, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]
2
LASIG, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Station 18, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland, E-mail: [email protected]
3
University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty, Zootechnical Department, Groblje 3, SI-1230 Domžale, Slovenia, E-mail: [email protected]
4
Institute of Biology, Scientific Research Centre, Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Novi trg 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia, E-mail: [email protected]

Summary Proteus subterranean habitat can be accessed by man.

We are currently developing a method of detection of
Proteus anguinus, an endemic amphibian of the traces of Proteus DNA in water samples (environmental
subterranean waters of the Dinaric Karst, is restricted DNA); when integrated in an accurate distribution
to its cave habitat. However, during seasonal flooding, Geographic Information System (GIS) model, the potential
some specimens are washed-out of their subterranean pattern of its genetic variability within the complex karst
environment. While this may be considered as a highly landscape will be determined. The resulted database
hazardous way for Proteus to disperse into new habitats, should then be referenced not only to guide the return of
it is obvious that all these individuals present a constant washed-out individuals to nature but also to minimize the
loss to their population. The Tular Cave Laboratory serves potential impact of any planned hydrotechnical and water-
as a sanctuary for injured specimens accidentally washed- extraction activities in karst poljes on the genetic integrity
out of their subterranean habitat during seasonal flooding. of Proteus populations.
Since 2008, 17 cases have been documented in Slovenia,
and 7 of these animals were successfully returned to Sažetak
their source populations. Although the periodic loss of
individual animals has been well balanced through the Proteus anguinus, endemični vodozemac podzemnih
evolution of Proteus, a concern is raised when possible voda dinarskog krša, vezan je za pećinska staništa. No,
effects of climate change, large-scale hydrotechnical works tokom sezonskog plavljenja, neki primjerci budu izbačeni
and agriculture intensification are considered: the timing, vodenom strujom iz svog podzemnog okruženja. Sa jedne
frequency and magnitude of flood events are expected to strane, to se može smatrati veoma riskantnim načinom
be changed within a very short period of time. Here we kojim Proteus naseljava nova staništa, ali je očito i da
discuss the risks and propose the actions necessary to ovakve jedinke predstavljaju stalni gubitak za populaciju.
halt the loss of these rare and highly endangered animals Jamski laboratorij Tulat služi kao utočište za povrijeđene
due to man-induced changes in flood regimes of the karst primjerke koji su slučajno izbačeni iz svog pozdemnog
poljes. staništa tokom sezonskih poplava. Od 2008, u Sloveniji
Firstly, before any animal is returned to nature, the je zabilježeno 17 slučajeva, a 7 tih životinja je uspješno
veterinary care and a strict protocol should minimize the vraćeno u populacije iz kojih su potekle. Iako je povremeni
transmission of potential infection. Secondly, if washed- gubitak jedinki nešto sa čime se ova vrsta sustetala tokom
out individuals are to be returned to nature, their source evolucije, postoji zabrinutost kada se u obzir uzmu moguće
population must be accurately identified. Screening for posljedice klimatskih promjena, hidrotehničkih radova i
DNA markers powerful enough to detect ongoing gene- razvoja poljoprivrede: vrijeme, učestalost i veličina poplava
flow, such as micro-satellites and single-nucleotide će se vjerovatno promijeniti u veoma kratkom vremenskom
polymorphisms (SNPs), should minimize the potential periodu. U ovom radu bavimo se rizicima i predlažemo
for genetic pollution. Thirdly, the washed-out individuals radnje koje su neophodne da se zaustavi gubitak ovih
deposited on karst fields often cannot be returned directly rijetkih i veoma ugroženih životinja zbog promjena u režimu
to their local cave system, since only small fragments of poplava u kraškim poljima, koje je čovjek uzrokovao. Prvo,

71
prije nego što se ijedna životinja vrati u prirodu, veterinarska (Schneider-Jacoby et al. 2006; Stumberger 2010).
njega i strogi protokol treba smanjiti prenos moguće infekcije. Through the centuries, human populations have also adapted
Drugo, ako se izbačene jedinke trebaju vratiti u prirodu, treba to the karst landscape developing their own sustainable
tačno odrediti iz koje populacije su potekle. Screening DNA strategies. Recently, however, anthropogenic activities
markera koji su dovoljno jaki da otkriju protok gena, kao što su are largely negative, coming from intensive agricultural
mikrosateliti i jednonukleotisni polimorfizmi (SNPs) trebali bi activities (e.g., Slovenia: overuse of biogas slurry fertilizer/ B.
smanjiti mogućnost genetičkog onečišćenja. Treće, jedinke Bulog & A. Hudoklin, pers. comm.; Bosnia and Herzegovina:
koje su izbačene iz podzemnih staništa i nađene na kraškim converting pastures into arable land/ B. Stumberger, pers.
poljima se obično ne mogu direktno vratiti u lokalni pećinski comm.), energy production (hydro and thermal power plants),
sistem, jer je samo malidio podzemnih staništa ove vrste and unregulated urbanization. Southeast Herzegovina,
dostupan čovjeku. Trenutno razvijamo metodu za otkrivanje in particular, has seen these human activities reaching
tragova DNA Proteusa u uzorcima vode (okolišna DNA); kada catastrophic proportions (see the case of Popovo Polje; M.
se to ujedini sa stvarnim GIS (Geografski Informacioni Sistem) Aljančič 1963, Čučković 1983, Lewarne 1999, Lučić 2013).
modelom rasprostranjenja, potencijalni režim genetske
raznolikosti unutak kompleksa kraških polja će biti određen. The case of Proteus: floods as a constant
Baza podataka koja će biti rezultat toga bit će korištena ne threat?
samo kao vodič za vraćanje izbačenih jedinki u prirodu, nego i
za smanjenje potencijalnog uticaja planiranih hidrotehničkih Flooding—an important periodic event in caves— is a transport
aktivnosti u kraškim poljima na genetički integritet populacija agent for organic matter (also for contaminants) as well as
Proteusa. for organisms, affecting their colonization, dispersal, and life
cycles. In common with all stygobionts, Proteus is entirely
Keywords: Proteus, Amphibia, environmental DNA, karst restricted to its cave environment, and no longer able to be
ecohydrology, vulnerability map ecologically competitive in surface habitats. However, during
flooding, a number of specimens get washed-out onto
the surface, where they become stranded away from their
Introduction subterranean environment and become exposed to predation
on the open surface of the karst polje. It is reasonable
The Dinaric Karst is one of the world’s prime heritage to speculate that the earliest human knowledge of the
landscapes, both for natural and cultural phenomena.
Dinaric Karst is also important for the study of evolutionary
While becoming
and ecological interplay. For example, here the endemic
stranded on the surface
subterranean vertebrate fauna meets migrating birds,
both animal groups having been affected by the single
may in fact be a part
geological evolution of karst polje and its periodical of natural history of
flooding (sensu Bonacci et al. 2008), and subject to natural Proteus intended to
selection of over ten million years (Trontelj et al. 2007). The enable dispersal into
flagship species of this unique natural diversity is the olm, new habitats, this highly
Proteus anguinus Laurenti 1768, a true symbol of karst and hazardous strategy is,
its history of research (M. Aljančič et. al 1993). Periodical obviously, very costly
flooding has probably been an important selective force in terms of loss of
in the evolution of this cave-dwelling amphibian (Aljančič
individuals from source
& Năpăruş 2012), as well as of some populations of
populations.
endemic surface-dwelling fish (Telestes, Phoxinellus and
Delminichthys) (see also Palandačić et al. 2012). Periodical
flooding in this karst system, however, also influences the existence of subterranean fauna was through encounters
occurrence of migratory birds of the Adriatic Flyway; these with such washed-out animals. As early as 1689 J. V. Valvasor
represent transitory, yet punctual guests that are also encountered Proteus precisely under these circumstances,
synchronized with periodical flooding of the Dinaric Karst and provided its first description.

72
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Workshop and project results

of stranded Proteus in Slovenia. All animals were found

by chance and reported by locals. Through this research
we unexpectedly became involved in a rescue mission:
seven of these animals were saved and returned to their
source population (Aljančič & Năpăruş 2012), while injured
animals found sanctuary in the Tular Cave Laboratory.

Why location matters

When an individual found on the surface cannot be returned

directly to the cave or spring from which it was washed out
by flood, the data on the exact distribution of its source
population can guide its return. Analyses of mitochondrial
Fig. 1: Proteus stranded in Kljunov ribnik near Pivka, Slovenia, 29
December 2008; serious chilblains on dorsal side (Photo: Gregor Aljančič)
DNA sequences revealed distinct lineages of Proteus from
the Dinaric Karst of (1) Istria, (2) Dalmatia-Herzegovina,
(3) Bosanska Krajina, (4) Lika, (5) SW Slovenia and (6)
SE Slovenia (Gorički 2006; cf. Fig. 4 in Gorički & Trontelj
While becoming stranded on the surface may in fact be 2006; Trontelj et al. 2007, 2009; and unpublished data).
a part of natural history of Proteus intended to enable A study of highly variable nuclear DNA sequences is still
dispersal into new habitats, this highly hazardous strategy lacking, but will, hopefully, resolve the complex network
is, obviously, very costly in terms of loss of individuals from of relationships on a more local scale, i. e. within the
source populations. The fate of stranded individuals is populations that mitochondrial DNA indicated. To clearly
quite predictable as the odds to re-enter the underground delimit populations with on-going gene flow, intensive
and thus to survive are minimal. The animals are often sampling coupled with datasets of karst features and their
deposited on temporarily flooded fields and may survive spatial relationships within the karst system, datasets
for up to several weeks and as long as high waters persist; with geological and hydrogeological features and their
they may suffer sunburns or chilblains, and eventually spatial relationships, a high resolution digital elevation
desiccate (Fig. 1). Others may be carried further into model of the area, and spatial statistical modelling
surface streams where they get preyed upon by fish, birds are needed. This is especially significant in the case of
or other predators. populations with very small ranges or which inhabit areas
that have received little attention in the past.
We presume that Proteus has developed several
responses to reduce the danger of being washed out of its The Tular Cave Laboratory is developing an indirect, forensic
subterranean habitat (Aljančič & Prelovšek 2010) as well approach (which will be published elsewhere) to facilitate
as adaptations of its feeding and reproductive behaviour. the search for Proteus in even the most inaccessible
Due to the extremely long lifespan on the one hand locations. Namely, during the process of skin growth and
(animals may survive nearly 100 years in captivity) and regeneration, fragments of epidermal cells, along with the
long reproduction cycles on the other (Proteus reproduce DNA they contain, are constantly shed from the skin of
approximately every 8 years in captivity), each individual aquatic vertebrates and carried away by water. Such DNA
loss may be fairly detrimental for the size of its population. dissolved in water is called environmental DNA (eDNA).
Although this periodic loss has presumably been an annual In its most basic form, the methodology aims at detecting
constant through its evolution, more rapid changes due traces of Proteus DNA released in water; as new genetic
to human induced climate change, which are expected to markers are found, it can be expanded for fast and routine
change the timing, frequency and magnitude of floods genotypization of water samples. DNA extracted from the
dramatically, will most probably exceed the ability of mucous of a washed-out individual is then compared to the
Proteus to cope with environmental changes. integrated DNA-GIS database. In this way it will be possible
The Tular Cave Laboratory has extensively studied this to determine the origin of the washed-out animal, and the
neglected phenomenon since 2008, documenting 17 cases appropriate site to release the animal can be identified.

73
Further implications of combined DNA and GIS estimated without an extensive survey of its distribution.
analysis for Proteus conservation Current knowledge on the distribution of Proteus in Bosnia
and Herzegovina (Kotrošan 2002) is particularly scarce in
Due to their high specialization to a narrow range of the area along the lower course of the Neretva Rivier and
abiotic conditions in the subterranean environment, all its tributaries. In the area of Hutovo blato, only a single
groundwater organisms are extremely vulnerable to direct Proteus locality is known: a well in the village Čore near the
and indirect alterations of their habitats. In Southeastern Babino oko spring. Undoubtedly, Proteus can also inhabit
Bosnia and Herzegovina, large scale hydrotechnical other caves in the area. This is supported by the oldest
activities are the main cause for disturbances to the known depiction of Proteus in Bosnia and Herzegovina, on
natural flooding regime of caves and karst poljes, a ‘stećak’ (monumental gravestone typical for Medieval
reduction of the catchment area, land amelioration, and Bosnia) from ca. 1477, found in the Boljuni necropolis
water pumping (Ozimec 2011). Through reduction or loss of near Stolac (Mulaomerović & Hodžić 2012), which conveys
aquatic habitats in caves, or microclimatic and ecological Proteus as having a long symbolic presence.
changes such as temperature increase, reduction of
dissolved oxygen, and reduction or increase in the quantity Conclusions
of organic matter (Ozimec 2011) these activities may have
a detrimental impact on the density of groundwater fauna, The Tular Cave Laboratory has started utilizing the eDNA to
including its flagship species Proteus (e. g., the case of infer the presence of Proteus in the most threatened sites.
Popovo Polje; M. Aljančič 1963, Čučković 1983, Lewarne The results of this intensive survey will provide a scientific
1999, Lučić 2013). In particular, intensive engineering works basis for enforcing the long-term protection of Proteus
to divert the waters from Dabarsko polje towards Fatničko populations and its habitats, and will help to mitigate
polje and further towards Bileća, Trebinje, and the Ombla current and future threats. The highly efficient, non-
hydroelectric plant near Dubrovnik considerably reduce the invasive, DNA-based method to detect Proteus from water
flow of groundwater towards the lower Neretva River and samples coupled with a set of spatial data will provide a
its delta (J. Mulaomerović, pers. comm.). Furthermore, a vulnerability map of Proteus which will visualize zones
substantial portion of waters from Popovo polje is being most threatened by human impacts along with the most
diverted towards Ombla spring, while only a small part is active threats. When integrated in an accurate Geographic
directed to the reversible hydroelectric plant “Čapljina”, Information System (GIS) distribution model, the patterns
located on the eastern side of the Svitavsko-Deransko of the genetic variability of Proteus within the complex
polje. The reduction of input of groundwater from karst karst landscape will emerge. The DNA-GIS database will
poljes of Eastern Herzegovina into the Neretva River’s further provide the scientific basis for the return of washed-
lower course and the delta results in an increase of
saltwater penetrating further upstream. The observed
increase of salinity may have a direct adverse effect on the The highly vulnerable
localities of Proteus in the Neretva River delta and Hutovo Proteus has a huge
Blato. Changes in the direction of watercourses may also potential to become a
affect the gene pool of Proteus populations (Sket 1997).
symbol of a successful
Existing legal acts – with Bosnia and Herzegovina being
balance between
the only political entity within the range of Proteus that
lacks any legislation enforcing its conservation – do not
conservation and
entirely protect aquatic cave animals and their habitats sustainable management
from negative human impacts on groundwater integrity. A of the karst environment.
decline of several populations of Proteus has been reported,
and in some localities Proteus has already become extinct
(Sket 1997). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species out individuals to their source cave system. Furthermore,
defines Proteus anguinus as vulnerable, and recommends it will also help to prepare urgently needed vulnerability
urgent measures to revert its population decline (Arntzen models for assessing potential impacts of hydrotechnical
et al. 2009). The extent of its decline, however, cannot be and water-extraction activities in karst poljes on the

74
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Workshop and project results

genetic structure of Proteus populations. The accuracy References

of the resulting distribution and vulnerability models
Aljančič G., Prelovšek M. (2010): Does Proteus detect and react to
will be validated by spatial statistical analysis (Năpăruș a sudden rise of water conductivity which indicates incoming flood?
& Kuntner 2012; Meleg et. al 2013). This analytical tool is Abstract Book 20th International Conference on Subterranean Biology.
Postojna, Slovenia; pp. 114 – 115.
designed to implement future conservation action plans Aljančič G., Năpăruş M. (2012): Stygobionts washed out to surface: A
needed for building sustainable strategies for landscape case of Proteus anguinus. Abstract Book 21st International Conference on
Subterranean Biology. Košice, Slovakia; pp. 22 – 23.
management and ecological forecasting. Future activities Aljančič M. (1963): Po jamah Popovega polja [In caves of Popovo Polje].
may even reach beyond local geography and specifics of Proteus 25(9-10): 239 – 245.
the distribution of Proteus in the Dinaric Karst – with the Aljančič M., Bulog B., Kranjc A., Josipovič D., Sket B., Skoberne P. (1993):
Proteus: The Mysterious Ruler of Karst Darkness. Vitrum, Ljubljana, 75 pp.
present survey serving as a model for future assessments Arntzen J.W., Denoël M., Miaud C., Andreone F., Vogrin M., Edgar P.,
of the vulnerability of aquatic cave fauna worldwide – and, Crnobrnja Isailovic J., Ajtic R., Corti C. (2009): Proteus anguinus. In:
IUCN (2013), IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.2. <www.
thus, offer the possibility to implement science based iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 25 November 2013.
conservation strategies for a sustainable management of Bonacci O., Pipan T., Culver D. C. (2008): A framework for karst
ecohydrology. Environmental Geology 65(5): 891 – 900.
the karst environment and its biodiversity.
Čučković S. (1983): Uticaj promjene režima vodotoka hidrosistema
The present study has strengthened our belief that a complex Trebišnjica na faunu kraškog podzemlja [The influence of the change in
ecosystem of Dinaric Karst poljes (above and underground) can the water-course regime of the Trebišnjica water-system on the fauna of
the karst underground regions]. Naš Krš 9: 129 – 142.
only be preserved through multidisciplinary scientific efforts Gorički Š. (2006): Filogeografska in morfološka analiza populacij močerila
and with the support of international nature conservation (Proteus anguinus). [Phylogeographic and morphological analysis of
European cave salamander (Proteus anguinus) populations.] Ph.D.
organizations. An active alliance of organisations committed Dissertation, Ljubljana, Slovenia, 76 pp.
to nature conservation of the Dinaric Karst is urgently needed Gorički Š., Trontelj P. (2006): Structure and evolution of the mitochondrial
in order to embark on an ambitious task to promote, share control region and flanking sequences in the European cave salamander Proteus
anguinus. Gene 378: 31 – 41.
and implement an advanced action plan to save Proteus, Kotrošan D. (2002): Rasprostranjenje čovječije ribice na području Bosne
Europe’s only cave vertebrate, along its fragmented range i Hercegovine [Distribution of the Proteus (Proteus anguinus Laurenti,
1768) in Bosnia and Herzegovina]. Naš Krš 35: 57 – 64.
in the Western Balkans. The highly vulnerable Proteus has a Lewarne B. (1999): A joint strategy for the protection of the Trebinje
huge potential to become a symbol of a successful balance Proteus anguinus and its natural karst habitat. Naš Krš 32: 35 – 50.
Lučić I. (2013): Obrnuti tokove vode i povijesti [Turning course of water
between conservation and sustainable management of the
and history]. Međunarodni forum Bosne – IFB, 61/62(13): 75 - 116.
karst environment. Meleg I. N., Năpăruş M., Fiers F., Meleg H. I., Vlaicu M., Moldovan O. T. (2013): The
relationships between land cover, climate and cave copepod spatial distribution
and suitability along the Carpathians. Environmental Conservation. FirstView: 1 - 11.
Acknowledgements Mulaomerović J., Hodžić M. (2012): Proteus anguinus in Bosnia and
Herzegovina: from the Middle ages to today. Abstracts 21st International
Conference on Subterranean Biology, Košice, Slovakia; p. 77.
We would like to thank Borut Stumberger and Peter Sackl Năpăruş M., Kuntner M. (2012): A GIS Model Predicting Potential
for helpful comments on the manuscript, and Brian Lewarne Distributions of a Lineage: A Test Case on Hermit Spiders (Nephilidae:
for linguistic review. We thank Ivan Bebek, Ilhan Dervović, Nephilengys). PLoS ONE 7/1: e30047.doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0030047.
Ozimec R. (2011): Red book of Dinaric cave fauna – an example from
Jelena Kadić, Dražen Kotrošan, Brian Lewarne, Ivo Lučić, Croatia. In: Prelovšek M., Zupan Hajna N. (eds.), Pressures and Protection
Jasminko Mulaomerović, Dušan Musa, Goran Panić and Sara of the Underground Karst: Cases from Slovenia and Croatia. Karst
Research Institute ZRC SAZU, Postojna; pp. 182 – 190.
Todorović for the valuable information on greatest threats Palandačić A., Bonacci O., Snoj A. (2012): Molecular data as a possible tool
to Proteus in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We also thank for tracing groundwater flow in karst environment: example of Delminichthys
adspersus in Dinaric karst system. Ecohydrology 5/ 6: 791 – 797.
EuroNatur and Naše ptice for hosting the workshop. The
Schneider-Jacoby M., Rubinić B., Sackl P., Stumberger B. (2006): A
eDNA survey in Southeastern Herzegovina and Montenegro preliminary assessment of the ornithological importance of Livanjsko Polje
is performed in partnership with the Center for Karst and (Cetina River Basin, Bosnia and Herzegovina). Acrocephalus 27: 45 − 57.
Sket B. (1997): Distribution of Proteus (Amphibia: Urodela: Proteidae)
Speleology (Sarajevo), the Republic Institute for Protection and its possible explanation. Journal of Biogeography 24: 263 – 280.
of Cultural, Historical and Natural Heritage (Banja Luka), Stumberger B. (2010): A classification of karst poljes in the Dinarides and
their significance for waterbird conservation. In: Denac D., Scheneider-
the Biospeleological Society of Montenegro (Podgorica), the Jacoby M., Stumberger B. (eds.), Adriatic Flyway – Closing the Gap in Bird
Herzegovinian Mountain Rescue Service (Mostar), and with Conservation. Euronatur, Radolfzell; pp. 69 - 78.
the financial support of the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Trontelj P., Gorički Š., Polak S., Verovnik R., Zakšek V., Sket B. (2007):
Age estimates for some subterranean taxa and lineages in the Dinaric
Fund/BirdLife International and DOPPS, the University Karst. Acta carsologica 36: 183 – 189.
of Maryland, and the Institute of Biology at the Scientific Trontelj P. , Douady C. J., Fišer C., Gibert J., Gorički Š., Lefébure T., Sket B.,
Zakšek V. (2009): A molecular test for cryptic diversity in ground water: how
Research Centre (Ljubljana). large are the ranges of macro-stygobionts? Freshwater Biology 54: 727 – 744.

75
Kupreško polje, May 2009 (Photo: Alimanović Behudin)

76
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Workshop and project results

The wintering population of Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus in

Glamočko, Duvanjsko and Kupreško polje (Bosnia-Herzegovina)

Ena Šimić-Hatibović
Ornithological Society „Our Birds“, Semira Frašte 6, BA - 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; E-mail: [email protected]

Summary accessible. In the present paper results of the one year

study are presented.
The karst poljes of Bosnia constitute hotspots of
biodiversity. But the karst wetland habitats of Bosnia Sažetak
and Herzegovina are under threat. Except the largest, i. e.
Livanjsko polje, all karst poljes are unprotected. Livanjsko Kraška polja Bosne i Hercegovine predstavljaju žarišta
polje has been recognized as a Ramsar site and since 2011 biodiverziteta, ali močvarnim kraškim staništima u Bosni
it is designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA). In 2013 it i Hercegovini prijeti nestanak. Osim najvećeg, Livanjskog
was ranked as a medium threatened IBA site by BirdLife polja, sva ostala kraška polja su nezaštićena. Livanjsko polje
International (2013). je prepoznato kao Ramsarsko područje, i od 2011. Godine
Because habitat types and land use practices are similar to ima oznaku područja važnog za ptice (Important Bird Area
that in Livanjsko polje, Duvanjsko, Glamočko and Kupreško - IBA). U 2013. godini organizacija BirdLife International je
polje may, in the same way, harbor a high biodiversity. In rangirala Livanjsko polje kao srednje ugroženo IBA područje.
particular, the bird fauna appears to be as rich and diverse S obrizom na činjenicu da Duvanjsko, Glamočko i Kupreško
as in Livanjsko polje. So far the avifauna of the karst poljes polje imaju slične tipove staništa i praksu korištenja
was never systematically investigated and no historic data zemljišta kao i Livanjsko polje, i ova polja bi mogla imati
are available for comparison with recent, systematically visok stepen biodiverziteta. Konkretnije, ornitofauna ovih
collected data. polja izgleda isto tako bogata i raznolika kao što je to
The presence and population numbers of Hen Harriers slučaj u Livanjskom polju. Do sada ornitofauna ovih polja
Circus cyaneus were investigated across a one year period, nije sistematično istraživana i ne postoje historijski podaci
between May 2011 and June 2012. Because all karst poljes za upoređivanje sa nedavno prikupljenim sistematskim
in western Bosnia seem to fulfill IBA criteria, the three podacima. Prisustvo i brojnosnost populacije eje strnjarice
poljes investigated have the potential for harbouring high Circus cyaneus praćeni su tokom jedne godine (maj 2011.
biodiversity and need to be protected urgently. The aim of – juni 2012.). Sva kraška polja zapadne Bosne okvirno
the present study was to make a preliminary assessment ispunjavaju IBA kriterije, tri navedena polja imaju veliki
of the wintering population of Hen Harrier in three karst potencijal za očuvanje biološke raznolikosti i potrebno
poljes - Kupreško, Glamočko and Duvanjsko polje. ih je hitno zaštititi. Cilj ovog rada bio je da se napravi
The Hen Harrier is an important indicator species of open, preliminarna procjena zimske populacije eje strnjarice u
extensively used grassland habitats. The species is listed tri kraška polja: Kupreškom, Glamočkom i Duvanjskom.
in Annex I of the European Union’s Bird Directive. During Eja strnjarica je važna indikatorska vrsta na otvorenim,
one year of field research Hen Harriers were studied by ekstenzivno korištenim travnatim staništima. Ova vrsta je
using the point count method in all three karst poljes. navedena u Aneksu I Direktive o pticama Evropske Unije.
The species was present in poljes between November and Tokom jedne godine istraživanja, eje strnjarice proučavana
March. During the winter 2011/12, due to heavy snow, field su metodom brojanja iz tačke na sva tri kraška polja. Tokom
conditions were unusually bad in January and February zimskog perioda 2011./2012. zbog velikog snijega uslovi su
and some of the constant observation points were not bili neuobičajeno loši u januaru i februaru, pa neke tačke na

77
kojima ja vršeno brojanje nisu bile dostupne. U ovom radu Glamočko polje is a 130 km2 large, almost closed karst
prikazani su rezultati jednogodišnjeg istraživanja. plain. The maximum length of the karst polje which is
elongated in the NW-SE direction, amounts to 45 km.
Keywords: Bosnia-Herzegovina, karst poljes, Hen Harrier, The polje is widest in its central part, i. e. 12 km between
Circus cyaneus, wintering population, population numbers Glamoč and Podgreda. While the narrowest section of the
area, between Vidimlije and Osoje, measures only 700 m.
Duvanjsko polje covers a total area of 121.6 km2; it is
Introduction situated between 860 and 890 meters a.s.l. The karst polje
is surrounded by five mountains: Ljubuša (1797 m) and
The karst areas in Bosnia-Herzegovina constitute Vran (1961 m) in the E, Lika (1391 m) to the SE and Tušnica
biodiversity hotspots. Nevertheless, only the largest karst (1700 m) as well as Jelovača (1572 m) in the NW.
polje, i. e. Livanjsko polje, was recognized as a Ramsar site Like Duvanjsko polje, the 93 km2 large Kupreško polje
2008 (cf. Ramsar Secretariat website) and in 2011 it was represents a rather large and open karst plain, situated
designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA). In 2013 it was on the east side of Livanjsko and Glamočko polje, and
ranked as a medium threatened Important Bird Area (IBA) Duvanjsko polje in the N. Like Glamočko polje, the shape of
by BirdLife International (2013). the polje is elongated in the NW-SE direction. The maximal
Because habitats and land use practices are similar in Bosnian length and width of the polje amount to 24 km and 10 km,
karst poljes, Duvanjsko, Glamočko and Kupreško polje may, in respectively (Kanaet 1954).
the same way, harbour a high biodiversity. In most poljes, in
particular, the bird fauna appears to be as rich and diverse as in
Livanjsko polje. So far, the avifauna of the karst poljes of Bosnia
was never systematically investigated and no historic data are
available for comparison with recent, systematically collected
data. Because the three poljes may, like many other, fulfill IBA
criteria, a first assessment of the wintering population of Hen
Harrier Circus cyaneus was launched in 2011.

So far, the avifauna of

the karst poljes of Bosnia
was never systematically
investigated

The aim of this paper is to present a short review of the

current knowledge on the distribution and seasonal
occurrence of the Hen Harrier in the karst poljes of Bosnia,
according to existing literature, and to present first data
on the presence and population numbers of the species in Fig. 1: Location of the study area; A - Glamočko, B - Duvanjsko, C -
western Bosnia. Although, the results of the present study Kupreško polje.
are in some way preliminary, this is the first study of the
species and one of the few bird studies for which, so far,
quantitative methods were used in Bosnia. Methods

Study area Over the study period the three karst poljes studied were
visited during 12 field trips or 33 field days, i. e. one field
Between May 2011 and June 2012 the seasonal occurrence, i. day per month and polje (see below). All individual birds
e. presence, and numbers of Hen Harrier were investigated which could be seen or heard were counted during 10 – 20
in Glamočko, Duvanjsko and Kupreško polje (Fig. 1). minutes long point counts. Ahead of the study all poljes

78
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Workshop and project results

The winter 2011/12 was extremely harsh with a lot of

snow. With snow heights over more then a metre, some
observation points were not accessible during February
2012 (FHMZBiH 2012). But, following to the extreme
weather conditions and unusually high snow cover which
covered all potential hunting surfaces, very few or even no
Hen Harriers may have been present during this period.
Dates of point counts in Glamočko, Duvanjsko and
Kupreško polje, respectively, are given below as:

21st, 22nd and 20th November 2011

Glamočko polje 26th, 27th and 25th December 2011
25th, 26th, 24th January 2012
08th, 09th and 7th March 2012

Results and discussion

Currently, few and largely scattered data on the migration

and wintering of Hen Harriers in Bosnia-Herzegovina
exist. Following to Reiser (1939) the species is a regular
migrant and winter visitor in Herzegovina, particularly in
Hutovo blato. In Bosnia he has seen the species annually
in the surroundings of Sarajevo between late October and
April. Additionally, Zaplata (1933) spotted the species on
Duvanjsko polje
two occasions, i. e. on 11 January and 7 February 1891, in
Sarajevsko polje. In the second half of the last century
Hen Harriers were recorded during autumn migration in
Gatačko polje (Obratil 1986), in winter as well as during
spring and autumn migration in Hutovo blato (Obratil

Kupreško polje

Fig. 2: Location of observation points used for bird counting (point

counts), May 2011 – June 2012, in the three study areas

and areas of interest were visited, adequate observation

points selected and locations of count points measured
with GPS. In all, 60 observation points were selected: 25
in Glamočko, 23 in Duvanjsko and 12 in Kupreško polje (Fig.
2). For bird counts binoculars and a telescope were used. Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus (Photo: Heinz Kolland)

79
Tab. 1: Numbers of Hen Harriers Circus cyaneus recorded during point counts, November 2011 – March 2012, in three karst poljes in western Bosnia.

Period/karst polje Glamočko polje Duvanjsko polje Kupreško polje Seasonal movement

November 3 8 3 autumn migration

2011

December 1 9 1 wintering

January 4 9 5 wintering
2012

February - - - wintering

March 1 - 2 spring migration

1985), in spring in Gatačko and during autumn migration, Hen Harriers were noted in a total of 24 counts between
only, in Nevesinjsko, Gatačko and Dabarsko polje (Obratil November – March, i. e. during 7 counts in Glamočko (78%),
1984). However, because the species has been recorded in 11 in Duvanjsko (42%), and 6 point counts in Kupreško
similar habitats in Slovenia during both, migrations and polje (55% of all counts). Unfortunately, due to extremely
winter periods, in Dravsko polje and at Medvedce reservoir bad weather and the inaccessibility of the poljes, no data
(Bordjan & Božić 2009), and Hen Harriers are present in for February are available. Although, there was a lot of
Serbia in the meadows surrounding Mali pesak (Deliblato snow in January in Duvanjsko polje all count points were
sands) between October and April (Vučanović et al. 2010), accessible, however in Glamočko polje we could not reach
the few sightings, reported for the Bosnian karst poljes, observations points no. 2 - 14, and in Kupreško polje no.
most probably result from low observation effort. The 7 - 12. Presumably, the birds which were present in January,
latter is substantiated by observations of Stumberger stayed during February or have left the study area and
et al. (2010) in Livanjsko polje, who note that “In winter went further to the south.
the migrating Montagu’s Harriers are replaced by Hen The present study indicates that Hen Harriers, most
Harriers from more northern parts of Europe….” and that probably, are regular winter visitors which were seen in
“Livanjsko polje is the most important wintering site...” in substantial numbers in all karst poljes studied. Because
the western Balkans. habitat conditions in other karst poljes are similar to those
in Livanjsko polje (cf. Stumberger et al. 2010) and in the
poljes which were investigated for the present study,
Because habitat Bosnia-Herzegovina may harbour a significant portion of
conditions in other the European winter population. But for substantiating
karst poljes are similar... this, like for many other species of European and
Bosnia-Herzegovina may international conservation concern, further surveys and
harbour a significant more systematic research will be needed.
portion of the European
winter population. References

BirdLife International: http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/sitefactsheet.

php?id=29790 (access date: 5 September 2013).
During the present study a total of 21 target bird species Bordjan D., Božić L. (2009): Waterbirds and raptors occurring in the area
have been noted. Hen Harriers were seen between of Medvedce reservoir (Dravsko polje, NE Slovenia) during the 2002 -
2008 period. Acrocephalus 30 (141-143): 55 – 163.
November 2011 and March 2012 in all karst poljes Federalni hidrometeorološki zavod BiH (FHMZBiH): http://www.
investigated. In all, 46 individuals (ind.) were recorded: 9 fhmzbih.gov.ba/bilten/2012-bilten.pdf (access date: 5 September 2013).
Kanaet T. (1954): Polja zapadne Bosne i Hercegovine. Prilog poznavanju
in Glamočko, 26 in Duvanjsko and 11 ind. in Kupreško polje
prirodnih osobina i ekonomskog značenja. Zbornik radova III kongresa
(see Tab. 1). geografa Jugoslavije. Narodna štamparija, Sarajevo; pp. 45 - 58.

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Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Workshop and project results

Obratil S. (1984): Naselje ptica (Aves) u kopnenim biocenozama kraških

polja Hercegovine. Glasnik Zemaljskog muzeja Bosne i Hercegovine
Sarajevo, Prirodne nauke 23: 147 - 184.
Obratil S. (1985): Ornitofauna Hutova blata do izgradnje akumulacionog
jezera phe “Capljina”. Glasnik Zemaljskog muzeja Bosne i Hercegovine,
Sarajevo Prirodne nauke 24: 175 - 209.
Obratil S. (1986/87): Naselja ptica (Aves) u ekosistemima Gatačkog
polja i okoline prije izgradnje termoelektrane Gacko. Glasnik Zemaljskog
muzeja Bosne i Hercegovine Sarajevo, Prirodne nauke 25/26: 211 – 237.
Ramsar Secretariat: http://www.ramsar.org/cda/en/ramsar-news-
archives-2008-ramsar-bulletin-22665/main/ramsar/1-26-45-
85%5E22665_4000_0 (access date: 5 September 2013).
Reiser O. (1939): Materialien zu einer Ornis Balcanica. I. Bosnien und
Herzegowina, nebst Teilen von Serbien und Dalmatien. Naturhistorisches
Museum, Wien.
Stumberger B., Schneider-Jacoby M., Schwarz U., Sackl P. (2010):
Zonation concept for the Livanjsko polje Ramsar site. In: Denac D.,
Schneider-Jacoby M., Stumberger B. (eds.), Adriatic Flyway - Closing the
Gap in Bird Conservation. Euronatur, Radolfzell (Germany); pp. 125 - 134.
Vučanović M., Đorđević I., Stojnić N. (2010): Raptors of Mali Pesak.
Ciconia 19: 74 - 88.
Zaplata R. (1933): Ptice Sarajeva i okoline. Glasnik Zemaljskog muzeja u
Bosni I Herzegovini Sarajevo 45: 1 - 34.

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Eurasian Cranes Grus grus feeding on flooded Duvanjsko polje, 5 April 2013 (Photo: MIrko Šarac)

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Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Workshop and project results

Spring migration 2013 of Eurasian Crane Grus grus of the Adriatic Flyway
population in the Western Balkans an in the Eastern Adriatic region

Goran Topić1, Ana Vujović2, Bariša Ilić3, Ivan Medenica4 & Nermina Sarajlić1
1
Ornithological Society „Naše ptice“, Semira Frašte 6, BA-71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina; E-mail: [email protected]
2
Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Montenegro, Džordža Vašingtona bb, MNE-81000 Podgorica, Montenegro;
E-mail: [email protected]
3
Croatian Ornithological Society, Draškovićeva 54, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia; E-mail: [email protected]
4
Natural History Museum, Njegoševa 51, SR-11000 Belgrade, Serbia ; E-mail:

Summary odmor i prehranu ždralova na istraživanom području. Period

najintenzivnije seobe odvijao se sredinomm marta. Pored
As part of an ongoing monitoring program the paper praćenja ptica na preletu, rad ima za cilj mapiranje najvažnijih
presents an analysis of data on the spring migration of odmorišta, kao i otkrivanje faktora koji ugrožavaju ždralove
Eurasian Crane Grus grus along the Adriatic Flyway in 2013. na Jadranskom migratornom putu.
With a total of 32 observers, involved in the survey, crane
migration was studied in Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Keywords: Eurasian Crane, Grus grus, spring migration,
Montenegro and Serbia, from February till early May. In a Adriatic Flyway, stop-over sites, Balkan Peninsular
whole of 37 observation sites, scattered across the western
Balkans, a total of 8,702 birds were counted: 3,853 actively
migrating and 4,849 birds, resting in different stop-over Introduction
sites, were counted. According to our data, most birds
crossed the eastern Adriatic region over Metković (Croatia) European populations of Eurasian Crane Grus grus reach
in the lower Neretva river valley, while Mostarsko blato their wintering grounds along three major migration
and Duvanjsko polje in Bosnia-Herzegovina with more routes: Scandinavian and northern continental European
than 1,400 and 1,500 birds, respectively, were identified as populations migrate through Western Europe to wintering
the most important resting and feeding sites for Eurasian areas in France, Spain and Morocco; birds from Northeastern
Cranes in the study area. Peak migration was recorded in Europe cross central Europe, the Western Balkans and Italy
mid-March. In addition to monitor the migration corridor to wintering areas in Tunisia, Libya and Algeria (Adriatic
across the western Balkan Peninsula, the study aims to Flyway), while populations from Northeastern Europe
identify important stop-over sites and main conservation and Western Russia fly over the Balkans and across/
issues of the species along the Adriatic Flyway. around the Black Sea to wintering areas in East Africa
(del Hoyo et al. 1996). Until now, crane migration across
Sažetak the Balkan Peninsula is insufficiently known (Stumberger
& Schneider-Jacoby 2010). Currently, up to 20,000 birds
Kao dio monitoring programa koji je u toku, ovaj rad are reported to gather at Slano Kopovo in Vojvodina
predstavlja sumirane podatke za proljećnu migraciju (Knežev 2010, Lukač 2000), while up to 7,000 birds use
ždralova Grus grus duž jadranskog migratornog puta u Lonjsko polje in Croatia for stopping-over during spring
2013. godini. Monitoring je provođen u Hrvatskoj, Bosni and autumn migration (Stumberger & Schneider-Jacoby
i Hercegovini, Srbiji i Crnoj Gori od februara do kraja aprila 2010). However, few data on migration seasons, migration
2013. godine. U cenzusu je učestvovao 31 popisivač. Na 37 routes and stop-over sites south of the Sava and Danube
lokaliteta ukupno je evidentirano 6,950 primjeraka, od rivers exist. In order to gain more information on migration
čega je 4,101 ptica zabilježeno na preletu, dok je 2,849 ptica patterns of Eurasian Cranes along the Adriatic Flyway, in
izbrojano naodmaralištima.Premadobijenimpodacima,ždral cooperation with local ornithologists, conservationists
ovisunajvišeletjeliprekoMetkovića. Mostarsko blato sa preko and ornithological organizations Euronatur started to
1,400 jedinki, izdvaja se kao lokalitet od najvećeg značaja za collect observations on crane migration in the countries

83
 HR

BA SR

Common Crane Grus grus,

migrating , resting
1-50

51-100

101-300
MN
301-500

501-1000

AL
1001-2000

Fig. 1: Migration and stop-over sites of Eurasian Crane Grus grus of the Adriatic Flyway population in the Western Balkans and the eastern Adriatic
region in spring 2013.

of the western and southern Balkans in 2007. First results Herzegovina as Wetlands of National and International
were presented at the 7th European Crane Conference in Importance” and “Adriatic Flyway 2” projects. A part of the
Stralsund (Stumberger & Schneider-Jacoby 2010). present data were collected during the monitoring of illegal
hunting activities and bird shooting in the karst poljes of
The present paper summarizes data on the migration of the Western Balkans. Relevant information were noted
Eurasian Cranes along the Adriatic Flyway which have been in the field on standard data sheets, which, in addition to
gathered by a network of observers in Croatia, Bosnia- date, location, and the numbers of flying and resting birds,
Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro in spring 2013. contain information on altitude, habitat type and direction
of migration.
Materials and methods
Results
From mid-February to early May 2013 a survey of spring
migration of Eurasian Crane in former Yugoslavia, in Between 22 February, as the earliest observation, and
the area between the Sava and Danube rivers and the 6 May 2013, as the latest date, during 99 observations a
Adriatic Sea, in Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and total of 8,702 cranes were noted. Overall, 3,853 actively
Montenegro, was organized. Both, actively migrating and migrating and 4,849 resting individuals (ind.) were counted
resting birds, in known stop-over sites were counted. In in different stop-over sites.
all, 31 observers were involved in the survey. The survey in
spring 2013 is part of the regular monitoring of Eurasian
Crane migration within the framework of Euronatur’s
“Identification and Promotion of Karst Poljes in Bosnia and

84
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Workshop and project results

Tab. 1: Observations of migrating and resting Eurasian Cranes Grus grus in the Western Balkans and eastern Adriatic region in spring 2013. Legend: HR
Croatia, CG Montenegro, BA Bosnia-Herzegovina, SRB Serbia.

Country Location Date Numbers Migration Behaviour Habitat Observer(s)

direction
HR Jezero Njivice, Krk 22.02.2013 9 - resting lake Andrej Radalj
HR Rijeka 24.02.2013 6 N flying x Kristijan Mandić
BA Omarska (Prijedor) 25.02.2013 45 - x mine Dario Duvnjak
HR Križevci 28.02.2013 4 NE flying X Smiljka Selanec
CG Ulcinj 28.02.2013 16 N circling town Stefan Heitmann & Katarina Denac
CG Ada Bojana (Ulcinj) 04.03.2013 37 N migrating x Jakob Smole, Luka Božič
CG Krnovo (Nikšić) 05.03.2013 34 N migrating karst plateau Darko Saveljić
BA Veliko Blaško (Laktaši) 05.03.2013 30 N migrating x Dragan Praštalo
CG Podgorica 07.03.2013 16 N migrating town Darko Saveljić
HR Metković 08.03.2013 270 - circling delta Bariša Ilić
BA Ljubuški (Vitina) 08.03.2013 66 N circling x Dario Vukojević
HR Jezero, Njivice, Krk 09.03.2013 126 resting lake Andrej Radalj
HR Žrnovo, Korčula 09.03.2013 100+ N flying X Ursula Loos
HR Metković 09.03.2013 177 NE migrating delta Bariša Ilić
24 NW
CG Danilovgrad 09.03.2013 120 NW migrating town Ana Vujović
BA Donji Radišići (Ljubuški) 09.03.2013 52 N migrating x Ranko Medić
BA Ljubuški (Vitina) 09.03.2013 60 N circling x Dario Vukojević
BA Šipovo 09.03.2013 90 NE migrating town Goran Topić, Mladen Topić
HR Metković 10.03.2013 71 NW migrating delta Bariša Ilić
35 NE
HR Sinj 10.03.2013 100 N flying Ivan Budinski
HR Grobničko polje 10.03.2013 59 resting Andrej Radalj
CG Danilovgrad 10.03.2013 100+ NW migrating town Ana Vujović
BA Mandin (Duvanjsko polje) 10.03.2013 60 - migrating x Miro Šumanović
BA Potkraj (Sanski most) 10.03.2013 79 NE migrating x Dragan Praštalo
HR Metković 11.03.2013 110 NW migrating delta Bariša Ilić
HR Grobničko polje 11.03.2013 54 resting Andrej Radalj
HR Metković 12.03.2013 158 NW migrating delta Bariša Ilić
5 N
88 NE
BA Gatačko polje 12.03.2013 8 - flying karst polje Dražen Kotrošan, Ilhan Dervović
BA Livanjsko polje 12.03.2013 30 - migrating karst polje Jelena Gotovac, Mato Gotovac
BA Ljubuški (Vitina) 12.03.2013 7 N circling x Dario Vukojević
BA Donji Radišići (Ljubuški) 12.03.2013 45 N migrating x Ranko Medić
BA Duvanjsko polje 12.03.2013 1500 resting Karst polje Mirko Šarac
BA Dabarsko polje 12.03.2013 10 resting karst polje Dražen Kotrošan, Ilhan Dervović
BA Gatačko polje 12.03.2013 168 resting karst polje Dražen kotrošan, Ilhan Dervović
BA Nevesinjsko polje 12.03.2013 93 resting karst polje Dražen Kotrošan
HR Metković 13.03.2013 286 NE migrating delta Bariša Ilić
CG Danilovgrad 13.03.2013 54 NW migrating town Ana Vujović
BA Hutovo blato 13.03.2013 14 resting x Dražen Kotrošan, Ilhan Dervović
BA Mostarsko blato 13.03.2013 1400 resting karst polje Dražen Kotrošan, Ilhan Dervović
HR Metković 15.03.2013 203 NE migrating delta Bariša Ilić
CG Danilovgrad 15.03.2013 250 NW migrating town Ana Vujović
HR Borak, Omiš 17.03.2013 100+ N flying x Andrej Radalj
CG Martinići (Danilovgrad) 17.03.2013 70+ N migrating x Darko Saveljić
BA Livanjsko polje 17.03.2013 25 - migrating karst polje Jelena Gotovac, Mato Gotovac
CG Podgorica 18.03.2013 300+ N migrating town Darko Saveljić
BA Livanjsko polje 18.03.2013 30 - migrating karst polje Jelena Gotovac, Mato Gotovac
BA Livanjsko polje 19.03.2013 30 - migrating karst polje Jelena Gotovac, Mato Gotovac
BA Visoko 19.03.2013 260 NE migrating - Ilhan Dervović
BA Haljinići 19.03.2013 1 resting x Ilhan Dervović
BA Lisovo (Visoko) 19.03.2013 34 resting x Ilhan Dervović
BA Mostarsko blato 20.03.2013 473 resting karst polje Ilhan Dervović
CG Ada Bojana (Ulcinj) 21.03.2013 32 N,NE migrating x Dejan Bordjan, Tilen Basle
CG Brezovik (Nikšić) 21.03.2013 53 resting x Darko Saveljić
CG Budoš (Nikšić) 22.03.2013 38 resting x Darko Saveljić
BA Dabarsko polje 23.03.2013 86 resting karst polje Ilhan Dervović
BA Nevesinjsko polje 23.03.2013 107 resting karst polje Ilhan Dervović
HR Koljane, Perućko lake 25.03.2013 3 - circling x Ivan Budinski
BA Livanjsko polje 29.03.2013 120 migrating karst polje Jelena Gotovac, Mato Gotovac
CG Budoš (Nikšić) 03.04.2013 50 resting x Duško Mrdak
BA Ljubuško polje 04.04.2013 X - - karst polje NN
BA Duvanjsko polje 04.04.2013 115 resting karst polje Dražen Kotrošan
BA Pašića polje 06.04.2013 1 resting karst polje Dražen Kotrošan
BA Ždralovac (Livanjsko polje) 06.04.2013 5 resting karst polje Dražen Kotrošan
BA Haljinići 08.04.2013 5 resting x Ilhan Dervović
BA Haljinići 09.04.2013 9 resting x Ilhan Dervović
BA Mostarsko blato 14.04.2013 48 resting karst polje Erik Boven
BA Hutovo blato 19.04.2013 X resting x Erik Boven
BA Mostarsko blato 19.04.2013 39 resting karst polje Dražen Kotrošan, Ilhan Dervović, Sanja
Radulović, Nermina Sarajlić
SRB Vidlič (Stara planina) 21.04.2013 47 - migrating mountain Ivan Medenica
BA Duvanjsko polje 06.05.2013 251 resting Mirko Šarac
BA Duvanjsko polje 10.07.2013 1 resting Karst polje Mirko Šarac
BA Duvanjsko polje March 2013 100 resting karst polje Miro Šumanović

85
Fig. 2: Eurasian Cranes Grus grus feeding during stopping-over in Duvanjsko polje, Bosnia-Herzegovina, 5 April 2013 (Photo: Mirko Šarac)

Discussion During migration Eurasian Cranes periodically gather in

floodlands, swampy meadows, and shallow sheltered bays
Unlike autumn migration, Eurasian Cranes can appear for feeding and resting (Cramp & Simmons 1980). Currently,
anywhere on the eastern Adriatic coast during their return few information on stop-over sites in the Western Balkans,
from North Africa which makes the monitoring of spring south of the Sava and Danube rivers, and at the eastern
migration more complicated and demanding. Between 22 shores of the Adriatic Sea and the numbers of birds which
February and 6 May 2013, a total of 3,853 actively migrating use different stop-over sites, are available. According to
birds were recorded. Considering the relatively small number Stumberger & Schneider–Jacoby (2010), cranes almost
of observers along the 800 km long eastern coast of the exclusively use the karst poljes of the Dinaric Alps, up to
Adriatic Sea which participated in the survey, the number 1,300 m a. s. l., which are periodically flooded during winter
of Eurasian Cranes which crossed the Western Balkans in and early spring, for resting.
spring 2013 was, most probably, much larger. Most cranes
(1,427 ind.) were seen while crossing over the Neretva river In spring 2013, more than 3,500 cranes were recorded in
delta and Metković (Croatia) inland towards Mostarsko the karst poljes in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Considering the
blato and Duvanjsko polje in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Currently, fact that the number of birds at stop-over sites, with birds
both, Mostarsko blato and Duvanjsko polje, are the arriving and leaving, may constantly change, the actual
most important resting sites in the Dinaric Mountains, number of birds in the karst poljes of the Dinarides may be
south of the Sava and Danube rivers. Furthermore, considerably larger than our data in Tab. 1 indicate. With
significant numbers of overall 944 cranes were seen while
approximately following the route Podgorica – Danilovgrad
– Nikšić in the Zeta river valley (Montenegro). In other With a maximum of
localities smaller flocks were recorded: In Croatia small 1,400 and 1,500 birds
flocks were observed in Križevci (4), Sinj (ca. 100), Ženovo Mostarsko blato and
on Korčula Island (ca. 100), Omiš (ca. 100), Rijeka (6) and Duvanjsko polje currently
in Koljane (3 ind.); in Bosnia-Herzegovina in Visoko (260), constitute the most
Ljubuški (230), Livanjsko polje (235), Šipovo (90), Sanski significant stop-over sites
most (79), Duvanjsko polje (60), Prijedor (45), Laktaši (30)
for Eurasian Cranes in the
and in Gatačko polje (8 ind.). Additionally, three flocks with
Western Balkans
a total of 85 ind. were noted in Ulcinj (Montenegro) during
daytime observations of waterbird migration on Ada Island
(Euronatur, unpubl.). In Serbia only a single flock of 47 ind. a maximum of 1,400 and 1,500 birds, respectively, which
was recorded in Vidlič on Stara planina. were counted during a single visit, Mostarsko blato and

86
 Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Workshop and project results

2500

2000

1500
number

1000

500

0
22.02.2013

01.03.2013

08.03.2013

15.03.2013

22.03.2013

29.03.2013

05.04.2013

12.04.2013

19.04.2013

26.04.2013

03.05.2013

10.05.2013

17.05.2013

24.05.2013

31.05.2013

07.06.2013

14.06.2013

21.06.2013

28.06.2013

05.07.2013
date
Fig. 3: Phenology of Eurasian Crane Grus grus migration in the Western Balkans and in the eastern Adriatic region in spring 2013.

Duvanjsko polje currently constitute the most significant bird was seen in Duvanjsko polje as late as 10 July 2013.
stop-over sites for Eurasian Cranes in the Western Balkans Peak migration took place between 9 and 13 March when
(see Fig. 1 & 2). During spring 2013, Mostarsko blato 5,283 ind. which represent 61% of the total number,
as well as Duvanjsko polje were largely flooded which crossed the Western Balkans. Of these, almost 40% or
provided almost ideal resting and feeding conditions 2,112 ind. were seen on 12 March (Tab. 1).
for large numbers of cranes. Maximum numbers in both
karst poljes further correspond with the period of main
migration in the lower Neretva River, near Metković. In Because the karst plains
addition, Eurasian Cranes were recorded while stopping- of the Dinaric Alps
over in Livanjsko polje (5), Gatačko polje (168), Nevesinjsko constitute main stop-
polje (ca. 107), Hutovo blato (14), Dabarsko polje (86) and
over sites for migrating
in Pašića polje (1 ind.) in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Besides
Eurasian Cranes, after
karst poljes, cranes occasionally rested around Haljinići in
Visoko (43 ind.). In Montenegro smaller numbers rested in
the crossing of the
Nikšićko polje in the vicinity of Nikšić, i. e. in Budoš (50) Adriatic Sea, the karst
and Brezovik (53 ind.), while in Croatia resting cranes were poljes deserve immediate
observed at Njivice Lake (126) and in Grobničko polje (59 international protection.
ind.). By excluding both major sites, Mostarsko blato and
Duvanjsko polje, a total of 22 records of resting/feeding
flocks with an average of 46 ind. (± 122 SD) in all other Currently, human disturbances, in particular poaching and
stop-over sites remain. Thus, in addition to Mostrasko illegal bird shooting, are the most significant conservation
blato and Duvanjsko polje, all karst poljes in the Dinarides issues for the Adriatic Flyway population in the Western
are potentially significant resting and feeding habitats for Balkans (e.g. Stumberger & Schneider-Jacoby 2013). This
cranes and other migrating waterbirds (Stumberger 2010). is also illustrated by our observations in spring 2013:
On 9 March unknown “hunters” were seen while firing
A first flock of 9 ind. was observed on 22 February, near at a migration flock in Zagorak, in the surroundings of
Njivice Lake, on the Island of Krk in Croatia, while a solitary Danilovgrad, in Montenegro. According to anecdotal data,

87
in Ljubuško polje poachers shot on cranes on several Stumberger B., Schneider-Jacoby M. (2010): Importance of the Adriatic
Flyway for the Common Crane (Grus grus). In: Nowald G., Weber A., Franke
occasions, while the birds rested in the area for a few days. J., Weinhardt E., Donner N. (eds.): Proceedings of the VIIth European
Based on previous experiences during spring migration, Crane Conference. Crane Conservation Germany, Groß Mohrdorf; pp. 64
- 68.
illegal hunting and bird shooting is unsustainably intense
in the karst poljes (e.g. Stumberger et al. 2008/09,
Schneider-Jacoby & Spangenberg 2010, Stumberger &
Schneider-Jacoby 2010). Because in the Western Balkans,
the karst plains of the Dinaric Alps constitute main stop-
over sites for migrating Eurasian Cranes, after the crossing
of the Adriatic Sea, the karst poljes deserve immediate
international protection.

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Andrej Radalj, Dario Duvnjak, Dario

Vukojević, Darko Saveljić, Dejan Bordjan, Dragan Praštalo,
Dražen Kotrošan, Duško Mrdak, Erik Boven, Ilhan Dervović,
Ivan Budinski, Jakob Smole, Jelena Gotovac, Katarina Denac,
Kristijan Mandić, Luka Božič, Mato Gotovac, Mirko Šarac,
Miro Šimunović, Ranko Medić, Sanja Radulović, Smiljka
Selanec, Stefan Heitmann, Tilen Basle, Ursula Loos and
Zvonimir Kujundžić for providing their observations for the
present study. Further, we are grateful to Gospava Kalaba
and Danijela Ćetković for translation as well as Mladen
Topić for technical assistance.

References

Cramp S., Simmons K. E. L. (eds.) (1980): Handbook of the Birds of

Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. The Birds of the Western
Palearctic, Vol. 2. Oxford University Press, Oxford, U.K.
del Hoyo J., Elliott A., Sargatal J. (eds) (1996): Handbook of the Birds of
the World, Vol. 3. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona
Knežev M. (2010): Special Nature Reserve „Slano Kopovo“ Novi Bečej,
Serbia.In: Nowald G., Weber A., Franke J., Weinhardt E. & Donner N. (eds.):
Proceedings of the VIIth European Crane Conference. Crane Conservation
Germany, Groß Mohrdorf; pp 174 - 179.
Lukač Š. (2000): Seoba ždrala (Grus grus) na Slanom Kopovu od jeseni
1998. do proloća 2000. Ciconia 9: 173 - 175.
Schneider-Jacoby M., Spangenberg A. (2010): Bird hunting along the
Adriatic Flyway – an assessment of bird hunting in Albania, Bosnia and
Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia and Serbia. In: Denac D.,
Schneider-Jacoby M., Stumberger B. (eds.), Adriatic Flyway – Closing the
Gap in Bird Conservation. Euronatur, Radolfzell; pp. 33 - 53.
Stumberger B. (2010): A classification of karst poljes in the Dinarides
and their significance for waterbird conservation. In: Denac D., Schneider-
Jacoby M., Stumberger B. (eds.), Adriatic Flyway – Closing the Gap in Bird
Conservation. Euronatur, Radolfzell; pp. 69 – 78.
Stumberger B., Sackl P., Dervovic I., Knaus P., Kitonić D., Schneider-Jacoby
M., Kotrošan D. (2008/09): Primjeri uznemiravanja ptica i kršenja Zakona o
lovu u močvarnim staništima krša Federacije Bosne i Hercegovine. Bilten –
Mreže posmatrača ptica u Bosni i Hercegovini 4/5: 97 – 114.
Stumberger B., Schneider-Jacoby M. (2010): Karst poljes in the Dinarides
and their significance for water bird conservation. In: EEA (ed.), Europe’s
Ecological Backbone: Recognising the True Value of Our Mountains. EEA
Report 6: 151.

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Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Workshop and project results

Duvanjsko polje, 12 March 2010 (Photo: Mirko Šarac)

Duvanjsko polje, March 2004 (Photo: Mirko Šarac)

89
Corncrake Crex crex (Photo: Peter Hochleitner)

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Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Workshop and project results

The distribution and population numbers of Corncrakes Crex crex

in the karst poljes of Bosnia-Herzegovina – results of a large-
scale survey in 2012 and 2013
Peter Sackl1, Ilhan Dervović2, Dražen Kotrošan2, Goran Topić2, Sumeja Drocić2,
Mirko Šarac3, Nermina Sarajlić2, Romy Durst4 & Borut Stumberger4
1
Universalmuseum Joanneum, Biowissenschaften, Weinzöttlstraße 16, A - 8045 Graz, Austria; E-mail: [email protected]
2
Naše ptice, Semira Frašte 6, BA - 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina; E-mail: [email protected]
3
Naša baština, Mandino Selo bb, BA - 80240 Tomislavgrad, Bosnia-Herzegovina; E-mail: [email protected]
4
EuroNatur, Konstanzer Straße 22, D - 78315 Radolfzell, Germany; E-mail: [email protected]

Summary of 500 – 800 males for Bosnia-Herzegovina, the numbers

of calling males have declined by 40% - 55% in Livanjsko
Extensive wetlands and traditionally used grassland polje compared to earlier counts in 2007 and 2009. The
habitats in the karst poljes of Bosnia-Herzegovina are cumulative impacts of further alteration of the hydrological
expected to harbour viable Corncrake populations. In regimes of karst poljes through hydropower development
2012 and 2013, night-time surveys of calling males were in the drainage area of the upper Cetina River and the
conducted in 44 of the country’s 57 karst poljes between realization of the “Upper Horizons” hydropower project
late May and early July. In both years 62% - 64% (969.7 in the Neretva River basin will affect 28% - 47% of the
km2) and 84% - 86% (1,308.1 km2) of the total surface area current Corncrake population. In the near future breeding
of karst poljes in Bosnia-Herzegovina were investigated. habitats will be further lost through natural succession
Corncrakes were present in 29 poljes (66%) located in former war-zones which currently harbour substantial
between 58 m (Rastoka i Ljubuško polje) and 1,186 m a.s.l. Corncrake numbers.
(Kruško polje). With the numbers of calling males ranging
from 0.1 – 6.1 males/km2, the largest population (141 – 192 Sažetak
territorial males) was found in Livanjsko polje (408.0 km2),
the world’s largest karst polje. Poljes with large-scale Smatra se da se u močvarnim područjima i ekstenzivno
periodical flooding harboured 97% - 99% of the overall korištenim travnjačkim staništima kraških polja Bosne i
Corncrake population. In relation to surface (≈ survey) Hercegovine nalazi znatna populacija kosca. 2012. i 2013.
areas of individual poljes, exceptionally high numbers of ≥ godine je urađeno brojanje glasajućih mužjaka na 44 od
2.1 calling males/km2 were observed in Šuičko, Lukavačko, ukupno 57 kraških polja Bosne i Hercegovine. Istraživanje je
Pašića and Lušci polje. As a result of highly differentiated vršeno tokom noći, u periodu između kraja maja i početka
flood water-levels, seasons, flood duration and vegetation jula. 2012 godine istraženo je 62 - 64% (969.7 km2), a 2013
type, no differences between breeding densities for 84 - 86% (1,308.1 km2) ukupne površine kraških polja u
poljes with maximum flood surfaces covering < 1% of Bosni i Hercegovini. Kosac je zabilježen na 29 (66%) polja,
the polje’s total surface area and karst poljes with large- na nadmorskoj visini od 58 (Rastoka i Ljubuško polje)
scale periodical flooding were found. Poljes harbouring do 1,186 metara (Kruško polje). Broj glasajućih mužjaka
large Corncrake numbers were characterized by extensive varirao je između 0.1 – 6.1 po km2, a najveća populacija od
wet Molinion and Deschampsion meadows, pronounced 141, odnosno 192 zabilježena je u Livanjskom polju (408.0
gradients between wet and dry grasslands, and small- km2), najvećem plavnom kraškom polju na svijetu. Prilikom
scale mosaics of meadows and arable fields. Based on the ovih istraživanja, 97 - 99% populacije kosca zabilježeno je
present survey, the total population for the karst poljes poljima koja većim dijelom plave. U odnosu na površinu
in Bosnia-Herzegovina is estimated at 480 – 790 calling polja, posebno velika gustina populacije (≥ 2.1 glasajućih
males, while in the uplands of the Dinaric Karst smaller mužjaka/km2) zabilježena je na Šuičkom, Lukavačkom,
and more scattered populations exist in mountain and Pašića polju i Lušci polju. Međutim, nije zabilježena
subalpine grassland habitats up to 1,468 m a.s.l. Although značajna razlika u gustini populacije na poljima na
overall population numbers may exceed current estimates kojima poplave prekrivaju manje od 1% ukupne površine

91
i poljima koja plave većim dijelom, zbog različitih nivoa Jacoby 2013), a first assessment of the bird fauna of
podzemne vode, dužine trajanja poplava i tipa vegetacije. Livanjsko polje and other karst poljes in the catchment area
Polja na kojima je zabilježena najveća brojnost kosca su of the upper Cetina River indicated significant populations
prekrivena ekstenzivno korištenim vlažnim livadama of breeding farmland birds, like Common Quail Coturnix
na kojima dominiraju sveze Molinion i Deschampsion, coturnix, Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra, Yellow Wagtail
mješovitim livadama na kojima je jasno naglašena razlika Motacilla flava cinereocapilla, M. f. feldegg, Red-backed
između vlažnih i suhih regiona i obradivim površinama. Lanius collurio and Lesser Grey Shrike L. minor (Schneider-
Na osnovu ovih istraživanja, ukupna populacija kosca na Jacoby et al. 2006, Ozimec et al. 2013).
kraškim poljima Bosne i Hercegovine procijenjena je na 480,
odnosno 790 glasajućih mužjaka, ali su zabilježene i manje Corncrakes Crex crex inhabit at least 20 – 30 cm tall
populacije na planinskim i vlažnim travnjačkim staništima vegetation of open and semi-open, extensively managed
na nadmorskoj visini do 1,468 m. Iako postoji mogućnost grasslands which provide cover and plenty of food. In
da je ukupna populacija kosca u Bosni i Hercegovini veća od the primeval landscapes of Europe lowland marshes,
trenutne procjene, koja iznosi 500, odnosno 800 mužjaka, mosaic-like patchworks of floodplain habitats and riverine
brojnost glasajućih mužjaka u Livanjskom polju se smanjila meadows presumably constituted their predominant
za 40 - 55% u odnosu na ranija prebrojavanja iz 2007. i 2009. habitats (Flade 1991, 1997, Green et al. 1997). Although
godine. Izmjena vodnog režima kraških polja do koje će Corncrakes are found in drier habitats then most other
dovesti konstrukcija hidroelektrana u gornjem toku rijeke rails (Rallidae), they require regular flooding and react
Cetine i realizacija projekta “Gornji horizonti” u slivu rijeke to changes in the hydrological regime of grasslands and
Neretve imat će negativan uticaj na 27 - 47% populacije intensification of grassland management (Trontelj 1994,
ove vrste. U bliskoj budućnosti će zbog prirodne sukcesije 1997, Green et al. 1997, Schäffer & Green 1997, Schäffer 1999,
doći do gubitka adekvatnih staništa u nekadašnjih ratnim Schäffer & Koffijberg 2004).
zonama, na kojima se trenutno nalazi znatan broj kosaca.
According to its dependence on extensive wet grassland
Keywords: Corncrake, Crex crex, distribution, altitudinal habitats, Schneider-Jacoby (1991) stressed the importance
distribution, karst poljes, population numbers, Bosnia- of the floodplains in the lowlands of the Sava and Danube
Herzegovina, Dinaric Karst rivers for the species in a first review of the distribution
and population numbers in former Yugoslavia (cf. Antal et
al. 1971). Following to scattered museum specimens and
1. Introduction occasional reports he further addressed the necessity for
systematic surveys and counts of periodically flooded
In the Dinaric Karst fertile soils are largely restricted to karst poljes in Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and
karst poljes, flat-bottomed lands of closed depressions Montenegro (Schneider-Jacoby 1991, Trontelj 1994, 1997).
within karst limestone. The karst poljes of the Dinaric Alps, In particular, estimates of > 200 - 1000 calling males for
which range in size from a few ten hectares up to more Livanjsko polje, the world’s largest karst polje, observed
then 400 km2, harbour a number of significant wetlands until 1991 (Schneider-Jacoby 1991, Radović & Dumbović
and extensive grassland habitats. While in the wake of 2001), indicated that the karst poljes of the Dinarides may
the last wars in Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina (1991- harbour viable Corncrake populations.
1995) extensive former war-zones were abandoned by
local people, in many karst poljes agricultural production is While, up to now, most karst poljes remained unexplored,
based on traditional farming, such as growing fodder and 314 and 315 calling males were found during first total
the grazing of cattle, sheep and other domestic animals counts in Livanjsko polje in 2007 and 2009, respectively
(Barać et al. 2011). Consequently, following to low human (Stumberger et al. 2010). Except of an additional survey
population and largely intact ecosystems, many karst of Vukovsko polje in western Bosnia, consecutive counts
poljes in Bosnia-Herzegovina are expected to harbour remained occasional. However, based on these data,
substantial numbers of water- and farmland birds. Besides Kotrošan et al. (2012) estimated the current population in
high waterbird abundance in winter and during migration Bosnia-Herzegovina at 500 – 800 calling males. Because
(Stumberger & Sackl 2008/09, Stumberger & Schneider- of their role as suitable bioindicators for grassland

92
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Workshop and project results

biodiversity and management (Trontelj 1997, Wettstein as well as from published and unpublished sources which
& Szép 2003, Schäffer & Koffijberg 2004) systematic served as background information for the recent surveys.
Corncrake surveys covering almost all periodically flooded
karst poljes in Bosnia - Herzegovina were conducted within 2. Study area
the framework of a EuroNatur project for the conservation
and sustainable use of the karst environments in the The continuous Dinaric Karst of the Western Balkans
Dinaric Alps in summer 2012 and 2013. The present paper occupies a total area of approximately 70,400 km2 between
also includes a concise review of historic Corncrake records Slovenia and Albania (Božičević 1992) and harbours about
in Bosnia-Herzegovina compiled from collected specimens, 140 karst poljes (3,056 km2). Two thirds of the poljes are

Tab. 1: Location, total area, maximum and potential flood surface of karst poljes surveyed in Bosnia-Herzegovina, 2012 and 2013, according to
Stumberger (2010) and Schwarz (2013). FBH = Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, RS = Republika Srpska.

Karst polje Administration Altitude Total area Max. flood Pot. flood Coverage
(m a.s.l.) (km2) surface (km2) surface (km2) 2012 2013
Kruško polje Livno, FBH 1186 3.6 0 0 - total
Vukovsko polje Kupres, FBH 1160 28.1 0.4 0.4 total total
Ravna Mliništa Glamoč, FBH 1157 4.4 0.2 0.2 - total
Ravanjsko polje Kupres, FBH 1131 19.2 0 0 - total
Kupreško polje Kupres, FBH 1115 81.2 36.2 43.8 < 90% < 90%
Borovo polje Livno, FBH 1102 4.0 0 0 - total
Slato polje Nevesinje, RS 1012 4.1 0.7 0.7 total total
Vučipolje Posušje, FBH 977 1.1 0 0 - total
Gatačko polje Gacko, RS 936 60.1 38.2 42.9 total < 90%
Šuičko polje Tomislavgrad, FBH 914 2.7 1.5 1.5 total total
Roško polje Tomislavgrad, FBH 894 3.9 0.1 0.1 < 90% -
Rakitno Posušje, FBH 890 14.1 5.1 5.1 - total
Glamočko polje Glamoč, FBH 883 62.4 47.2 47.2 < 90% < 90%
Carevo polje Trebinje, RS 875 0.3 0 0 - total
Duvanjsko polje Tomislavgrad, FBH 865 125.0 53.1 78.5 total < 90%
Lukavačko polje Nevesinje, RS 865 3.3 0.6 0.6 total total
Konjsko polje Trebinje, RS 829 1.4 0 0 - total
Nevesinjsko polje Nevesinje, RS 829 77.5 16.6 16.6 - < 90%
Cernica Gacko, RS 816 5.5 1.9 1.9 total total
Pašića polje Bosansko Grahovo, FBH 792 13.6 5.8 5.8 total total
Marinkovci Bosansko Grahovo, FBH 788 10.1 0 0 - total
Grahovsko polje Bosansko Grahovo, FBH 782 23.0 1.7 4.1 < 90% total
Dugo polje Bosanski Petrovac, FBH 776 2.5 0 0.4 - total
Podrašničko polje Mrkonjić Grad, RS 729 34.2 12.7 12.7 total total
Livanjsko polje Livno, Tomislavgrad & Bosansko Grahovo, FBH 702 408.0 274.5 307.3 total total
Petrovačko polje Bosanski Petrovac, FBH 637 22.4 3.5 3.5 total total
Medeno polje Bosanski Petrovac, FBH 602 5.7 0 1.7 - total
Bjelajsko polje Bosanski Petrovac, FBH 578 9.4 0 3.6 - total
Posušje Posušje, FBH 578 21.7 5.1 5.1 - < 90%
Ljubomir polje Trebinje, RS 506 12.7 1.3 1.3 - total
Dabarsko polje Berkovići, RS 472 28.9 16.7 22.3 total total
Fatničko polje Bileća, RS 452 7.7 7.3 7.3 total total
Ljubinjsko polje Ljubinje, RS 396 6.9 0.9 0.9 - total
Palanka (Lušci polje) Sanski Most, FBH 380 22.7 7.4 7.4 total total
Kočerinsko polje Grude & Široki Brijeg, FBH 302 4.9 2.5 2.5 - total
Mokro polje (Trebinje) Trebinje, RS 269 6.2 3.0 4.2 - total
Mokro polje (Široki Brijeg) Široki Brijeg, FBH 260 2.8 0.7 0.7 - total
Imotsko (Bekijsko) polje Grude, FBH 251 87.4 3.9 8.8 - < 90%
Popovo polje Trebinje, RS & Ravno, FBH 227 118.9 42.1 77.8 < 90% total
Mostarsko blato Mostar, FBH 223 33.1 31.8 33.1 - total
Crničko polje Stolac, FBH 212 2.9 0 1.2 - total
Gradac Neum, FBH 88 2.2 0 0.1 - total
Rastoka i Ljubuško polje Ljubuški, FBH 58 74.5 12.7 12.7 - total
Hutovo blato1 Čapljina, FBH 2 32.7 32.7 32.7 total total
1
According to Schwarz (2014), surface area, maximum and potential flooded surface 39.7 km2, respectively

93
rarely or frequently flooded (Stumberger 2010). In general, area of the poljes was intercepted. At all observation
the Dinaric Karst’s poljes are flooded during the wet and points a minimum of 5 minutes were spent to locate
cold periods of the year between October and April, while in spontaneously calling males. Besides on the surface
spring and summer, due to low precipitation, water-levels area, the number of observation points depended on the
slowly recede (Bonacci 1987). Flood duration and flood accessibility of the poljes (s. 2. Study area), and varied
water-levels in the poljes fluctuate between several days between two for the smallest site (Carevo polje) and 152
and six months, and from < 1 m up to 40 m, respectively observation points for the largest polje (Livanjsko polje).
(Bonacci 1987, Milanović 2003). According to Stumberger Playbacks of male territorial calls were only occasionally
(2010), the overall surface area of 57 karst poljes, identified applied during cold weather or at points where no
in Bosnia-Herzegovina, amounts to 1,550.5 km2. An spontaneously calling males were present. In no case
evaluation of Schwarz (2013) revealed a total area of 1,525.7 Corncrakes responded to playbacks. A minimum of two
km2, based on elevation models and remote sensing data simultaneously calling males were considered as a single
(ASTER 2). Schwarz (2013) estimated 37 poljes (675.1 km2) calling group (cf. Schäffer 1994, Schäffer & Koffijberg
to be periodically flooded and the overall potential for 2004). Due to the open and flat bottoms of the karst
flooding amounting to 802.6 km2. In Bosnia-Herzegovina, poljes which provide optimal sound propagation and with
harbouring some of the best preserved poljes of the region, many poljes being largely undisturbed by artificial noise,
karst poljes are situated in altitudes between 2 m (Hutovo groups separated by a distance of ≥ 3 km were defined
blato) up to 1206 m a.s.l. (Dugo polje/Dugorudo). as different calling groups. Group size was calculated for
counts where observation points and calling males were
For the present study 44 poljes between 2 and 1187 m a.s.l. located on the spot with the mapping method (n = 30).
were investigated. In total, the survey area amounted to 2012 censuses were conducted by 9 observers between 4
1,435.8 km2, i.e. 93% – 94% of the total surface area of and 27 June, while the census in 2013 was supported by
karst poljes in Bosnia-Herzegovina, with the surface area of 15 field observers from 31 May - 3 July. Although at least
individual poljes ranging from 0.3 – 408.0 km2 (Stumberger two counts per season are recommended for Corncrakes
2010, Schwarz 2013). A third of all poljes, covering 55% of (Schäffer 1994, Gilbert et al. 1998), two consecutive visits
the total survey area, is situated in the altitudinal belt of the poljes were not possible for the present survey in
between 700 and 900 meters a.s.l. (Tab. 1). For the present the same year.
study 13 poljes covering a total area of 53.5 km2 were not
visited. Aside from Dugo polje (Dugorudo) with a surface 4. Results
area of 19.1 km² the latter include predominantly dry poljes
(fossil karst poljes) with smaller surface areas between 0.5 4.1 Historic records
– 9.6 km2. In 2012 a total area of 969.7 km2 (62% - 64%)
was investigated, while in 2013 the survey area covered Apart from the present study, 84 unpublished and
1,308.1 km2 (84% - 86% of the total surface area of published records of Corncrakes are known within the
karst poljes in Bosnia-Herzegovina) (Tab. 3). While most current borders of Bosnia-Herzegovina. With the first
counts covered the whole surface area of the poljes, some written report dated back to 1847 when the species was
extensive former war-zones remained inaccessible due to heard in riverine meadows near Fojnica in central Bosnia
land mines. Consequently, some karst poljes which lack during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, almost all
safe access roads and tracks were only partially counted records represent observations and collected specimens
(cf. Tab. 3). listed in Othmar Reiser’s (1861 – 1936) unpublished
inventory Ornitologica balcanica II in the National Museum
3. Methods of Bosnia-Herzegovina in Sarajevo and the first volume of
his monumental work Materialien zu einer Ornis Balcanica
Calling males were counted during night-time surveys (1939). Following to a revision in 2000, all specimens
from fixed observation points along paved roads and (6 , 2 ) are still kept in the National Museum in
tracks between 22:00 h and 3:00 h. With a maximum Sarajevo (Tab. 2).
distance of 1,500 m, observation points were, as far as
possible, distributed in that way that the whole surface

94
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Workshop and project results

Tab. 2: Corncrake records in Bosnia-Herzegovina, 1847 – 2013. C = central, SE = south-east etc.; Ornitologica balcanica = unpublished inventory of
O. Reiser in the National Museum of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Sarajevo.
Locality/region Altitude (m) Date Numbers References/sources
Fojnica, C Bosnia 762 1847 calling (spring) Reiser (1939)
Sarajevsko polje, C Bosnia 505 Sept. 1888 1 , leg. O. Reiser Ornitologica balcanica
Hutovo blato, Herzegovina 2 9.10.1888 2 ind. (migration), leg. O. Reiser Ornitologica balcanica, Reiser (1939)
Sarajevsko polje, C Bosnia 504 27.9.1890 7 ind. migration (1 ind., leg. O. Reiser) Reiser (1939)
Trebević, C Bosnia 1300 29.9.1890 1 ind., leg. O. Reiser Reiser (1939)
Čengiv Vila, Novo Sarajevo, C Bosnia 596 1.12.1890 1 , leg. O. Reiser Ornitologia balcanica, Obratil (1975)
Reljevo, C Bosnia 485 8.12.1890 1 ind. Reiser (1939)
Vrngorač, W Bosnia 162 8.7.1891 1 calling Reiser (1939), Obratil (1975)
Blažaj, Sarajevsko polje, C Bosnia 495 8.11.1891 1 , leg. J. Knotek Reiser (1939)
Matrag, Glamoč; W Bosnia 1277 25.8.1897 1 calling Reiser (1939)
Bosanska Gradiška, Posavina 95 12.10.1897 ‘first migrating birds’ Reiser & Knotek (1901), Obratil (1975)
Bosanska Gradiška, Posavina 95 26.10.1897 ‘last migrating birds’ Reiser & Knotek (1901), Obratil (1975)
Ključ, W Bosnia 260 1.11.1897 2  (migrantion) Reiser & Knotek (1901), Obratil (1975)
Ključ, W Bosnia 260 15.12.1897 1  (migration) Reiser & Knotek (1901), Obratil (1975)
Sarajevo, C Bosnia 537 16.9.1897 several migrating ind. Reiser & Knotek (1901)
Sarajevsko polje, C Bosnia 504 25.8.1899 unusually strong migration Reiser (1939), Obratil (1975)
Sarajevsko polje, C Bosnia 505 19.9.1899 1 ind. (migration), leg. O. Reiser Ornitologica balcanica
Koševo, Sarajevo, C Bosnia 560 15.10.1900 1 ind. (migration) Reiser & Knotek (1901)
Doboja - Usore, C Bosnia 165 14.5.1904 1 calling Reiser (1939)
Sarajevsko polje, C Bosnia 489 19.8.1906 1 juv. , leg. J. Baier Ornitologica balcanica
Orahovo na Savi, Posavina 82 30.8.1906 several ind. (possibly migrants) Reiser (1939), Obratil (1975)
Vozuča na Krivaji, C Bosnia 275 21.10.1906 1 , leg. O. Reiser Ornitologica balcanica, Reiser (1939)
Orašje, Posavina 83 28.6.1911 here and there calling Reiser (1939), Obratil (1975)
Jablanica, Maglaj na Bosni, C Bosnia 186 26.6.1918 many calling Reiser (1939)
Donja Paklenica, Maglaj na Bosni, C Bosnia 159 26.6.1918 many calling Reiser (1939)
Bardača, Posavina 88 June 1970 species present Obratil (1983)
Bardača, Posavina 88 June 1971 species present Obratil (1983)
Bardača, Posavina 88 June 1972 species present Obratil (1983)
Bardača, Posavina 88 June 1973 species present Obratil (1983)
Svilaj - Bosanski Šamac, S Bosnia 86 1970s/80s (unknown date) species present Obratil (1999)
Tjentište, SE Bosnia 560 1970s/80s (unknown date) species present Rucner & Obratil (1973), Obratil (1999)
Gatačko polje, SE Herzegovina 947 1970s/80s (unknown date) species present Obratil (1999)
Japra posle Hašana, S Bosnia 263 31.7.1990 1 ind. Karanović (1990)
Livanjsko polje, S Bosnia 702 1980s/90s c.1000 calling  Radović & Dumbović (2001)
Nević polje, Novi Travnik, C Bosnia 459 1.6.2000 7 calling  N. Drocić in lit.
Gojevići - Fojnica, C Bosnia 618 May 2002 1 calling  (first date) Iviš D. (2008/09)
Bistrica polje, Žepče, C Bosnia 219 24.6.2002 1 calling  N. Drocić in lit.
Ždralovac, Livanjsko polje, S Bosnia 700 5. - 7.7.2002 45 calling  (early morning counts) Schneider-Jacoby et al. (2006)
Gojevići - Fojnica, C Bosnia 613 11.5.2003 3 calling  Iviš (2008/09)
Zenica, Raspotočju, C Bosnia 383 4.7.2003 2 calling  N. Drocić in lit.
Bistrica polje, Žepče, C Bosnia 218 27.5.2004 3 calling  N. Drocić in lit.
Sitnica, Ključ, C Bosnia 502 20.7.2004 1 calling  S. Polak & P. Trontelj in lit.
Livanjsko polje, S Bosnia 702 1. - 3.6.2007 6 calling  (daytime count) Stumberger & Sackl (2008/09)
Livanjsko polje, S Bosnia 702 1. - 3.6.2007 314 calling  (night count) Stumberger et al. (2010)
Glamočko polje, S Bosnia 883 8.6.2007 3 calling  (night count) L. Božič & J. Smole in lit.
Šuičko polje, S Bosnia 914 9.6.2007 10 calling  (night count) L. Božič & J. Smole in lit.
Duvanjsko polje, S Bosnia 865 9.6.2007 31 calling  (night count) L. Božič & J. Smole in lit., Ozimec et al. (2013)
Livanjsko polje, S Bosnia 702 27. - 30.5.2009 23 calling  (daytime count) Stumberger & Sackl (2008/09)
Livanjsko polje, S Bosnia 702 27. - 30.5.2009 315 calling  (night count) Stumberger et al. (2010)
Haljinići, C Bosnia 490 11.5.2008 1 calling  (first date) Dervović (2008/09)
Haljinići, C Bosnia 507 2008 (breeding season) max. 6 calling  Dervović (2008/09)
Gojevići - Fojnica, C Bosnia 684 13.5.2008 1 calling  (first date) Iviš (2008/09)
Planina Vitreusa, Požetva, C Bosnia 1224 8.6.2008 2 calling  (daytime) I. Dervović unpubl. data
Gojevići - Fojnica, C Bosnia 618 13.5. - 14.7.2008 max. 5 calling  Iviš (2008/09)
Gojevići - Fojnica, C Bosnia 775 21.8.2008 1 juv. (corpse) Iviš (2008/09)
Močvara Bistrik - Haljinići, C Bosnia 519 2008 - 2012 2 - 5 breeding pairs Kotrošan & Hatibović (2012)
Haljinići, C Bosnia 461 21.5.2009 1 calling  D. Kotrošan unpubl. data
Seoca, C Bosnia 493 21.5.2009 5 calling  D. Kotrošan unpubl. data
Uloško jezero, Ulog, Herzegovina 1081 26.5.2009 1 calling  D. Kotrošan unpubl. data
Tjentište, SE Bosnia 575 28.5.2009 1 calling  D. Kotrošan unpubl. data
Dabarsko polje, Herzegovina 476 19.7.2009 4 calling  (20 - 21 h CET) Schneider-Jacoby (2010)
Kraljeva Sutjeska, C Bosnia 478 7.6.2010 1 calling  D. Kotrošan unpubl. data
Bištrani, C Bosnia 603 7.6.2010 2 calling  D. Kotrošan unpubl. data
Gaja - Haljinići, C Bosnia 457 7.6.2010 8 calling  D. Kotrošan unpubl. data
Bulčići - Visoko, C Bosnia 614 7.6.2010 1 calling  D. Kotrošan unpubl. data
Seoca, C Bosnia 493 7.6.2010 1 calling  D. Kotrošan unpubl. data
Bućovaća, Vukovsko polje, S Bosnia 1212 8.6.2010 25 calling  (night count) D. Kotrošan unpubl. data
Gojevići - Fojnica, C Bosnia 624 3.7.2010 3 calling  (night count) I. Dervović unpubl. data
Uloško jezero, Ulog, Herzegovina 1081 12.7.2010 1 calling  (during day) I. Dervović unpubl. data
Nević polje, Novi Travnik, C Bosnia 450 7.6.2011 1 calling  (during day) N. Drocić in lit.
Masna bara - Planina Zelengora, SE Bosnia 1468 23.6.2011 1 calling  (during day) I. Dervović unpubl. data
Carica - Visoko, C Bosnia 538 12.5.2011 1 calling  (night count) I. Dervović unpubl. data
Hifa, Tešanj; C Bosnia 187 23.5.2012 2 calling  (daytime) N. Drocić in lit.
Bogdase, Livanjsko polje, S Bosnia 707 23.5.2012 1 calling  (during day) S. Ernst in lit.
Golješnica - Žepče, C Bosnia 342 11.6.2012 4 calling  (night count) N. Drocić in lit.
Šemenovci, Kupreško polje, S Bosnia 1121 18.6.2012 1 ind. Topić et al. (2011/12)
Vitez, Počulice, C Bosnia 520 27.6.2012 4 calling  (night count) N. Drocić in lit.
Hifa, Tešanj, C Bosnia 229 6.6.2013 1 calling  (during day) N. Drocić in lit.
Kraljeva Sutjeska - Haljinići, C Bosnia 459 15.6.2013 8 calling  (night count) I. Dervović unpubl. data
Lukovo brdo - Kakanj, C Bosnia 565 18.6.2013 1 calling  (night count) I. Dervović unpubl. data
Lužnica - Visoko, C Bosnia 530 18.6.2013 2 calling  (night count) I. Dervović unpubl. data
Vrela - Visoko, C Bosnia 516 19.6.2013 1 calling  (during day) I. Dervović unpubl. data
Nišićka visoravan, Ilijaš, C Bosnia 975 20.6.2013 3 calling  (night count) I. Dervović unpubl. data
Žepačko polje, Žepče, C Bosnia 225 26.6.2013 2 calling  N. Drocić in lit.

95
 further indicates that in lower altitudes most males may
arrive in (early) mid-May (first dates 11 and 12 May), while
the uplands above 800 meters a.s.l. are colonized from
late May and early June onwards (cf. Schäffer & Koffijberg
2004).

4.2 Distribution

Out of the 20 karst poljes which were visited in June 2012, 17

(85%) harboured Corncrakes. On the contrary, calling males
were found in 28 (65%) of 43 karst poljes in 2013 (Fig. 2),
including a number of smaller poljes. Overall, in both years
Corncrakes were present in 29 (66%) of all karst poljes (n =
44). Only in two poljes, which were visited 2012 as well as
2013, i.e. Vukovsko polje and Hutovo blato, no Corncrakes
were observed (Tab. 3). Vukovsko polje is a rather large
polje, but with a comparatively small maximum flood
Fig. 1: Seasonal and altitudinal distribution of Corncrakes in Bosnia-
Herzegovina according to collected specimens and occasional reports,
surface (0.4 km2) which was recently cultivated for silage
1847 – 2013. and maize production, while Hutovo blato constitutes the
only totally and permanently flooded karst polje in Bosnia-
Herzegovina.
During the period 1888 - 1911 most records (n = 23) date
from autumn migration in September until mid-November, In accordance with occasional observations (s. 4.1 Historic
including three December records in 1890 and 1897, while records) singing males were found in all altitudes between
all remaining observations until 2013 were conducted 58 m in Rastoka i Ljubuško polje, Herzegovina, and 1,186
during the breeding season (n = 61). Although numerous m a.s.l. in Kruško polje in western Bosnia. As shown in Fig.
winter records are known from western Europe in the 19th 3, along altitudes Corncrake numbers closely corresponded
century when breeding populations were much larger to total survey areas in different altitudinal belts. Hence,
(Glutz von Blotzheim et al. 1973, del Hoyo et al. 1996), the altitude had no effect neither on the number of calling
fact that O. Reiser observed no Corncrakes in Livanjsko males (F10,34 = 0.62, P = 0.79) nor population density (F10,34
polje, although he visited the area and other karst poljes = 0.94, P = 0.51). We further found no differences between
several times in May and June during the 1890s and 1911, the surface area of colonized and karst poljes without
remains unexpected (Schneider-Jacoby et al. 2006). An Corncrakes (F1,42 = 1.56, P = 0.22); the area of the latter
explanation for the unbalanced distribution of his records ranging from 1.4 – 408.0 km2 (x = 44.4 km2, sd = 80.2).
between autumn migration and the breeding season may
derive from extensive grazing pressures in the karst poljes 4.3 Population density
during the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy which may have
been reduced following to depopulation and economic With total numbers of 413 and 644 males in 2012 and 2013,
recession in the wake of World War I (1914 – 1918). respectively, population numbers increased linearly to the
survey area (≈ surface area) of individual poljes (r = 0.90,
Records from the 19th and 20th centuries and occasional P < 0.001). Overall, breeding densities varied between 0.1
observations since the last war in Bosnia (s. Fig. 1) cover males/km2 in Kupreško and Popovo polje, up to 6.1 males/
altitudes between a few meters above sea-level, where km2 in Lukavačko polje (Tab. 3), while the mean density
two migrants were shot in Hutovo blato in October 1888 of positive counts across individual karst poljes (n = 45)
(Reiser 1939), up to Vitreusa Planina, Požetva in 1,224 m (2 amounted to 1.0 male/km2, sd = 1.1 (median = 0.5 males/
males, June 2008) and 1,468 m a.s.l. on Zelengora Planina, km2; Q25 - Q75: 0.3 – 1.3 males/km2).
Masna bara in south-eastern Bosnia (1 male, June 2011;
both later observations by I. Dervović unpubl. data). Fig. 1 For assessing the habitat quality of individual poljes we

96
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Workshop and project results

Fig. 2a-b: Distribution of Corncrake in the karst poljes of Bosnia-Herzegovina, 2012 and 2013.

calculated the relationship between survey (≈ surface) poljes with maximum flood surfaces (fide Schwarz 2013),
area and the population density of calling males (Fig. 4). In which cover < 1% of the polje’s respective total surface
contrast to population numbers, breeding density declined area, as dry poljes. According to this classification, 32
with survey area (r = -0.28, P = 0.06). Due to deviation from poljes were classified as temporarily flooded and 12 poljes
the expected population density in Fig. 4, exceptionally as dry karst poljes (cf. Tab. 1 & 3).
high abundances of calling males were observed in Pašića
(1.0 – 2.3 males), Lušci (1.8 - 2.4 males), Šuičko (3.3 males) Corncrakes were observed in 5 dry (42%) and 24 flooded
and Lukavačko polje (4.5 – 6.1 males/km2). poljes (75%). Population numbers fluctuated between 2
and 192 males (0.1 – 6.1 males/km2, n = 40) in flooded and
4.4 Population density and flood type between 2 and 6 males (0.3 – 2.1 males/km2, n = 5) in dry
poljes (Fig. 5). As for survey (≈ surface) area, numbers of
For testing the effect of flood conditions on the presence territorial males increased with flood area (r = 0.92, P <
and population numbers of Corncrakes we defined karst 0.001), while population densities were not linked to the

Fig. 3: Altitudinal distribution of calling males in the karst poljes of Fig. 4: Relationship between the survey (≈ surface) area in individual
Bosnia-Herzegovina in relation to survey area in 2013 (43 counts) karst poljes and Corncrake breeding density, 2012 and 2013.

97
Tab. 3: Population numbers and breeding densities (calling males) of Corncrakes in karst poljes in Bosnia-Herzegovina, 2012 and 2013 (45 counts).

Karst polje Flood type Survey area (km2) Number calling  Calling /km2
2012 2013 2012 2013 2012 2013
Kruško polje dry 3.6 0 0
Vukovsko polje flooded 28.1 28.1 0 0 0 0
Ravna Mliništa flooded 4.4 3 0.7
Ravanjsko polje dry 19.2 0 0
Kupreško polje flooded 56.8 65.0 8 26 0.1 0.4
Borovo polje dry 4.0 0 0
Slato polje flooded 4.1 4.1 9 7 2.2 1.7
Vučipolje dry 1.1 0 0
Gatačko polje flooded 60.1 48.1 10 18 0.2 0.4
Šuičko polje flooded 2.7 2.7 9 9 3.3 3.3
Roško polje flooded 3.1 2 0.7
Rakitno flooded 14.1 0 0
Glamočko polje flooded 49.9 49.9 51 19 1.0 0.4
Duvanjsko polje flooded 125.0 100.0 52 46 0.4 0.5
Lukavačko polje flooded 3.3 3.3 20 15 6.1 4.5
Konjsko polje dry 1.4 2 1.4
Nevesinjsko polje flooded 54.3 22 0.4
Cernica flooded 5.5 5.5 0 6 0 1.1
Pašića polje flooded 13.6 13.6 13 31 1.0 2.3
Marinkovci dry 10.1 3 0.3
Grahovsko polje flooded 13.8 23.0 6 12 0.4 0.5
Dugo polje dry 2.5 0 0
Podrašničko polje flooded 30.8 34.2 18 44 0.6 1.3
Livanjsko polje flooded 408.0 367.2 141 192 0.4 0.5
Petrovačko polje flooded 22.4 22.4 2 7 0.1 0.3
Medeno polje dry 5.7 0 0
Bjelajsko polje dry 9.4 3 0.3
Posušje flooded 13.0 0 0
Ljubomir polje flooded 12.7 18 1.4
Carevo polje dry 0.3 0 0
Dabarsko polje flooded 28.9 26.0 22 26 0.8 1.0
Fatničko polje flooded 7.7 7.7 3 3 0.4 0.4
Ljubinjsko polje flooded 6.9 4 0.6
Palanka (Lušci polje) flooded 22.7 22.7 40 55 1.8 2.4
Kočerinsko polje flooded 4.9 0 0
Mokro polje (Trebinje) flooded 6.2 8 1.3
Mokro polje (Široki Brijeg) flooded 2.8 0 0
Imotsko (Bekijsko) polje flooded 43.7 0 0
Popovo polje flooded 83.2 118.9 7 42 0.1 0.4
Mostarsko blato flooded 33.1 0 0
Crničko polje dry 2.9 6 2.1
Gradac dry 2.2 2 0.9
Rastoka/Ljubuško polje flooded 74.5 15 0.2
Hutovo blato flooded 32.7 0 0
Total 969.7 1308.1 413 644 0.4 0.5

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Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Workshop and project results

Fig. 5a-b: Population numbers and breeding density of Corncrakes in dry and periodically flooded karst poljes (s. 4.4) in Bosnia-Herzegovina, 2012 and
2013 (45 counts).

maximum flood surface of individual poljes (r = -0.23, P territorial males in many poljes in 2013 may be a result of
= 0.13, n = 45). Additionally, by applying Mann-Whitney-U differing seasons of the survey in 2012 and 2013.
statistics, in contrast to absolute numbers of calling males
(Z = 3.04, P = 0.02), no statistically significant differences 4.6 Calling groups
between population densities in dry and flooded karst
poljes (Z = 0.04, P = 0.97) were found (Fig. 5). During the present study the highest concentration
of 192 males was registered in the Ždralovac area in
4.5 Annual population numbers Livanjsko polje in late June 2013, where territorial birds
moulded into a 200 – 1,400 m wide continuous carpet of
Total population numbers in 2012 and 2013 and the singing males along the lower flood surface of the polje
comparison of counts for individual poljes which were comparable to counts in 2007 and 2009 (Stumberger et
visited in both study years (n = 18), indicate larger numbers al. 2010). Aside from the outlier in the northern parts of
of calling males in 2013. From 2012 to 2013 the population Livanjsko polje, calling groups consisted of 2 - 46 males
declined by 32 males in Glamočko polje, while in Livanjsko (n = 36). The median size of calling groups amounted
polje a considerable increase of 51 males was documented to 7.0 males (Q25 - Q75: 4.0 – 18.8 males) of which more
(cf. Tab. 3). Overall, the average population number in then 60% included ≥ 7 birds and 25% encompassed ≥ 19
individual poljes was 9.7 males (sd = 19.2) higher in 2013. males. Compared to occasional counts, calling groups
In contrast, respective numbers of calling males in karst are smaller in mountain regions outside karst poljes (cf.
poljes (total area 268.3 km2) which were investigated in night-time counts in Tab. 2).
both years in early or in late June, show opposite trends
(Tab. 3). By comparing the population numbers of poljes 5. Discussion
which were visited during the same season in 2012 and
2013, in half of the poljes fewer males were noted, while 5.1 Distribution and habitat conditions
in only one polje numbers were considerably higher in 2013
(x = -1.9 males, sd = 15.8, n = 8). In addition, annual means National counts since 1992 and 1993 showed that 60% -
of calling males/km2 (1.1 males/km2, sd = 1.5, n = 17 vs. 1.1 80% of the Corncrake population in Slovenia (300 – 700
males/km2, sd = 1.0, n = 28) as well as overall population calling males) are concentrated in the country’s Dinaric
density (0.4 vs. 0.5 males/km2) did not differ significantly region which encompasses the northern foothills of the
between 2012 and 2013. Thus, the higher number of Dinarides (Trontelj 1997, 2001, Božič 2005, DOPPS 2009,

99
2010). More than half of the Slovenian population was even fossil karst poljes without surface water sources,
found in karst poljes. Similarly, Peštersko and Sjeničko like Gradac, Konjsko and Crniško polje, can harbour viable
polje, situated in the karst areas of south-western Serbia, Corncrake numbers. According to highly differentiated
harbour comparatively large numbers of calling males, flood water-levels, flooding season, flood duration and
currently estimated at 40 – 60 males (Puzović et al. 2009, vegetation type, the maximum flood surfaces per se
Sekulić 2011). In nearby Koštan polje the species may (estimated by Schwarz 2013) are inadequate for predicting
inhabit similar grassland habitats. In addition, Dumbović Corncrake numbers for individual karst poljes.
Mazal & Tutiš (2013) recently reported 290 – 500 territorial
males for the Lika karst poljes in Croatia. In the same way, While growth height, vegetation density and mowing
the present study in Bosnia-Herzegovina confirmed the dates in karst poljes fluctuate according to flood conditions
significance of karst poljes for Corncrakes (cf. Schneider- (Bonacci 1987), Corncrakes prefer at least 20 – 30 cm tall
Jacoby 1991, Trontelj 1997). vegetation and depend on late mowing dates of grassland
habitats managed by farmers. Many authors further
In Bosnia-Herzegovina, like in other countries in the addressed the positive correlation between soil moisture
Dinaric Karst, the species was further found in different (flood duration) and the appearance and population
mountain and subalpine grassland habitats outside karst numbers of Corncrakes (e.g., Glutz von Blotzheim et al. 1973,
poljes during the breeding season (s. 4.1 Historic records, Schäffer 1999, Schäffer & Koffijberg 2004). In 2012 and 2013
Tab. 2). However, regarding the small numbers (maximum Šuičko, Glamočko, Lukavačko, Dabarsko and Crničko polje
of 8 singing males near Haljinići, 510 m a.s.l., in June harboured exceptionally high numbers of calling males
2010 and 2013) and the scarcity of records, Corncrakes which significantly exceeded breeding densities predicted
distribution is apparently more scattered in the mostly dry by survey area (cf. Fig. 4). According to current habitat
and rocky grasslands in the uplands of the Dinaric Karst, surveys in a number of karst poljes conducted by Bronner
where rain and snowmelt rapidly enter the limestone (2014), poljes harbouring large numbers of Corncrakes are
bedrock (Bonacci 1987). Additionally, the species was not characterized by extensive stands of wet Dechampsion
found on the south-eastern slopes of the 1,757 m high and Molinion meadows, gradients between wet and dry
Velebit Massif in Dalmatia during extensive breeding bird
surveys from 1992 until 2009 conducted in Croatia’s 95
km2 large Paklenica National Park (Lukač 2011). According In comparison to dry
to current knowledge, the distribution of obviously small (fossil) poljes and poljes
and geographically isolated populations in the foothills with proportionally
and higher mountains of the Western Balkans is restricted
small flood surfaces, the
to the inundation zones of periodically flooded lakes, like
karst poljes with large-
Pošćensko Lake (1003 m) in Montenegro (M. Jovićević pers.
comm.) and infrequently mown (or abandoned) grasslands
scale periodical flooding
above waterlogged deposits, like the slopes of Mt. Snežnik harboured 97% - 99%
located between 500 – 1,000 m a.s.l. in Slovenia (S. Polak of the overall Corncrake
pers. comm.) and the Prokletije Mountains in Kosovo and population.
Montenegro (Puzović et al. 2003, M. Jovićević pers. comm.).

In comparison to dry (fossil) poljes and poljes with grasslands, and small-scale mosaics of meadows, arable
proportionally small flood surfaces, the karst poljes with fields and pastures. In contrast, grassland habitats of
large-scale periodical flooding harboured 97% - 99% of the poljes with comparably low numbers of calling males,
overall Corncrake population (Tab. 3). Although numbers of like Gatačko, Nevesinjsko, Fatničko and Popovo polje,
territorial males increased with the maximum flood surface are heavily impacted by grazing, drainage and large-scale
of the poljes, we found no differences between population agriculture (Bronner 2014).
densities in dry and periodically flooded karst poljes. While
population numbers may fluctuate heavily between as
well as within seasons (s. 4.5 Annual population numbers),

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Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Workshop and project results

5.2 Population numbers and threats overall Corncrake population in Bosnia-Herzegovina’s karst
poljes. At the same time the realization of the “Upper
Although almost all periodically flooded poljes were visited Horizons” project, for which a cascade of 7 hydropower
for the present study, overall population numbers for the plants is projected, will impact the hydrological regimes
karst poljes of Bosnia-Herzegovina remain preliminary. of wetland and grassland habitats in at least 10 karst
Besides seasonal movements between poljes following poljes in the Neretva River basin - including Nevesinjsko,
to flood conditions and phenology of vegetation types Lukavačko and Dabarsko polje - which together harboured
(c.f. Schäffer & Koffijberg 2004), concentrations of calling 61 and 129 calling males, i.e. 15% - 20% of the total
males in some former war-zones are extremely difficult to population, in 2012 and 2013. Hence, the cumulative
count. The latter particularly concerns the Ždralovac area impacts of hydropower development in the upper Cetina
in the upper parts of Livanjsko polje, where night-time and Neretva River basins will affect 28% - 47% of the
singing places are concentrated in a continuous, up to total Corncrake population. Additionally, in the near future
1,400 m wide carpet parallel to the only safe access road adequate breeding habitats in former war-zones which
(cf. Stumberger et al. 2010). currently harbour substantial numbers of territorial males
will be lost as a result of natural succession.
With the exception of only 3.3 km2 large Lukavačko polje
which harboured exceptionally high breeding numbers Although night-time counts remain too occasional for
(4.5 – 6.1 males/km2), breeding densities throughout calculating reliable population trends, the Corncrake
the karst poljes of Bosnia-Herzegovina fit well into the population in the karst poljes of Bosnia-Herzegovina
range of 0.1 – 3.5 calling males/km2, which were found exceeds population numbers in many Western European
in randomly selected sample plots in Latvia (Keišs 1997) countries. With regard to current threats, the population
and Estonia (Elts 1997). However, by adding up minimum needs to be intensely monitored. While future counts may
and maximum numbers for individual poljes, total be restricted to poljes inhabited by substantial numbers of
population numbers in 2012 and 2013 amounted to 460 – ≥ 25 males (s. Tab. 3), we recommend meeting international
690 males. According to the close relationship between standards for Corncrake monitoring (cf. Schäffer 1994,
surface area and Corncrake numbers, those poljes not Gilbert et al. 1998). Tyler & Green (1996) and other studies
included in the present study may harbour another 20 have shown that the singing activity of males changes
– 30 males. Taking into account some occasional counts according to status of pair-bond during season. According
in Duvanjsko, Šuičko and Dabarsko polje, between 2007 to recoveries of ringed birds, Corncrakes may further move
and 2010, the total population in the karst poljes of widely between poljes and potential breeding habitats
Bosnia-Herzegovina is roughly estimated at 480 – 790 outside karst poljes and the Dinaric region (Schäffer 1999,
calling males. Schäffer & Koffijberg 2004). Therefore, it will be essential
for future investigations to count poljes - as far as possible
According to present data, the Corncrake population in – simultaneously and to establish two consecutive counts
Bosnia-Herzegovina may exceed current estimates of 500 for individual karst poljes in late May/early June and in late
– 800 territorial males (Kotrošan et al. 2012). However, in June/early July, respectively.
the Ždralovac area in Livanjsko polje Corncrake numbers
declined by 40% - 55% since 2007. During current counts Acknowledgements
no Corncrakes were found in Vukovsko polje, although in
early June 2010 at least 25 calling males were present in The present survey was conducted in the framework of the
the area. In both cases – just like in Mostarsko blato by EuroNatur project „Identification and Promotion of Karst
artificial flooding - formerly extensive wetland habitats Poljes in Bosnia-Herzegovina as Wetlands of National and
and traditionally used grasslands were recently replaced International Importance“ with financial support from the
by arable fields for maize cultivation and silage. Besides MAVA Foundation. Besides the authors, Biljana Blanuša,
cultivation and intensification of farmland management, Narcis Drocić, Mato Gotovac, Damir Ribić, Ilija Šarčević,
the planned construction of hydropower plants in Zoran Šeremet, Đorđe and Mladen Topić participated in the
Glamočko, Duvanjsko and Livanjsko polje in the drainage field surveys. We would further like to thank Goran Sekulić
area of the upper Cetina River will affect 13% - 27% of the (Serbia), Ivan Budinski, Vlatka Dumbović Mazal, Jelena

101
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Trontelj P. (1997): Der Wachtelkönig Crex crex in Slowenien: Bestand,
Verbreitung, Habitat und Schutz. Vogelwelt 118: 223 - 229.
Tyler G. A. & Green R. E. (1996): The incidence of nocturnal song by male
Corncrakes Crex crex is reduced during pairing. Bird Study 43: 214 – 219.
Wettstein W. & Szep T. (2003): Status of the Corncrake Crex crex as an
indicator of biodiversity in eastern Hungary. Ornis Hungarica 12/13: 143
– 149.

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Kupreško polje, 13 November 2010 (Photo: Martin Schneider-Jacoby)

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Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Workshop and project results

The ecological value of free-ranging livestock

Waltraud Kugler & Elli Broxham

SAVE-Foundation Project Office, Schneebergstrasse 17, CH-9000 St. Gallen, Switzerland; E-mail: [email protected]

Summary Sažetak

In many countries and regions in Europe, there are U mnogim zemljama i regijama Evrope postoje divlje
populations of feral domestic breeds (“feral populations”). populacije domaćih životinja, o kojima šira javnost malo
They are largely ignored by the public, unless they disturb zna, osim u slučajevima kada predstavljaju smetnje za
agriculture and rural development. However, feral populations poljoprivredu i ruralni razvoj. Međutim, divlje populacije
can make an important contribution to the conservation of mogu značajno doprinijeti očuvanju tradicionalnih
traditional agro-ecosystems. In many places large herbivores, agroekosistema. U mnogim regionima veliki biljojedi, koji
important for the conservation of the natural environment, su važni za očuvanje prirodnog okoliša, više nisu prisutni.
are no longer present. This gap can be filled by feral or semi- Taj problem se može riješiti uzgojem poludivljih konja
feral livestock, such as horses or cattle. Furthermore, these i goveda, čije populacije mogu predstavljati model za
populations can be a model for an extensive conservation očuvanje važnih genetičkih resursa u širokim razmjerama.
of important genetic resources. The feral populations, Divlje populacije i njihov odnos prema trenutnoj situaciji
their situation and husbandry conditions and problems u stočarstvu na području Evrope do sada nisu istraživani.
have never been researched in Europe. SAVE-Foundation Fondacija SAVE je 2011. godine pokrenula projekat koji
launched a project in 2011 to collect data and information on za cilj ima prikupljanje podataka o pojavi divljih pasmina
the occurrence of feral breeds and varieties of livestock, to stoke, promociju interdisciplinarnog umrežavanja ljudi
promote the interdisciplinary networking of key people from koji rade na zaštiti ovih pasmina in situ (na farmama) i
in situ/on farm conversation work and nature conservation onih koji se bave zaštitom prirode, i razvijanje planova
and to develop best practice management plans. The first za optimalno upravljanje u praksi. Prva faza projekta
phase of the project was the collection of basic data and sastojala se od prikupljanja podataka o krupnim
information especially on large animals. On the website životinjama. Na web-stranici “www.agrobiodiversity.net/
“www.agrobiodiversity.net/regional è Feral Populations” regional è Feral Populations” nalazi se baza podataka sa
more than 100 varieties and occurrences throughout Europe više od 100 pasmina sa područja Evrope. Na web-stranici
were collected in a database. Additional information about se nalaze i dodatne informacije o projektu, radionicama
the project, a workshop and a collection of “best practice” i zbirka informacija o najboljim načinima upravljanja u
information for download completes the page. The terms praksi. Pojmovi “divlji”, “poludivlji” i “polupitomi” su
“feral”, “semiferal” and “semidomesticated” were used in korišteni u projektu u skladu sa prihvaćenim definicijama
the project in accordance with the accepted definitions of IUCN-a. Životinje koje žive na slobodi tokom cijele godine,
the IUCN. Animals living free all year round, but with health ali se kontroliše njihovo zdravlje i razmnožavanje, kao što
and breeding controls, as is the case in many large protected je to slučaj u većini velikih zaštićenih područja, posebno
areas, particularly in Central Europe, have been defined as u centralnoj Evropi, se označavaju kao “ekstenzivne
“extensively managed”. Large herbivores played a major role populacije”. Veliki biljojedi su igrali značajnu ulogu u razvoju
in the development of diverse landscapes in Europe. Nature različitih evropskih krajolika. Organizacije za zaštitu
protection bodies view these populations ambivalently: on prirode dvojako posmatraju ove populacije: sa jedne strane,
the one one imaju ogroman uticaj na ravnotežu u ekosistemima,

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Fig. 1: Livno feral horses, Bosnia-Herzegovina (Photo: Elli Broxham)

a sa druge, korisne su kao poludivlje populacije u zaštiti disturbances must be guaranteed that periodically affect
prirodnih i parkovskih krajolika. Međudjelovanje između the structure and ecological sequences of vegetation
upravljanja autohtonim pasminama stoke i tradicionalnih for retaining non-forest habitats, particularly so in
agroekosistema je veoma značajno za očuvanje oba tipa Mediterranean areas (Seligman & Perevolotsky 1994). In
biodiverziteta – divljeg i udomaćenog. Radionica na temu Mediterranean countries, grazing activities were based
“Problemi, šanse i zamke divljih populacija u Evropi” on a set of management techniques that were adapted to
održana je u Sevilji u Španiji 2012. Rezultati radionice local socio-economic constraints and traditions. Grazing is
pokazali su da se u različitim zemljama situacija znatno an important tool to maintain biodiversity in a mosaic of
razlikuje. U nekim zemljama rijetke pasmine se drže na plant communities and animals. But this only works well
tradicionalan način, potpuno ili djelimično slobodne. if the system is adapted to the environment. Indigenous
Postojeći evropski veterinarski zakoni predstavljaju velike livestock fulfils this precondition of adaptation to the
zapreke kada je u pitanju uvođenje divljih populacija na environment. With these livestock e.g., the build-up of
tržište. Trenutno se traže zamjene za velike biljojede u dry forage and shrub encroachment is diminished which
nekim zaštićenim područjima. Posebno u mediteranskim reduces the danger of natural fire.
zemljama zaštita od požara kroz slobodnu ispašu ima Due to the relative lack of water and the absence of large
sve važniju ulogu. Događaj “Rijetke pasmine stoke i divlje areas of deep soils, the karst areas of the Mediterranean
populacije (stoka na slobodnoj ispaši) u ekološki značajnim region were always used for extensive grazing in the system
krajolicima i močvarama” ove konferencije će se fokusirati of transhumance (a seasonally adjusted semi-nomadic herd
na divlje populacije u kraškim predjelima Balkana, najbolje migration). The Koliba tradition in western Montenegro
načine upravljanja, njihove pozitivne strane i probleme. is similar to typical examples of the economy of remote
pastures in the Alps, while dolinas and poljes were farmed
Keywords: Grazing, large herbivores, feral, indigenous arable. The introduction of corn to the Mediterranean region
livestock, conservation, landscape ecology, livestock. had a massive influence on the karst polje management.
In recent times, in several central and northern European
countries extensive grazing with mobile flocks recently has
Introduction become of interest for nature protection issues, e.g. for the
improvement of mesotrophic grasslands (White 2010) or
In many European countries biodiversity is, to a large the fight against problematic plant species such as Green
extent, the result of the long-term, traditional use of Alder Alnus viridis which is invading alpine meadows of
the environment. Many authors argue that repeated high biodiversity and, by fixing nitrogen in the soil, inhibits

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Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Workshop and project results

the growth of other plants and hinders the re-emergence the continuum the animal population falls. Within the
of high forest in alpine areas (Bühlmann et al. 2013). project three terms have been used: feral, semi-feral
In Europe large herbivores, important for the conservation and extensively managed. The term “free ranging” and
of the natural environment, are no longer present as “extensively managed” can be used as synonyms. These
wild animals. This gap can be filled by feral or semi- three terms are used to mean:
feral livestock, such as horses or cattle. Furthermore, • Feral – totally wild, no management at all
free-ranging populations of livestock can be a model for • Semi-Feral – some periodic management e.g.
extensive conservation of important genetic resources. removal of some males, health checks
• Extensively Managed – animals range free all
In Europe large year, health and breeding is controlled
herbivores, important for
Feral and free-ranging livestock in Europe
the conservation of the
natural environment, are Within the project basic data and information, especially
no longer present as wild on large animals, were collected. On the website “www.
animals. agrobiodiversity.net/regional è Feral Populations” more
than 100 varieties and occurrences throughout Europe are
Although feral husbandry and breeding has been known listed (Fig. 2). Up to now the data base lists varieties of
for a long time in Europe, feral populations, their situation, 50 horses, 22 cattle, 21 goats, 5 sheep, 4 donkeys, 4 pigs
husbandry conditions and problems have never been Additional information about the project, a workshop and
researched. Therefore, SAVE Foundation has launched a collection of “best practice” information for downloading
the project “The Ecological Value of Feral Populations in completes the page.
Europe” in 2011 to collect data and information on the
occurrence of feral breeds and varieties of livestock, to
promote interdisciplinary networking of key people working
in in situ/on farm–conversation and nature conservation
and for developing best practice management plans.

Terminology

As defined by the IUCN Species Survival Commission,

the terms “feral”, “semi-feral” and “semi-domesticated”
represent points in a continuum from feral to domesticated
species. Animals living free all year, but with health and
breeding controls, as it is the case in many large protected
areas, particularly, in south- and central Europe have been
defined as “extensively managed”. A feral population
Fig. 2: The database of varieties and occurrences of “feral populations”
is “a population that has escaped or been released from in Europe, found on www.agrobiodiversity.net
cultivation or domestication and maintains itself in the
wild state.” (Prescott-Allen 1996).
“Free ranging” is a term which denotes a method of Some breeds are so attractive that they are kept outside
farming husbandry where the animals are allowed to roam their area of origin. However, this often follows the same
freely for food, rather than being confined in an enclosure. requirements as conventional breeding and does not focus
In ranching free-range livestock are permitted to roam on a feral or semi-feral form of husbandry. These breeds
without being fenced in, as opposed to fenced-in pastures are recorded in the project, because it may be of value if
(Wikipedia). In many of the cases represented in the there are other breeding centres outside the original area.
SAVE project “The Ecological Value of Feral Populations Various countries and regions have stocks of feral animals
in Europe” it is difficult to ascertain where exactly on that cannot be assigned to a breed, such as in the Bosnian-

107
Herzegovinian sanctuary Hutovo blato. These populations is becoming more popular and is seen in some nature
are named according to their area of occurrence, e. g. protection areas. Especially in Mediterranean countries,
Hutovo blato feral horses. fire protection through (free) grazing with locally adapted
livestock plays an increasingly important role.
Problems and progress in different countries
and regions The problems and needs for maintaining and promoting
feral and free-ranging livestock populations have been
Large herbivores played a major role in the development determined as follows:
of diverse landscapes in Europe. 7,000 years ago, at least, • The special status of feral livestock populations
the lowlands were predominantly semi-open parklands. is not recognized yet.
The hypothesis that, without human influence, only forest • Information and support of the public and of
would grow is largely disproved today. Large herbivores the government is needed.
were instrumental in shaping plant communities in • There is a need for practicable compromises
addition to natural events such as fire and wind damage. within veterinary laws and rules
The aurochs Bos primigenius as the ancestor of domestic • Problems differ from country to country – and
cattle did not live in the forest, but in open floodplains. They sometimes also within one country.
held these areas free from bushes, etc. and contributed • There is competition between institutions:
to the development of meadows and floodplains with often the competences are not clear. The
high plant species diversity. Recent studies show that rules of different institutions are sometimes
large herbivores have a much stronger positive impact incompatible. The health policy and sanitary
on conservation areas than previously thought. But the rules for domestic animals may further lead
deliberate reintroduction of animals has limitations: public to culling, e. g. when only signs of tuberculosis
acceptance is (still) low and legal issues complicate the (TB) are seen, even when there is no outbreak.
practice. Besides this, the unintentional release of animals • Legal exceptions for feral livestock populations
may have consequences that are difficult to assess. are necessary. In some respects, feral
Nature protection bodies view feral and free-ranging populations should be handled according to
populations ambivalently: on the one hand, livestock regulations for wildlife.
populations have a massive impact on eco-system
balance, on the other hand semi-feral populations are Particularly in southern European countries, the situation
used for the conservation of natural and park landscapes. of feral or semi-feral animals is very confusing: In Greece
there are many populations that no one has ever shown
concern for living freely on islands. For example, on
Nature protection bodies Kefalonia, wild horse populations have lived for some time
view feral and free- without anyone knowing which breed they belong to. As
ranging populations long as they do not interfere with agriculture, no one cares
ambivalently about the animals. It is estimated that there are about
3,000 feral horses in various regions and islands of Greece.
The interaction between the management of indigenous In the Balkan countries estimates of feral and semi-feral
livestock breeds and traditional agro-ecosystems are of populations are almost impossible. Some populations,
great importance for the conservation of both types of like in Hutovo blato and on Cincar plateau, near Livno, in
biodiversity – the wild and the domesticated. Bosnia-Herzegovina, are known and described, at least
Reports from a number of countries show that the marginally. Other populations, which became feral during
situation differs between countries in many aspects. In the last Balkan wars, are sometimes listed by conservation
some countries local breeds are kept under traditional feral organizations and other local experts. Other populations
or semi-feral conditions. Existing European veterinary are rumoured to roam freely, but little is known about
and traceability rules are a hindrance to setting feral them.
populations into value on the market. The replacement Another focus of feral and semi-feral populations of cattle
of large herbivores with feral or semi-feral populations and horses, particularly, is located in the Pyrenees. In this

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Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Workshop and project results

Dabarsko polje, 1 September 2010 (Photo: Martin Schneider-Jacoby) Livanjsko polje, 17 April 2011 (Photo: Dejan Kulijer)

area many breeds that are traditionally kept in a semi-feral Kingdom and France. In Germany, in addition to traditional
state in the border area between France and Spain (Basque wild horses, such as the Senner or the Dülmener, Konik
country), exist. In this case breeds are described well and, horses and Heck cattle and horses are used to graze in
at least, population numbers are known. However, there large protected areas.
are regular conflicts with local people and tourists. Similar
to the situation in the Alps, there are reports of clashes Most common problems and needs in Europe
between hikers and feral cattle, animals raiding villages,
etc. Some breeds are marketed very successful, the Diseases and prevention concepts: EU laws and obligations
demand for the products is great. Therefore, some breeds on contagious diseases must be fulfilled. There is a need of
have been re-domesticated to an extent that they are now cooperation with the veterinarian services. A main problem
“extensively managed”. The animals are often crossbred is interaction with livestock on farms. When diseases,
with mainstream breeds to increase meat quantities like TB, occur in Spain investigations are necessary. In
in order to satisfy consumer demand as well as to meet the Netherlands such investigations are not necessary,
standards, regulations and guidelines for product hygiene because the country is TB free.
and traceability.
In Italy, semi-feral populations of horses and cattle are well Registering (traceability): Ear tagging is often difficult,
documented. They are mainly kept in national or nature but necessary, e.g. for traceability and disease control.
parks and are cared for by the personnel of the parks. But, As long as the animals are not declared as wild animals,
in the case of goats the situation is completely different: registration is an obligation. In other cases the animals are
For example, Argentata dell’Etna goats are partly kept not allowed to leave the area.
within agricultural systems, live also in the wild in Sicily,
near Etna and the Monti Peloritani, like it is the case of the Herd management/control of population: Data collection
Montechristo goat. Stock numbers and the status of these and documentation of feral populations in different
breeds is not well described and largely unknown. areas and countries is very important. An analysis how
Goat, sheep and pig breeds and varieties appear in some the population is influenced by different factors, like
regions alongside cattle or horse breeds such as in the New climate, predation, food resources, and human activities,
Forest in England. Furthermore, there are goat breeds, for will be helpful to find ways for controlling and managing
example in Norway, that were kept in a semi-feral status populations. The reintroduction of predators could be
for many years and then, since the 1950s, have been left a possibility to control feral populations. In different
to themselves. countries, there are different ways to deal with dead feral
In most northern and central European countries breeds animals. In Germany, hunters are allowed to shoot feral
and varieties are well described. Leaders are the United animals, and after the veterinary testing of the dead

109
body, in the case it is considered a healthy animal, it is

Donkey

Buffalo
Sheep

Cattle
Horse

Goat
Pig
allowed to be sold as food. In contrast in the UK, at least in Habitat

Chillingham, after feral animals are killed, must be buried

Salty grasland √ √ √ √
to ensure that the meat does not enter the food chain. The
Dunes √ √ √ √ √ √
animals do not need to be ear tagged.
Heathland √ √ √ √ √ √

Oligophilic grassland √ √
Animal welfare: There are often misunderstandings about
Wetlands √ √√ √√ √√
the welfare of free-ranging animals. More information of
Mesophilic grassland √√ √√ √ √ √√ √
the public is needed. Often the “suffering” of the animals
Dry grasland √√ √√ √√ √√ √
rise protests and public criticism. Especially in the case
Scrubland √ √ √ √√ √ √√ √
of rewilding projects, the public must be informed about
Stony land √ √√ √
the reasons of probable “suffering”, like food, density,
Sandy soils √ √ √ √ √√ √ √
diseases, age.
Shrubland √ √√ √√ √ √ √

Leafy mixed forest √ √√ √√

Environmental protection and impact: Feral populations
Deep leafy forest √
are very important for biodiversity conservation; they play
Pinus forests √ √
important roles in ecosystem services. These services
should be supported by EU law. One use of feral livestock Tab. 1: Livestock suitable for habitats. Table amended to “Wilde Weiden”,
NABU, Bad Sassendorf, 2008/2009
is for controlling other species like rats, rabbits, etc. This
aspect is nearly unknown in the public. There is still a great
need to know exactly what the problems in an ecosystem more about the current state of knowledge and the
are and what causes it. Population management and other situation within Europe. In particular, for the karst regions
measures like fencing etc. are necessary. of the Balkans, best practice management, benefits and
problems need to be determined.
Forest grazing: Ecosystem services like fire defence are
often unknown or ignored by the authorities and the Ecosystem services of feral or free-ranging
public. Information and convincing is necessary. Rules for populations
forest grazing widely differ between countries. In Greece
the municipality is responsible. Feral and free-ranging populations are very important
for biodiversity conservation. They provide important
Water protection areas: In protected ground water areas ecosystem services. A lot of legally protected habitat
grazing is not allowed. In Germany, e. g. Heck cattle has to types, listed in the Habitat Directive (EC Directive 92/43/
be kept in stables, buffalo are not allowed. EEC), are suitably for grazing. But management plans need

Slaughtering: Within the actual law, slaughtering is not

possible, because the animals are not allowed to leave A lot of legally protected
their territory. A solution could be mobile slaughterhouses habitat types, listed in
as are used for reindeer. the Habitat Directive (EC
Directive 92/43/EEC), are
Public acceptance: The acceptance by the public and
suitably for grazing.
perception is very important. Therefore, it is necessary to
communicate the use of free-ranging livestock and their
ecosystem services widely and in various media, including to be developed for different habitat types and regional
video documentation, (children’s) books, media and needs. Tab. 1 lists habitat types which are suitable for
academic articles. grazing.
Ecosystem services of feral and free-ranging livestock,
The subject “Feral populations in Europe” covers many like fire defence, are often not really seen. Information
aspects and areas of knowledge. There is a need to learn and convincing is necessary. The Mediterranean climate,

110
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Workshop and project results

particularly the prolonged dry and hot summer season,

is naturally favourable to wild fires. Their frequency
and impact have increased over the last few decades in
southern European countries, mainly due to land-use and
socio-economic changes. Many traditional rural activities
like firewood collection and livestock grazing systems have
been partly or totally abandoned in favour of alternatives,
like fossil fuels and factory farming. These changes
have led to more homogeneous landscapes and the
accumulation of dry matter greatly increased fire hazard.
The situation is further aggravated by current climate
trends and the persistent high numbers of human-caused
wild fires. Under such conditions, there is an increased
Fig. 3: Decision making process for a management plan with freely
likelihood of severe wildfire events happening in all grazing livestock
countries on the north side of the Mediterranean. These
fires result in losses of human life, major destruction of ownership and rights of land use and, particularly in the
wildlife habitats and often subsequent soil erosion, and case of feral populations, ownership of the animals is not
result in a significant release of carbon dioxide into the clear.
atmosphere (Ruiz-Mirazo et al. 2009). The decision making process for a management plan is
shown in Fig. 3.
Basis for a management plan According to the Habitat Directive, to preserve the status
quo of habitats, different habitat types can be grazed
Due to rural abandonment, grazing of the karst poljes and with different densities of Livestock Units (LSU): Garrigue
mountainous grasslands of the Balkans has decreased evergreen (0.1 LSU); Maccia (0.5 LSU); grasslands (1-1.5
dramatically. Livestock keeping in karst environments LSU), rocky pastures (0.1 LSU ); while one livestock unit is
has decreased by more than 90% in some areas, as the defined as one dairy cow.
example of Biokovo Nature Park in Croatia, at the border
to Bosnia-Herzegovina, shows: In 1938 about 23,000 EU payments
livestock animals were counted on 20,000 hectares. Today
only 4% of this stock, i. e. lesser than 1,000 animals, are Since October 2010 nature protection areas are able to
left. Consequently, natural succession causes the loss claim agricultural support. The decision of the European
of habitats and ecosystem balances change. Therefore, Court of Justice (ECJ) states that there is no conflict in the
habitat improvement is necessary. This can be achieved goals of supporting nature protection and agriculture.
through grazing with free-ranging livestock which is
adapted to the local flora and its phytotoxins, to local
climates and poor infrastructure. Furthermore, local Especially in the karst
breeds are attractive for tourism in the region. The low regions of the Balkans,
input breeds further produce milk and meat, often of which were traditionally
high quality, for the market. Locally adapted livestock grazed, the use of locally
breeds can be utilized to restore the traditional cultivated adapted livestock can
landscapes that have existed for centuries. But it is help to restore habitats
important that the use of livestock is properly managed
and to keep landscapes
and regularly monitored.
Sometimes conflicting interests exist because of hunting
open.
interests, the protection of nesting habitats for birds,
mainly ground-nesting birds, local needs for income Protected natural areas, where for example sheep are
through agriculture, industries, tourism, etc. These grazed as a form of environmental management, are now
conflicts have to be taken into consideration. Often the able to claim direct payments without any restrictions.

111
According to the rule of the ECJ an agricultural area “as Acknowledgements
defined in EU regulations exists also, if their use is for
agricultural purposes, even if the predominant purpose is The project “The Ecological Value of Feral Populations
the pursuit of the objectives of landscape management in Europe” was kindly supported by Margarethe and
and nature conservation (Case C-61 / 09, NABU).” This Rudolph Gsell Foundation, Switzerland, and the Parrotia
decision needs to be implemented at the member Foundation, Switzerland.
states and regional level. Also within the new Common
Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform, nature protection References
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des Alpenraums durch die Grünerle. Faktenblatt der Akademien der
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Bunzel-Düke M., Böhm C., Finck P., Kämmer G, Luick R., Reisinger
E., Riecken U., Riedl J., Scharf M., Zimball O.(2008): Wilde
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in biodiversity conservation. Many non-forested habitats und Landschaftsentwicklung. Arbeitsgemeinschaft Biologischer
Umweltschutz im Kreis Soest e.V., Bad Sassendorf-Lohne.
are created by different, often traditional, grazing Prescott-Allen R., Prescott-Allen C. (eds.) (1996): Assessing the
systems. According to the EU Habitat Directive different Sustainability of Uses of Wild Species. Case Studies and Initial
habitat types can be grazed with different densities of Assessment Procedure; Occasional Paper of the IUCN Species Survival
Commission No. 12.
Livestock Units (LSU) to maintain the status quo or to Ruiz-Mirazo J., Robles A. B., González-Rebollar J. L. (2009): Pastoralism
restore habitats. Especially in the karst regions of the in Natural Parks of Andalusia (Spain): A tool for fire prevention and the
naturalization of ecosystems. In: Options Méditerranéennes, Series A,
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locally adapted livestock can help to restore habitats the 21st Century. Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Zaragoza, Spain
/ CIHEAM; pp. 141 – 144.
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habitat depends on the density and the needs of a special regional/index.htm èTopic Networks èFeral Populations
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A., Hafner A., Anselmetti F. S., Grosjean M., Tinner W. (2013): Holocene
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of the area needs to be taken into consideration. The domestic livestock degraded the Mediterranean Basin rangelands? In:
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less care and attention than modern mainstream improve mesotrophic species-rich grasslands in Fife and Falkirk, Scotland.
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system must be considered: Livestock grazing does
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machine, it means an influence on the entire system,
e. g. population increase/decrease of some insects,
birds, microclimates, plant species diversity and the
prevention of damages by wild fires, etc.
It is important that the use of livestock is properly
managed and regularly monitored in order to make sure
that both, livestock and the eco-system, is healthy and
not suffering. SAVE Foundation can provide numerous
resources, information and give advice about the use of
free-ranging livestock in sensitive ecological areas.

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Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Workshop and project results

Red strain of busha cattle, Scutari Lake, 22 June 2012 (Photo: Borut Stumberger)

Kupreško polje, 19 April 2012 (Photo: Borut Stumberger)

113
Sheeps grazing in Dabarsko polje, 8 April 2007 (Photo: Matjaž Kerček)

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Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Workshop and project results

An ecological approach to the management of the Dinaric Karst’s

renewable natural resources

Jozo Rogošić & Branka Perinčić

Department of Ecology, Agronomy and Aquaculture, University of Zadar, Trg kneza Višeslava 9, HR - 23000 Zadar, Croatia; E-mail: [email protected]

Summary ha ili 35.7%). Poljoprivredne površine jadranskog područja

Hrvatske zauzimaju više od jedne trećine (34.3%)
The Dinaric Karst area of Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina ukupnih poljoprivrednih površina Hrvatske. Nasuprot
is a typical example of Mediterranean ecosystems, as toga, obradive površine jadranskog područja Hrvatske
shown by its economy, culture and civilization. The predstavljaju svega 16.4% ukupnih obradivih površina
Mediterranean region covers more than a third of the entire Hrvatske. Prirodni pašnjaci zauzimaju mnogo veći udio
territory of Croatia (2,020,000 ha or 35.7%). Agricultural u poljoprivrednom i šumskom zemljištu u Dinarskom
areas within the Adriatic littoral represent more than područjku, nego u drugim poljoprivrednim područjima
a third (34.3%) of the total agricultural lands in Croatia. Hrvatske i Bosne/Hercegovine. Mediteranskim prirodnim
In contrast, arable lands in the Adriatic region represent pašnjacima se smatra preko 1.7 milijuna hektara, tako
only 16.4% of the country’s total area used for agriculture. da ta zemljišta predstavljaju značajne prirodne resurse
In comparison to other areas in Croatia and Bosnia- za razvoj stočarstva. Danas su mnoga od tih prirodnih
Herzegovina, rangelands account for a higher portion of pašnjačkim površina, zbog različitih socioloških i političkih
arable lands in the Dinaric region. Over 1.7 million hectares razloga, djelomično ili potpuno napuštena. Zbog nedostatka
are considered as rangelands, and these lands represent ispaše omogućuje se rast mnogih grmova i manjih drveća,
a significant natural resource for livestock development. koji stvaraju guste i teško prohodne šikare. Lako zapaljivi
Currently, much of these rangeland areas are, for a number grmovi i manja drveća povećavaju opasnost i rizik od požara,
of social and political reasons, partly or completely sprečavaju pristup stoci, te onemogućuju rast vrjednijim
abandoned. The lack of grazing has allowed the growth of pašnjačkim vrstama. Iako, stočarstvo u Dinarskom području
bushes and small trees that form very dense and almost ima dugu tradiciju, intenzivnija sustavna istraživanja
impenetrable thickets. The fire-prone bushes and small gospodarske vrijednosti i racionalniji pristup u iskorištavanju
trees increase the risk and the volume of wild fires, prevent tih pašnjačkih resursa (npr. primjena sustava ispaše) još nisu
livestock access to the existing range plants, and suppress opsežnije primjenjivana.
the growth of more desirable plants. Although livestock
production in the Dinaric area has a long tradition, up Keywords: Range sciences, grazing, livestock, Karst
to now extensive and systematic investigations on the ecosystems, range ecology
economic values and proper utilization, i.e. grazing systems,
of the Mediterranean rangelands have not been conducted.
Introduction
Sažetak
Rangelands are vast tracts of native lands which are not used for
Dinarsko krško područje Hrvatske i Bosne/Hercegovine je agriculture, that support populations of many native plants and
dio prirodne, kulturne, gospodarske i civilizacijske sredine animals. Accordingly, rangelands are defined as uncultivated
Sredozemlja, te u ekološkom smislu predstavlja tipičan lands which provide adequate habitats for grazing and browsing
primjer Sredozemnih ekosustava. To područje prekriva više animals (Holechek et. al. 1995). By some estimates, they occupy
od jedne trećine cjelokupnog teritorija Hrvatske (2,020,000 as much as 54% of the earth’s land area.

115
Rangelands in the Dinaric region consist of dry Mediterranean rangelands, by maintaining a system of nomadic grazing
grasslands, spacious pastures above rocky soil, shrublands in which animals and the forage resources were in balance,
(maquis and garrigue) and open to semi-open Mediterranean for thousands of years.
forests. In the Mediterranean regions of Croatia and Bosnia-
Herzegovina all grassland habitats are traditionally used for Rangeland defined
grazing cattle and other domestic animals.
In contrast to agricultural fields, rangelands are managed Rangeland is a type of land that supports different
and conserved on the basis of ecological principles. vegetation types, including shrublands, like semi-deserts
The ecologically adequate management of rangelands and chaparral (garrigue), grasslands, steppes, woodlands,
and open Mediterranean forests wherever dry, sandy, rocky,
saline and wet soils or a rugged topography precludes the
In the Mediterranean
growing of agricultural and timber crops. The vegetation
regions of Croatia and
of rangelands may be naturally stable or may be after
Bosnia-Herzegovina all disturbances, like wild fires, timber harvest, clearing or the
grassland habitats are abandonment of human cultivation, temporarily derived
traditionally used for from other types of vegetation.
grazing cattle and other
domestic animals. The Mediterranean climate and rangelands

In general, in southern Croatia a Mediterranean climate

involves the directing and manipulating subtle and not- which is characterized by moderate cool, wet winters and
so-subtle ecological forces to achieve the sustainable use hot, dry summers, prevails; with a gradient from a coastal
of grasslands and conservation objectives. Manipulating Mediterranean to a more continental inland climate. Near
plant succession through controlled grazing by livestock or the Adriatic Sea the climate is characterized by relatively
by controlled burning are examples for subtle and not-so- low humidity and long, dry summer months. In higher
subtle ecological applications. altitudes further inland the dry summer period is less
pronounced, following, primarily, to higher air humidity.
Origin of range sciences The stress from dry summer periods, combined with a
long history of human impacts on the natural vegetation,
The origins of science based rangeland management are resulted in the formation of several contrasting rangeland
insufficiently known. Smith (1899) was one of the first to
address the problem of uncontrolled livestock grazing of
rangelands in the western United States. He described The stress from dry
the destruction of rangelands by uncontrolled grazing summer periods,
of livestock in west Texas which can be summarized as combined with a long
follows: (1) reduction of grazing capacity, (2) replacement of history of human impacts
desirable forages by unpalatable plants, (3) compaction of on the natural vegetation,
soil by livestock, (4) decreased soil fertility due to the loss of resulted in the formation
plant cover, (5) decreased absorption of rainfall by soil, and
of several contrasting
(6) high loss of soil during periods of torrential rains.
rangeland types.
Although the science of range management has been
developed in the western parts of the United States1, it is types. Main rangeland types are pastures, shrublands
important to recognize that pastoral tribes in Asia, Africa (maquis and garrigue) and forested ranges (Rogošić 2000).
and in the Mediterranean region have grazed livestock on

1
The Society for Range Management is the major professional organization representing rangelands of North America. It is
headquartered in Denver, Colorado, and maintains an informative website on range-related matters.

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Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Workshop and project results

Rangeland types Table 1: Different types of rangeland in the Mediterranean part of

Croatia, according to the Croatian Stastistical Yearbook (2000).

Grasslands and rocky ground pastures % of total

Class of natural resources area (ha) area
In the Croatian littoral pastures are found in all
environments from the islands of the Adriatic Sea to Pastures and grasslands 775,000 38.37
mountains ranges which extent in a nort-west to south- Maquis and garrigues 534,000 26.44
east direction parallel to the coast. Dry Mediterranean
Mediterranean forest ranges 422,000 20.89
grasslands as well as the herbaceous vegetation which
prevails in the interstices of the rocky ground and covers Arable lands 289,000 14.30
extensive areas, are used as pastures. They represent
Total 2,020,000 100 %
about 45% of the total area of rangelands in the region.
In the southern parts of the Croatian littoral, in particular
on the islands where the climate is warmer and drier, the
Mediterranean pastures are dominated by annual grasses Rangeland ecology
and legumes, interspersed by low garrigue shrubs. The
later are unpalatable for all kinds of herbivores. Ecology is the study of the relationships between organisms
and their environments. Range management is applied
In contrast, in the northern parts of the Adriatic region ecology, based on the fundamental concept that plants
and further inland where the climate is cooler and wetter, and animals depend on each other. Human interventions
pastures are dominated by perennial grasses. Some in rangeland ecology mainly concern the regulation of
shrubs, mainly oaks, which grow in pastures, are palatable animals (population numbers and densities of herbivores,
for livestock. On coastal mountain ranges some of the best timing of grazing, frequency of grazing, etc.) and, in
grasslands in the Adriatic part of Croatia exist. general, are lower in comparison to the regulation of crops
through fertilization, cultivation, seeding, and irrigation
Shrublands (maquis and garrigue) by conventional agriculture. While the productivity of
In the Croatian littoral shrublands are found at low rangeland vegetation is lower in comparison to farmland
elevations. They contribute 31% to the rangeland of the crop, range management focuses on the manipulation of
region and include two types of vegetation. The first is vegetation and soil through controlling grazing by animals.
Mediterranean evergreen maquis and deciduous thickets Biotic and abiotic elements of rangeland ecosystems are
which grow in dense, almost impenetrable stands of up to controlled and manipulated by man for management
several meters in height. The other type is Mediterranean purposes.
evergreen garrigue (chaparral), a relatively low vegetation
of mostly thin, heliophytic thickets of heliophytes, Ecosystem functions
dominated by dwarf shrubs.
Ecosystem functions depend on the structure, biological
Open Mediterranean forests diversity and integrity of the ecosystem. The maintenance
Mediterranean forests and woodland ranges occupy about of biological diversity is an integral component of ecosystem
24% of the total area of rangelands (Tab. 1). Throughout management. Biological diversity is the variety of life and
the Croatian littoral a number of different types of its processes, including the variety of living organisms and
Mediterranean forests are found. In fact, they are grass- the genetic differences among them as well as the variety
or shrublands with a canopy which consists of a number of habitats, communities, ecosystems and landscapes in
of different forest species, like pines Pinus halepensis, which they occur. Biological diversity is central for to the
oaks Quercus ilex, Q. pubescens, Q. cerris, white hornbeam productivity and sustainability of the earth’s ecosystems.
Carpinus orientalis, black hornbeam Ostrya carpinifolia and Plants, animals and microbes, biological structures and
flowering ash Fraxinus ornus. processes are the means by which the physical elements
of ecosystems are transformed into goods and services
upon which humankind depends.

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Biological diversity provides both, stability (resistance community, which is in a “dynamic equilibrium” with
to) and recovery (resilience) from disturbances that may the environment, is often called the climax. In plant
disrupt important ecosystem processes. Resistance to succession processes primary and secondary successions
disturbances often results from complex linkages between can be distinguished: primary successions start from bare
organisms, such as food webs which provide alternate ground, while secondary successions follow disturbances
pathways for the flow of energy and nutrients. Long-term of already vegetated habitats, like fire or destructive
adaptation of ecosystems to climate changes and other grazing. Generally, rangeland management is mainly
environmental variables are strongly dependent upon concerned with secondary successions and how these
available biological diversity. Ecosystem management that changes influence the habitat for other organisms.
is focused on the maintenance of biological diversity and
ecosystem complexity may have short-term “economic Under heavy, unsustainable grazing more palatable plants,
costs” in relation to resources which are not immediately i. e. high quality forage, are successively replaced by plants
of lower palatability, lower productivity and which are
more poisonous for herbivores. This process is referred to
Ecosystem management as retrogression. Usually, under heavy grazing pressure,
that is focused on the retrogression will occur within a few years, while recovery
maintenance of biological is a slow process which often requires 20 or more years.
diversity and ecosystem
complexity may have Plant autecology
By studying single organisms or species environmental
short-term “economic
conditions and characteristics that enable plants to
costs” in relation to
tolerate or avoid disturbances, like grazing, cutting or
resources which are not fire, can be identified. Range scientists investigate how
immediately exploited or plant species respond to environmental factors, like the
will require compromises intensity and frequency of grazing as well as how and why
for commodity plants tolerate or avoid disturbances. A comprehensive
production. understanding of the mechanisms which are responsible
for the tolerance or avoidance of abiotic and biotic factors,
enables us to improve range management by genetic and
exploited or will require compromises for commodity environmental manipulations.
production. History demonstrated that the overexploitation
of resources, resulting in diminished biodiversity, often Plant synecology
has long-term ecological and economical costs which will The study of interactions between different plant species
by far exceed sort-term benefits. Therefore, ecosystem within plant communities, predicts how management
management has to be focused on sustainability. practices will change the relative abundances of different
plant species. The description of existing vegetation and
Processes important for range management changes of the vegetation by range scientists are helpful
for evaluating range conditions and trends. Future research
Many biological processes are involved in rangeland should provide a conceptual basis for understanding the
ecology and management. The following are some of the dynamics of plant populations and plant communities
more important processes that should be understood for a in relation to spatial and temporal scales which are
wise and sustainable rangeland management. appropriate for management.

Succession and climax Diet selection

Rangelands constitute dynamic, i. e. continuously changing Diet selection by herbivores affects both, the production
ecosystems. Succession means the replacement of one of herbivores and relative abundances of plant species
plant community by another until, in stable environments, on rangelands. So far studies on diet selection have
the final community is reached. The final, most stable investigated which plant species are selected by herbivores

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Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Workshop and project results

and their physical and chemical characteristics, but till now livestock in southern Croatia will be essential to reduce the
were not able to explain why herbivores select some plant occurrence and volume of wild fires. However, development
species, while others are avoided. Apparently, learning of livestock production should not be based on traditional
plays a major role for the diet selection by herbivores. If systems of uncontrolled grazing.
this is the case, discovering how herbivores learn to eat
or to avoid particular plants, will help range managers to
manipulate diet selection by increasíng the use of palatable Grazing with livestock in
plant species or by decreasing the use of poisonous plants. southern Croatia will be
essential to reduce the
Habitat selection
occurrence and volume of
Like diet selection, habitat selection by herbivores affects
both, the production of herbivores and range conditions.
wild fires.
Herbivore production is affected by habitat selection of
the animals, because the carrying capacities of rangelands For establishing rangeland management according to
depend on animal density and dispersion. Grazing habits ecological principles, the balance between the plant and
may be malleable enough that livestock can be conditioned animal components of the ecosystem is very important. In
to graze almost everywhere. Individuals and groups of this way it will be possible to utilize the forage potential of
herbivores largely differ in the use of the same range. the Mediterranean rangelands from one side, and conserve
Thus, habitat use and preferences are, apparently, learnt and improve their management from the other side.
and transferred from generation to generation. Currently,
we do not understand why herbivores use different parts References
of a particular range differentially. Hopefully, further
Clements F. E. (1936): Nature and structure of the climax. J. Ecology 24:
investigations will show how environmental factors such
252 - 284.
as temperature, relative humidity, forage availability, Holechek J. L., Pieper R. D., Gerbe C. H. (1995): Range Management
water location, and topography affect the distribution of Principles and Practices. Pretince Hall, Englewood Cliffs, New York, USA.
Rogošić J. (2000): Management of the Mediterranean Natural Resources.
herbivores. Skolska naklada, Mostar. 352 pp. (in Croatian).
Smith J. G. (1899):  Grazing problems in the southwest and how to meet
them.  U. S. Department of Agriculture, Division of Agrostology Bulletin
Conclusions 16: 1 - 47.

Rangelands are the largest natural land resources which

occupy as much as 54% of the earth`s land area. Rangeland
ecology and management focuses on the ecology of
rangeland grazing, the management of animals, and
vegetation manipulation by recognizing that plant and
animal communities are interdependent and interact with
their physical environment (soil, water, and air) to form
distinct ecological units which we call ecosystems.

Rangelands dominate also the landscape of the

Mediterranean region in Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina
along the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea. In the Dinaric
Karst rangelands occupy 83% of the total agricultural
land or 1.7 million ha and represent a significant natural
resource for livestock development, primarily for sheep
and goat production.

Currently, uncontrolled wild fires are one of the biggest

problems in Mediterranean rangelands. Grazing with

119
Troop of Eurasian Spoonbills Platalea leucorodia resting along Ričina River during their post-nuptial migrations across the Dinaric Karst;
in the background western edge of Grabovica Plateau with Vrilo karst spring, 25 August 2009 (Photo: Borut Stumberger)

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Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Workshop and project results

Grabovica trail – rediscovering the natural heritage at the

border of Duvanjsko polje

Denis Radoš1, Mirko Šarac-Mićo2 & Maja Perić3

1
University of Zadar, Department of Geography, Center for Karst and Coastal Research & Naša Baština, Tomislavgrad; Domovinskog rata 8,
HR-23000, Zadar, Croatia; E-mail: [email protected]
2
Naša Baština, Donji Brišnik, bb, BA-80240, Tomislavgrad, Bosnia and Hrzegovina; E-mail: [email protected]
3
University of Zadar, Department of Ecology, Agriculture and Aquaculture & Naša Baština, Tomislavgrad; Matije Vlačića 16, HR-23000, Zadar, Croatia;
E-mail: [email protected]

Summary Duvanjskog polja i Roškog polja u Vanjskim Dinaridima

Bosne i Hercegovine. Karakterizira je blaga hipsometrijska
Grabovica, i. e. in local language Grabovica Mountain, is energija, od kojih najviše odstupa antiklinala Midene
a karst plateau which is situated between Buško blato planine. Najznačajnija pojava na Grabovici svakako su
(nowadays also known as Buško Lake), Duvanjsko polje and ponikve, kojih ima preko 8,500, no najzanimljivije među
Roško polje in the Outer Dinarides of Bosnia and Herzegovina. njima su urušne ponikve na sjevernom dijelu Grabovice.
Except the Midena anticline, the area shows low hypsometric Postupne promjene socijalno-gospodarske situacije u ovom
energy. Surely, the most significant features of the relief are kraju u posljednjih 50-ak godina dovele su do konačnog
sinkholes or dolines. In the area more then 8,500 of it exist. napuštanja tradicionalnog točarstva prisutnog na ovim
The most interesting of the area’s sinkholes are the collapsed prostorima od predrimskih vremena. Samim time, nestale
dolines in the northern part of Grabovica. Gradual changes of su i stočarske nastambe na planinama, zvane stanovi, te
the socio-economic situation of the area during the last 50 se život premjestio u niže predjele, na razine okolnih krških
years resulted in the final abandonment of traditional cattle polja. Nestankom ljudi na Grabovici dolazi do sukcesije
grazing which was practized in Grabovica since pre-Roman vegetacije i zarastanja infrastrukture korištene do nedavno
times. With cattle grazing the stockman’s houses in the – stanova, putova, lokava i sl. Projekt Staza Grabovica kojeg
mountains – locally called stanovi – have been abandoned, provodi udruga Naša baština, predviđa ponovno vraćanje u
too, and human life retreated from the mountainsback to uporabu pojedinih staza na Grabovici, osobito na njezinom
lower areas at the bottom of the surrounding karst poljes. sjevernom dijelu. Obnovom starih putova planira se javnosti
After the disappearance of people from Grabovica plateau predstaviti krške fenomene ovog dijela Grabovice, urušne
former infrastructure, like houses, trails and puddles, which ponikve Veliki i Mali Samograd, te Surdup. Postavljanjem
have been used until recently were overgrown by vegetation. info ploča i putokaza staza će istovremeno biti rekreativnog,
For the Project “Grabovica trail“ which was implemented ali i edukativnog karaktera za ljude svih naraštaja.
by the local NGO “Naša baština”, some of the old trails on
Grabovica plateau, in particular those of the northern part, wil Keywords: Grabovica plateau, karst, nature management,
be reused. By the renovation of old trails the project intends educational trail, Grabovica Trail
to make the karst phenomena of Grabovica plateau, like
the collapsed dolines Veliki Samograd, Mali Samograd and
Surdup, accesssible for the public. There are also plans for Introduction
information tables and trail marks which will transform the
old trails into a new recreation and education trail which will Grabovica Trail is situated near Tomislavgrad in the
be suitable for people of all ages. northern part of the Grabovica karst plateau between
Buško blato and Duvanjsko polje in the High Dinarides of
Sažetak Bosnia and Herzegovina. Grabovica karst plateau is mostly
made up of Cretaceous limestone. Structurally, it is highly
Grabovica (lokalno Grabovička planina) krška je zaravan distorted and features many pit caves and dolines.
smještena između Buškog blata (danas jezera), Cattle grazing and animal husbandry are thought to have

121
been present in the area since the beginning of human
settlement. Until World War II there were little changes in
the way the land was used. Human life was characterized
by seasonal migrations between the polje and nearby
mountains. Many of the secondary habitations in the
mountains gradually became real settlements and turned
into human oasis in the karst landscape. After World War II
the number of livestock decreased and people abandoned
traditional agricultural practices. As a result people

Establishing a
recreational trail should
promote education about Fig. 1 Map of Grabovica trail

natural and historical

values and help to
preserve the original and marked. Information tables will be set up along the
landscape way with maps, information on wild animals, educational
panels and similar contents.

were leaving the mountains and abandoning ancient Heritage sites

infrastructure – houses, wells, pathways, etc. – and what
used to be pastures became areas covered with high plants Grabovica trail connects local sites of interest in Duvanjsko
and forests. Today, agriculture plays no important role in polje, on Grabovica plateau and at Buško blato. One of
the life of local people and regularly used paths and tracks its paths goes along the western edge of Duvanjsko
do not go beyond Grabovica. Because of that, human polje, connecting the site where the prehistoric elephant
presence has been reduced to a minimum on Grabovica Gomphotherium was found with Dahna cave and Kovači
karst plateau. swallow hole. The second path is running from Kovači
The idea to build an educational trail on Grabovica is based village to Drmića staje village with collapsed dolines on its
on the concept of interesting people for nature, although way. A third path is separating from the second path and
in a different way as in former days. Establishing a goes towards Grabovica village.
recreational trail should promote education about natural
and historical values and help to preserve the original Prehistoric elephant discovery site
landscape – all of it by walking and trekking as a healthy
lifestyle. The northern part of Grabovica, from Kovači to In August 2011 local archaeologist Vinko Ljubas found
Drmića staja, was chosen as the main part of the route due the teeth of an unknown animal in the quarry of Cebara.
to its many natural and historical resources. Later, more Later scientific analyses showed that they belong to the
parts will be added, most notably towards the eco-village prehistoric species of elephant Anancus arvernensis,
of Grabovica. Most of the main route has been already built which lived in the Miocene some 8 million years ago

Fig. 2 (a) Reconstruction of the ancient elephant

Gomphotherium (Source: http://i1608.photobucket.
com/albums/u454/linnaeus1758) and (b) fossilized
teeth found in Cebara quarry (Photo: M. Šumanović)

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Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Workshop and project results

(Mandić et al. 2013). The exact site is located in the

quarry which was partly destroyed by digging machines.
Sediments found in the pit date from the Miocene, while
the surrounding limestone is from the Cretaceous period.
So far, only preliminary results of the excavation , mainly
based on tusks and teeth are available, but the material
was sent to the Natural History Museum in Vienna (Austria)
for further analyses. A Board on Research on the Historical
Elephant Gomphotherium was formed in Tomislavgrad which
coordinates all relevant activities concerning the research
and protection of the locality. A detailed research project and
the conservation of the locality is expected soon, in order to
establish a museum with various information for tourists.
Fig. 3 View out of Kovači Ponor (Photo: M. Šumanović)

Dahna cave

A few hundred meters away from the site where the Initial researches of Kovači Ponor were performed in 1961
elephant teeth were found, in the village of Omerovići, at (Ozimec et al. 2013). In the last few years the ponor was
the slope of Grabovica plateu, the 750 meter long Dahna extensively investigated, especially during speleological
Cave is situated. The cave is important as an attractive camps in 2012 and 2013. For the first time during these
display of underground geomorphology in the karst researches the swallow hole was explored in its depths as
terrain, but also as an archaeological and palaeontological well as from its other side near the Ričina spring at the
site. A tooth of the cave bear Ursus spelaeus was found level of Buško blato.
in the cave a few years ago as well as some valuable
archaeological artifacts. Due to such findings, the cave Roman pathway Klanac and Gradina Kovači
is disturbed by thieves who misuse and may steal many
artifacts. Because of that the cave should be immediately In the same village not far from Kovači Ponor a path is
physically and legal protected. Dahna Cave was first running which steeply climbs up the slope of Grabovica
mentioned in the magazine Hrvatski planinar, in an article Mountain. Until recently, the pathway connected people
written by Ljubomir Stipić in 1938. In this paper L. Stipić from Duvanjsko and Roško polje, and was used for the
presents information on the ritual importance of the cave transport of livestock. The path is wide and bordered by dry
for local Muslim people which is especially interesting stone walls. Near the path the hill of Gradina Kovači can be
from an ethnological point of view. found which was first inhabited by domicile Illyrians, and
later by their Roman conquerors (Benac 1985). Gradina hill
Kovači ponor dominates over the north-western part of Duvanjsko polje
and was probably used by local people to control the entry
Kovači Ponor is one of the largest of its kind in the to the polje. According to Radimsky (1894) two Roman
Dinarides. It drains the water from Duvanjsko polje and buildings exist at the bottom of the hill, but they are not
the surrounding mountains as well as waters from Šujičko visible today, although it is proofed that the hill was even
polje and a part of Kupreško polje. It is impressive in its later, after the Roman conquest of the Illyrians, used for
appearance, featuring a dome formed in Cretaceous the surveillance of the area.
limestone. Although the ponor is large in size, it is From Gradina hill, through the Grabovica karst, the path
not possible to enter the hole without proper diving continues in several directions – to Vrilo, Grabovica and
equipment, because of the water that stays in its siphons. to Gornji Brišnik. Some of these paths follow the ancient
Investigations by using the colouring method have proved Roman network which led through Dalmatia, across
a direct or indirect connection between the waters that Duvanjsko polje, and further into Bosnia. This is proven
drain into Kovači ponor and the numerous springs in the by numerous visible marks of carriage wheels etched into
Cetina river catchment area, all the way to the Adriatic Sea. the karst’s bedrock which resemble railway tracks. These

123
(a) (b) (c)

Fig. 4 Collapsed dolines: Veliki Samograd (a), Mali Samograd (b) and Surdup (c) (Photos: M. Šumanović)

Roman tracks are particularly interesting; although they mutually connected by a strong underground waterflow
show a small number of turns, they mostly stretch linearly (Ozimec, 2012). These springs as well as the canal that
across the limestone bedrock regardless of any obstacles. is leading inside Grabovica plateau were investigated
during speleological camps in 2012 and 2013. Of this canal
Collapse dolines 1.5 km are already mapped. Further investigations of the
system of the swallow holes Kovači Ponor and Vrilo are
Due to tectonic cracks in the terrain as well as ancient expected in the next years, which may eventually result in
and recent hydrological activity in the underground, the discovery of a connection between both underground
in the northern part of Grabovica numerous collapsed canals.
dolines with impressive dimensions exist. The most
important are Mali and Veliki Samograd, and Surdup. Conclusions
They are, approximately, located above the underground
section of the Šujica river which is running towards Buško The area of the Grabovica karst plateau, especially its
blato. Most probably the underground river affected the northern part, harbors a number of natural and cultural
corrosion of the ceilings of caverns which caused their values which are very characteristic for the Dinaric Karst.
collapse. The collapsed dolines are characterized by special Consequently, the local non-governmental organization
micro-climates which differ from the climate features of Naša baština (“Our Heritage”) started a project for the
its surroundings. This, and the fact that they are largely preservation and evaluation of all natural and cultural
isolated, resulted in specific biogeographical features. A objects in the area, in order to keep them intact in their
very interesting example is Mali Samograd, which harbours original surroundings. Their preservation will enable the
a cave with unique life forms. The remains of a forest lodge development of cultural and nature tourism which, so
can be seen near Surdup sinkhole, which was used for a far, has not been established in the area. Further steps in
house some 40 years ago, and which has been restored for the implementation of the project in the local community
touristic purposes. should be the education of local people through activity
groups and seminars, and the inclusion of young people
Vrilo into the promotion and management of the area’s natural
values.
On the western side of Grabovica plateau, on the level
of Buško blato, the spring-caves of the Ričina river are References
found, which are in fact continuations of the Šujica
Benac A. (1985): Utvrđena ilirska naselja I – utvrđenegradine na
river. Three spring-caves, which are generating water for
Duvanjskom polju, Buškom blatu, Livanjskom i Glamočkom polju.
Duvanjsko polje, have been tectonically shaped and are ANUBIH, Sarajevo.

124
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Workshop and project results

Mandić O., Göhlich U., Hrvatović H., Mauch Lenardić J., Čvorović B.,
Glamuzina G., Radoš, D., (2013): New Proboscidean Site from the High
Karst Dinarides in Southern Bosnia and Hercegovina. In: Cagatay N.,
Zabci C. (eds.)., Book of Abstracts 14th RCMNS Congress: Neogene to
Quaternary Geological Evolution of Mediterranean, Paratethys and Black
sea. Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul, pp. 189-189.
Ozimec R. (2012): Senzacionalno otkriće u podzemlju između Duvanjskog
i Livanjskog polja. Hrvatska vodoprivreda, No. 201.
Ozimec R., Kovačević A., Kovačević T. (2013): Možemo li podzemno
povezati Duvanjsko i Livanjsko polje. Hrvatska vodoprivreda, No. 203.
Radimsky V. (1894): Starine kotara Županjačkog u Bosni. Glasnik
Zemaljskog muzeja Sarajevo, 283-319.
Radoš D., Magaš D. (2012): Morfometrijska analiza prostornog rasporeda
i gustoće ponikava Grabovičke zaravni. Međunarodni znanstveno-stručni
skup “Čovjek i krš”, Knjiga sažetaka.
Radoš D. (2013): Paleontologija, Prirodoslovno-povijesna baština
općine Tomislavgrad. In: Ozimec R., Radoš M. M. (eds.), Prirodoslovno-
povijesna baština općine Tomislavgrad. Udruga Naša baština, Zagreb
&Tomislavgrad, pp. 155 – 174.
Radoš, D., Perica, D., Krklec, K. (2013): Geologija, geomorfologija i
pedologija područja Tomislavgrada. . In: Ozimec R., Radoš M. M. (eds.),
Prirodoslovno-povijesna baština općine Tomislavgrad. Udruga Naša
baština, Zagreb &Tomislavgrad, pp. 127 - 154
Radoš, Denis, Radoš, Jozo (2013): Geografija. In: Ozimec R., Radoš M.
M. (eds.), Prirodoslovno-povijesna baština općine Tomislavgrad. Udruga
Naša baština, Zagreb &Tomislavgrad, pp. 73 – 126.
Roglić J. (1940): Geomorphologische Studie über das Duvanjsko
polje (polje von Duvno) in Bosnien. Mitteilungen der Geographischen
Gesellschaft, Wien
Stipić L. (1938): Dahna. Hrvatski planinar, Hrvatski planinarski savez.

125
126
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life adriatic flyway conference poster session

Dossiers
of The Karst poljes
of Bosnia and
Herzegovina

127
128
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Dossiers of The Karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina

List of karst poljes in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Borut Stumberger, Romy Durst, Dražen Kotrošan & Jasminko Mulaomerović

With support from (abc) Sabaheta Abadžić, Behudin Alimanović, Ilhan Dervović, Narcis Drocić, Ena Hatibović, Dejan Kulijer, Dario Marić, Kenan Pašić,
Nermina Sarajlić, Mirko Šarac, Dušan Toholj, Goran Topić, general Lasić (BA), Ulrich Schwarz, Peter Sackl (AT), Martin Schneider-Jacoby (D), Matjaž
Kerček, Luka Božič (SI) and Peter Knaus (CH)

Executive summary and pressures in recent years. In 2013 the hydrological

regime of 17 of the 57 poljes had already been severely
Recent field surveys show that some of the most remote altered or been involved in concrete planning for regulation
and best preserved karst polje landscapes along the of their natural hydrological regimes. The total coverage of
Dinarides are located in Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, these impacted karst poljes is 1,082.8 km², corresponding
the majority of the 57 identified Bosnian-Herzegovinian to 66.3 % of the Bosnian-Herzegovinian karst poljes.
poljes, covering a total surface of 1,551 km², is not well Even more alarming, this impacted area represents 74.7
known, their biodiversity and ecological values are still % of the former periodically flooded karst poljes of the
undiscovered and scientifically undescribed. In order to country - those which have been proven to be of highest
provide scientific evidence of the conservation value of conservation value.
these impressive landscapes the MAVA funded project In the following list an impressive photo selection of the
“Identification of Karst Poljes as Wetlands of National and Bosnian-Herzegovinian karst poljes is presented together
International Importance” was developed by EuroNatur with site-specific dossiers which provide geographical,
together with the national NGO Naše ptice in 2010. The ecological and information on cultural heritage of each
project kick-off took place in June 2011 with the ambitious polje. The sequence of this presentation was arranged
aim to establish a biodiversity data base for birds and according to the sequence of major river basins of
plants for the Bosnian-Herzegovinian poljes within two Bosnia and Herzegovina, starting in the North with the
years. Until summer 2013 exstensiv field surveys, remote Una River basin, followed by the Cetina, Pliva, Rama,
sensing and GIS-based simulations were conducted Neretva and Trebišnjica River catchments to the South.
to finally compile a karst data base for Bosnia and The dossiers reveal huge gaps of knowledge regarding
Herzegovina in late 2013. basic information about many poljes. So far, not even
Having classified all poljes of the country according to biodiversity surveys have been completed for all of these
their total coverage and periodical flooding, the maximum vulnerable ecosystems. Ecological studies are completely
potential flooding area of the poljes was calculated via missing. Even if the degree of scientific description of
remote sensing (satellite pictures, historical maps) and surface habitats of bigger poljes, such as Livanjsko and
GIS analyses. Waterbird and further target breeding bird Duvanjsko polje, covers basic information on some taxa
species, like Corncrake Crex crex and Lesser Grey Shrike relevant for the EU Habitats and Birds Directives, as well
Lanius minor, as well as vegetation data were collected as international conventions on biodiversity conservation,
in the field in 2012 and 2013. In addition, a dragonfly the far larger part of the country’s karst poljes has not
inventory was established for a selection of poljes and been described at all. The data base which was established
data about fish species were collected from literature in the framework of the project helped significantly to
surveys. Aside from biodiversity data, information on close some of these gaps, especially regarding birds (Aves),
karst phenomena, archaeological relicts and the cultural dragonflies (Odonata) and the floristic diversity of the
meaning of the different poljes, as well as current land poljes (for details visit: http://kraskapolja.ptice.ba/index.
use practices were collected. It is known that, despite their php/bs/). The present list of karst poljes should strongly
remoteness, many poljes have been facing severe threats encourage researchers and nature conservationists to

129
commit their work to a better description of the most Land use: dominant land use on the basis of field surveys
unknown poljes and to start investigations on their Vulnerability: main threats for the hydrology, flora and/
surface and underground ecosystems, particularly, the or fauna (in general, all flooded poljes are impacted by
hydrological connections between the poljes which remain changes of their natural hydrological regime. following to
a mystery till the present day*. There is indication that drainage, canalisation etc.)
the karst flora and fauna hosts a large portion of endemic Karst phenomenon: characteristic karst phenomena like
species. Thinking about the pressures that natural and sinkholes, springs, estavellas, caves, meandering rivers
cultural karst landscapes are facing today, we could easily etc.
lose a significant part of the Dinaric Karst‘s biodiversity of Cultural heritage: basic information on the cultural
Bosnia and Herzegovina without even knowing about their features of the poljes
existence. Conservation status: unprotected or protected
The presented photo selection will give a deep impression polje according to national and/or international law,
of the continuous annual cycles between the drying up international importance (e.g., Important Bird Area - IBA)
of the karst polje surface and the sudden inundation by Administration: public administration (municipality,
karst groundwater quickly accumulating during extreme canton, entity)
rainfalls and snow melt. This hydrological dynamic is what
makes the Dinaric Karst a distinctive habitat for countless Important information: When travelling to Bosnia and
animal and plant species and a centre of European culture, Herzegovina, visitors are urgently advised to stay on
as well. paved roads because of ongoing danger caused by land
mines. Information about areas which are affected by land
Legend mines is accessible on http://www.bhmac.org/en/. Up to
Surface: GIS-based calculation of the surface area of the 500.000 land mines and other explosives are assumed
poljes according to Stumberger (2010) to be exposed in the country until today. To get a general
Altitude: the lowest geographical elevation of the karst overview on the distribution of land mines in the country
polje is given in meters a.s.l. please visit http://www.bhmac.org/images/minska-
Catchment: the name of the major river(s) draining the polja-2004-big.jpg (more recent updates an detailed maps
catchment is named are not available at the moment). More precise information
Type: distinction between periodically flooded and dry may be provided by respective administrations. Keeping to
karst poljes paved roads by foot as well as by car is strictly recomended.
Maximal recorded flood: calculation of the flooding
potential based on a GIS analysis by Schwarz (2013)
Olm: Proven presence of the Olm Proteus anguinus in the
underground system of the polje (present, no data)
Fish: number of species according to literature, number of
endemic Dinaric Karst fish species is given in brackets
Birds: number of species according to literature and
unpublished field surveys, current state of knowledge
of the avifauna is arbitrarily given in brackets: not (NR),
partially (PR) and well researched (WR)
Dragonflies: number of species according to literature and
unpublished field surveys
Plants: number of species according to literature and
unpublished field surveys, number of endemic Dinaric
Karst plant species is given in brackets

*An important reference for the upper karst poljes of the Cetina River catchment, including Šuićko, Duvanjsko, Livanjsko, Roško, Viničko and Dugo polje
(Dugo rudo), is the recently published Natural-history monograph of Tomislavgrad (Ozimec & Radoš 2013). This monograph was used as a source for
information only on bird species included in the present list.

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Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Dossiers of The Karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina

6
2
1
3

4 5
7

8 11
10 Bosnia and Herzegovina
12
13

21
16
19
18 22
14
20
15
Croatia 23 24

17 30 25
31 35
26 36
28
32 29
33 38
27
34 37
42 43
40
51 39 44
41 45
52
46
49

50 47 Montenegro
48
56
55
57 54
53

1 Dugo polje 16 Livanjsko polje 31 Posušje 46 Plana

2 Rudno polje 17 Viničko polje 32 Imotsko (Bekijsko polje) 47 Ljubomir polje
3 Bjelajsko polje 18 Dobranjsko polje (Livno) 33 Rastoka i Ljubuško polje 48 Jasenpolje
4 Medeno polje 19 Kruško polje 34 Studeničko polje 49 Ljubinjsko polje
5 Petrovačko polje 20 Borovo polje 35 Hansko polje (Gornje Zijemlje) 50 Popovo polje
6 Palanka (Lušci polje) 21 Vukovsko polje 36 Donje Zijemlje 51 Hutovo blato (Deransko-
7 Podrašničko polje 22 Ravanjsko polje 37 Slato polje Svitavsko polje)
8 Marinkovci 23 Roško polje 38 Nevesinjsko polje 52 Gradac
9 Grahovsko polje 24 Dugo polje (Dugorudo) 39 Lukavačko polje 53 Grab polje
10 Pašića polje 25 Rakitno 40 Trusinsko polje 54 Carevo polje
11 Ravna Mliništa 26 Kočerinsko polje 41 Dabarsko polje 55 Konjsko polje
12 Glamočko polje 27 Rašanjsko polje (Rasno) 42 Crničko polje 56 Orahovac polje
13 Kupreško polje 28 Mokro polje (Široki Brijeg) 43 Gatačko polje 57 Mokro polje (Trebinje)
14 Šuićko polje 29 Mostarsko blato 44 Cernica
15 Duvanjsko polje 30 Vučipolje 45 Fatničko polje

Map of the karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina (after Stumberger 2010, map credit Fluvius, Ulrich Schwarz).
1
Dugo polje
Surface: 2.5 km2
Altitude: 776 m
Catchment: Una River
Type: dry polje
Maximal recorded flood: no potential flooding
Olm: no data
Fish: no data
Birds: 11 species (NR)
Dragonflies: no data
Plants: 48 species (3 endemic)
Land use: mainly livestock grazing with a smaller portion
of agricultural lands (cereals, vegetables)
Vulnerability: no actual pressures known
Karst phenomenon: no data
Cultural heritage: no data
Conservation status: not protected
Administration: Bosanski Petrovac municipality,
Una-Sana Canton, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

12 June 2013, Photos: Dražen Kotrošan

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Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Dossiers of The Karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina

2
Rudno polje
Surface: 8.8 km2
Altitude: 578 m
Catchment: Una River
Type: dry polje
Maximal recorded flood: no potential flooding
Olm: no data
Fish: no data
Birds: 14 species (NR)
Dragonflies: no data
Plants: no data
Land use: mainly livestock grazing with a smaller portion
of agricultural lands (cereals, vegetables)
Vulnerability: no actual pressures known
Karst phenomenon: no data
Cultural heritage: no data
Conservation status: not protected
Administration: Bosanski Petrovac municipality, Una-
Sana Canton, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
12 June 2013, Photos: Dražen Kotrošan

3 30 June 2012, Photo: Dejan Kulijer

Bjelajsko polje
Surface: 9.4 km2
Altitude: 578 m
Catchment: Una River
Type: dry polje
Maximal recorded flood: potentially flooded on 1/3 of the
total surface
Olm: no data
Fish: no data
Birds: 26 species (NR)
Dragonflies: 8 species
Plants: 44 species
Land use: mainly used for livestock grazing and a smaller 14 June 2011, Photo: Borut Stumberger
portion of the polje for crop and fruit growing
Vulnerability: no actual pressures known
Karst phenomenon: no data
Cultural heritage: medieval necropolises
Conservation status: not protected
Administration: Bosanski Petrovac municipality, Una-
Sana Canton, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

133
 4
Medeno polje
Surface: 5.7 km2
Altitude: 602 m
Catchment: Una River
Type: dry polje
Maximal recorded flood: very small area in the central
depression of the polje irregularly flooded
Olm: no data
Fish: no data
Birds: 16 species (NR)
Dragonflies: no data
Plants: 34 species (1 endemic)
Land use: mainly agricultural lands (cereals), partially
used for livestock grazing
Vulnerability: no actual pressures known
Karst phenomenon: no data
Cultural heritage: no data
Conservation status: not protected
Administration: Bosanski Petrovac municipality, Una,
Sana Canton, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

14 June 2011, Photo: Borut Stumberger

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Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Dossiers of The Karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina

5
Petrovačko polje
Surface: 22.4 km2
Altitude: 637 m
Catchment: Una River
Type: flooded polje
Maximal recorded flood: 3.54 km2
Olm: no data
Fish: no data
Birds: 30 species (NR)
Dragonflies: 13 species
Plants: 59 species (1 endemic)
Land use: mainly agricultural lands (cereals), partially
used for livestock grazing
Vulnerability: no actual pressures known
Karst phenomenon: no data
Cultural heritage: medievial necropolises (stećak)
Conservation status: not protected
Administration: Bosanski Petrovac municipality, Una-
Sana Canton, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

3 June 2012, Photos: Borut Stumberger

6
Palanka (Lušci polje)
Surface: 22.7 km2
Altitude: 380 m
Catchment: Una River
Type: flooded polje
Maximal recorded flood: 7.40 km2
Olm: present
Fish: no data
Birds: 36 species (NR)
Dragonflies: 3 species
Plants: 56 species (1 endemic)
Land use: mainly used for livestock grazing, a smaller
portion of agricultural lands (cereals, vegetables)
Vulnerability: no actual pressures known
Karst phenomenon: Suvaja cave, spring-cave Oko
Cultural heritage: no data
Conservation status: not protected, but fulfils IBA criteria
Administration: Sanski Most municipality, Una-Sana
Canton, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
27 June 2012, Photos: Dejan Kulijer

135
7
Podrašničko polje
Surface: 34.2 km2
Altitude: 729 m
Catchment: Una River
Type: flooded polje
Maximal recorded flood: 12.69 km2
Olm: no data
Fish: no data
Birds: 45 species (NR)
Dragonflies: 4 species
Plants: no data
Land use: mainly used for livestock grazing and a small
portion of agricultural lands 2 June 2013, Photo: Miroslav Radulović
Vulnerability: no actual pressures known
Karst phenomenon: ponor
Cultural heritage: no data
Conservation status: not protected, but fulfils IBA criteria
Administration: Mrkonjić Grad municipality, Republika
Srpska

16 January 2011, Photo: Dragan Gajić

136
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Dossiers of The Karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina

8
Marinkovci
Surface: 10.1 km2
Altitude: 788 m
Catchment: Cetina River
Type: dry polje
Maximal recorded flood: no potential flooding
Olm: no data
Fish: no data
Birds: 20 species (NR)
Dragonflies: no data
Plants: no data
Land use: mainly used for livestock grazing, small portion
of agricultural lands
Vulnerability: no actual pressures known
Karst phenomenon: no data
Cultural heritage: no data
Conservation status: not protected
Administration: Bosansko Grahovo municipality, West
Bosnia Canton (Canton 10), Federation of Bosnia and
Herzegovina
6 April 2013, Photos: Ilhan Dervović

137
 9
Grahovsko polje
Surface: 23 km2
Altitude: 782 m
Catchment: Cetina River
Type: dry polje
Maximal recorded flood: 1.69 km2 (exceptional
floods)
Olm: no data
Fish: no data
Birds: 25 species (NR)
Dragonflies: no data
Plants: no data
Land use: exploitation of clay; mainly used for
livestock grazing and partially for agricultural
production
Vulnerability: no actual pressures known
Karst phenomenon: Sabljića caves, large ponors
(Veliki ponori)
Cultural heritage: no data
Conservation status: not protected
Administration: Bosansko Grahovo municipality,
West Bosnia Canton (Canton 10), Federation of
Bosnia and Herzegovina
3 June 2012, Photo: Borut Stumberger

138
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Dossiers of The Karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina

16 Janaury 2010, Photo: Borut Stumberger

3 June 2012, Photo: Borut Stumberger

139
10 14 March 2010, Photo: Borut Stumberger
Pašića polje
Surface: 13.6 km2
Altitude: 792 m
Catchment: Cetina River
Type: flooded polje
Maximal recorded flood: 5.78 km2
Olm: no data
Fish: no data
Birds: 37 species (NR)
Dragonflies: no data
Plants: no data
Land use: mainly used for livestock grazing and partially for
agricultural production
Vulnerability: no actual pressures known
Karst phenomenon: no data
Cultural heritage: prehistoric hillforts, late antique refuge,
medieval church
Conservation status: not protected, but according to
current field surveys fulfils IBA criteria for Corncrake Crex
crex and Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor
Administration: Bosansko Grahovo municipality, West
Bosnia Canton (Canton 10), Federation of Bosnia and
Herzegovina

3 June 2012, Photo: Borut Stumberger 3 June 2012, Photo: Borut Stumberger

3 June 2012, Photo: Borut Stumberger 3 June 2012, Photo: Borut Stumberger

140
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Dossiers of The Karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina

11
Ravna Mliništa
Surface: 4.4 km2
Altitude: 1,157 m
Catchment: Pliva River
Type: flooded polje
Maximal recorded flood: 0.21 km2
Olm: no data
Fish: no data
Birds: 11 species (NR)
Dragonflies: no data
Plants: no data
Land use: mainly used for livestock grazing and hay
production
Vulnerability: no actual pressures known
Karst phenomenon: ponors
Cultural heritage: no data
Conservation status: not protected
Administration: Glamoč municipality, West Bosnia
Canton (Canton 10), Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
11 October 2012, Photos: Jasminko Mulaomerović

141
12 27 June 2012, Photo: Dejan Kulijer
Glamočko polje
Surface: 62.4 km2
Altitude: 883 m
Catchment: Cetina and Pliva River
Type: flooded polje
Maximal recorded flood: 47.16 km2
Olm: no data
Fish: 6 species (4 endemic)
Birds: 90 species (PR)
Dragonflies: 29 species
Plants: 194 species (7 endemic)
Land use: mainly used for livestock grazing and for
agriculture (potatoes) 28 August 2011, Photo: Dejan Kulijer
Vulnerability: construction of the hydropower plant
Kablić which would use water from the polje
Karst phenomenon: spring-sinkhole and cave Badanj, the
great ponor of Kriva Jaruga, Bukvensko Lake
Cultural heritage: late antique basilica Vrba, 30
prehistoric Illyrian hillforts, 27 medieval stećak
necropolises, ponors with the relicts of mills in Isakovci
and Podkraj
Conservation status: not protected, but fulfils IBA criteria
Administration: Glamoč municipality, West Bosnia
Canton (Canton 10), Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

5 October 2011, Photo: Ena Hatibović

142
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Dossiers of The Karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina

9 January 2010, Photo: Behudin Alimanović

11 October 2012, Photo: Jasminko Mulaomerović 28 June 2012, Photo: Dejan Kulijer

143
13 17 June 2011, Photo: Dejan Kulijer
Kupreško polje
Surface: 81.2 km2
Altitude: 1,115 m
Catchment: Cetina and Pliva Rivers
Type: flooded polje
Maximal recorded flood: 36.22 km2
Olm: no data
Fish: 1 endemic
Birds: 134 species (PR)
Dragonflies: 13 species
Plants: 146 species (7 endemic)
Land use: mainly used for livestock grazing and, partially
for agricultural production
Vulnerability: burning and excavation of peat, garbage
dumping
Karst phenomenon: Japage collapse dolina, meanders of
the Milač River
Cultural heritage: prehistoric settlement, tumuli, stećak
necropolises
Conservation status: not protected, but fulfils IBA criteria
Administration: Kupres municipality, West Bosnia
Canton (Canton 10), Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

9 May 2009, Photo: Behudin Alimanović

144
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Dossiers of The Karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina

19 April 2012, Photo: Borut Stumberger

19 April 2012, Photo: Borut Stumberger

16 January 2010, Photo: Dejan Kulijer

145
14
Šuićko polje
Surface: 2.7 km2
Altitude: 914 m
Catchment: Cetina River
Type: flooded polje
Maximal recorded flood: 1.50 km2
Olm: no data
Fish: 11 species (6 endemic)
Birds: 8 species (NR)
Dragonflies: 4 species
Plants: no data
Land use: mainly used for livestock grazing, a minor
portion is used for agricultural production 15 March 2011, Photo: Mirko Šarac
Vulnerability: (illegal) construction of housing estates at
the periphery
Karst phenomenon: meanders of the Šuica River,
Lovarac, Jaruga and Peca karst springs on the western
edge
Cultural heritage: medieval necropolises, Ottoman period
bridge
Conservation status: not protected; following to it’s
dense Corncrake Crex crex population the polje should be
incorporated into the proposed IBA Duvanjsko polje
Administration: Tomislavgrad municipality, West Bosnia
Canton (Canton 10), Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

12 February 2010, Photo: Mirko Šarac

146
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Dossiers of The Karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina

13 June 2010, Photo: Dejan Kulijer

16 January 2010, Photo: Dejan Kulijer

147
15 18 January 2010, Photo: Borut Stumberger
Duvanjsko polje
Surface: 125 km2
Altitude: 865 m
Catchment: Cetina River
Type: flooded polje
Maximal recorded flood: 53.07 km2
Olm: no data
Fish: 11 species (6 endemic)
Birds: 151 species (PR)
Dragonflies: 10 species
Plants: 148 species (3 endemic)
Land use: livestock grazing, agriculture (potatoes, cereals)
and fruit growing (blackberries)
Vulnerability: proposed construction of the “Kongora”
thermal power plant, “Vrilo” hydropower plant and the
construction of wind energy plants
Karst phenomenon: large ponor close to Kovači village,
Dahna cave in Omerovići (316 remains of the cave bear Ursus
spelaeus have been found in the cave), “The Cathedral” cave
next to Anići, meanders of the Šuica and Drina Rivers
Cultural heritage: prehistoric hillforts, Roman
tombstones, Late Antique fortress, medieval necropolises
Conservation status: not protected, but fulfils IBA criteria
Administration: Tomislavgrad municipality, West Bosnia
Canton (Canton 10), Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

18 January 2010, Photo: Martin Schneider-Jacoby

148
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Dossiers of The Karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina

8 June 2010; Photo: Mirko Šarac

18 January 2010, Photo: Martin Schneider-Jacoby

149
16 4 May 2010, Photo: Martin Schneider-Jacoby
Livanjsko polje
Surface: 408.0 km2
Altitude: 701 m
Catchment: Cetina River
Type: flooded polje
Maximal recorded flood: 274.49 km2
Olm: present in Ruda and Grab springs, both left
tributaries of the Cetina River in Croatia (Dušan Jelić
in lit.). Because both springs are fed by waters from
Livanjsko polje, the western edge of Livanjsko polje may
be inhabited by the Olm. But, so far, this has not been
investigated
Fish: 16 species (9 endemic)
Birds: 235 species (WR)
Dragonflies: 42 species
Plants: 444 species (7 endemic)
Land use: livestock grazing, peat extraction and
agricultural production
Vulnerability: Hydropower plant project “CHE Vrilo”,
plans for a thermal power plant, peat extraction, water
regulation in the Ždralovac area
Karst phenomenon: Duman and Sturba spring, Kameniti,
Opaki and Veliki ponors, ponor next to Donji Kazanci,
Bastašica spring, estavellas, permanent karst rivers
Sturba, Žabljak and Bistrica
Cultural heritage: prehistoric hillforts, stećak necropolises
Conservation status: Ramsar site, IBA 4 May 2010, Photo: Martin Scheider Jacoby
Administration: Livno, Tomislavgrad and Bosansko
Grahovo municipalities, West Bosnia Canton (Canton 10),
Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

4 November 2010, Photo: Borut Stumberger

150
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Dossiers of The Karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina

27 October 2009, Photo: Dejan Kulijer

16 January 2012, Photo: Dejan Kulijer 12 June 2008, Photo: Ulrich Schwarz

1 May 2010 (Photo: Martin Schneider-Jacoby)

151
17
Viničko polje
Surface: 2.2 km2
Altitude: 606 m
Catchment: Cetina River
Type: flooded polje
Maximal recorded flood: 0.78 km2
Olm: no data
Fish: no data
Birds: no data
Dragonflies: no data
Plants: no data
Land use: mainly used for livestock grazing and for
agricultural production (cereals)
Vulnerability: no actual pressures known
Karst phenomenon: Bilobrkova cave with estavella
Cultural heritage: Dalmatian fort
Conservation status: not protected
Administration: Tomislavgrad municipality, West Bosnia
Canton (Canton 10), Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
9 January 2014, Photo: Mirko Šarac

18
Dobranjsko polje (Livno)
Surface: 1.4 km2
Altitude: 818 m
Catchment: Cetina River
Type: dry polje
Maximal recorded flood: indication of potential flooding
Olm: no data
Fish: no data
Birds: no data
Dragonflies: no data
Plants: no data
Land use: mainly used for livestock grazing
Vulnerability: no actual pressures known
Karst phenomenon: no data
Cultural heritage: no data
Conservation status: not protected
Administration: Livno municipality, West Bosnia Canton
(Canton 10), Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

11 October 2012, Photo: Jasminko Mulaomerović

152
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Dossiers of The Karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina

19
Kruško polje
Surface: 3.6 km2
Altitude: 1,186 m
Catchment: Cetina River
Type: dry polje
Maximal recorded flood: no potential flooding
Olm: no data
Fish: no data
Birds: 13 species (NR)
Dragonflies: no data
Plants: no data
Land use: mainly used for livestock grazing, a small part
is used for agriculture
Vulnerability: no current pressures known
Karst phenomenon: no data
Cultural heritage: no data
Conservation status: not protected
Administration: Livno municipality, West Bosnia Canton
(Canton 10), Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

11 October 2012, Photo: Jasminko Mulaomarović

20
Borovo polje
Surface: 4 km2
Altitude: 1,102 m
Catchment: Cetina River
Type: dry polje
Maximal recorded flood: no potential flooding
Olm: no data
Fish: no data
Birds: 9 species (NR)
Dragonflies: no data
Plants: no data
Land use: mainly used for livestock grazing, with a small
part used for agriculture
Vulnerability: no actual pressures known
Karst phenomenon: no data
Cultural heritage: no data
Conservation status: not protected
Administration: Livno municipality, West Bosnia Canton
(Canton 10), Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

11 October 2012, Photos: Jasminko Mulaomarović

153
21 28 June 2012, Photo: Dejan Kulijer
Vukovsko polje
Surface: 28.1 km2
Altitude: 1160 m
Catchment: Rama and Neretva Rivers
Type: dry polje
Maximal recorded flood: 0.44 km2 (exceptional flooding)
Olm: no data
Fish: no data
Birds: 69 species (NR)
Dragonflies: no data
Plants: no data
Land use: ploughed up in 2010 the polje is currently
mainly used for agricultural production, partially for 11 October 2012, Photo: Jasminko Mulaomerović
livestock grazing
Vulnerability: no actual pressures known
Karst phenomenon: no data
Cultural heritage: prehistoric settlement, tumuli, stećak
necropolises
Conservation status: not protected, but fulfils IBA criteria
Administration: Kupres municipality, West Bosnia
Canton (Canton 10), Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

16 June 2011, Photo: Dejan Kulijer

154
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Dossiers of The Karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina

22 18 June 2011, Photo: Dejan Kulijer

Ravanjsko polje
Surface: 19.2 km2
Altitude: 1131 m
Catchment: Neretva and Rama Rivers
Type: dry polje
Maximal recorded flood: no potential flooding
Olm: no data
Fish: no data
Birds: 41 species (NR)
Dragonflies: 1 species
Plants: no data
Land use: mainly used for livestock grazing
Vulnerability: no current pressures known 24 April 2011, Photo: Dejan Kulijer
Karst phenomenon: cultivation of polje surface not
possible
Cultural heritage: prehistoric tumuli, Roman settlement,
late antique churches, stećak necropolises
Conservation status: not protected
Administration: Kupres municipality, West Bosnia
Canton (Canton 10), Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

18 June 2011, Photo: Dejan Kulijer

155
23 13 September 2011, Photo: Narcis Drocić
Roško polje
Surface: 3.9 km2
Altitude: 894 m
Catchment: Neretva River, Adriatic Sea
Type: flooded polje
Maximal recorded flood: 0.13 km2
Olm: no data
Fish: no data
Birds: 72 species (NR)
Dragonflies: no data
Plants: no data
Land use: mainly used for livestock grazing and, partially,
for vegetable production 13 September 2012, Photo: Narcis Drocić
Vulnerability: no current pressures known
Karst phenomenon: two ponors, located only a few dozen
meters apart, one discharging water to Imotski (Neretva
River) and the other one to Omiš (Adriatic Sea)
Cultural heritage: Greek coins found in the hinterlands
Conservation status: not protected
Administration: Tomislavgrad municipality, West Bosnia
Canton (Canton 10), Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

3 January 2014, Photo: Mirko Šarac

156
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Dossiers of The Karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina

24 23 August 2008, Photo: Mirko Šarac

Dugo polje (Dugorudo)
Surface: 19.1 km2
Altitude: 1,206 m
Catchment: Neretva River
Type: flooded polje
Maximal recorded flood: 1.31 km2 (apart Blindije Lake)
Olm: no data
Fish: 4 endemic
Birds: 89 species (PR)
Dragonflies: no data
Plants: 8 species
Land use: mainly used for livestock grazing and, partially,
for agricultural production 4 December 2007, Photo: Dejan Kulijer
Vulnerability: no actual pressures known
Karst phenomenon: permanent lake, Brčanj and Jasle
ponors
Cultural heritage: prehistoric tumuli, stećak necropolises
Conservation status: protected, Nature Park Blindije, will
fulfil IBA criteria
Administration: Jablanica, Posušje and Tomislavgrad
municipalities, Herzegovina-Neretva and West Bosnia
(Canton 10) Cantons, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

16 January 2010, Photo: Borut Stumberger

157
25 5 March 2006, Photo: Dražen Kotrošan
Rakitno
Surface: 14.1 km2
Altitude: 890 m
Catchment: Neretva River
Type: flooded polje
Maximal recorded flood: 5.08 km2
Olm: no data
Fish: no data
Birds: 22 species (NR)
Dragonflies: no data
Plants: 5 species (1 endemic)
Land use: mainly used for livestock grazing and, partially,
for agricultural production 16 September 2012, Photo: Jasminko Mulaomerović
Vulnerability: no actual pressures known
Karst phenomenon: permanent Jelica River and
temporally Zminac stream
Cultural heritage: no data
Conservation status: not protected
Administration: Posušje municipality, West Herzegovina
Canton, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

16 September 2012, Photo: Ena Mulaomerović

158
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Dossiers of The Karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina

26 18 January 2010, Photo: Martin Schneider-Jacoby

Kočerinsko polje
Surface: 4.9 km2
Altitude: 302 m
Catchment: Neretva River
Type: flooded polje
Maximal recorded flood: 2.53 km2
Olm: no data
Fish: no data
Birds: 12 species (NR)
Dragonflies: no data
Plants: no data
Land use: mainly used for agriculture (cereals) and,
partially, for livestock grazing 15 March 2010, Photo: Borut Stumberger
Vulnerability: no current pressures known
Karst phenomenon: no data
Cultural heritage: no data
Conservation status: not protected
Administration: Grude and Široki Brijeg municipalities,
West Herzegovina Canton, Federation of Bosnia and
Herzegovina

18 January 2010, Photo: Martin Schneider-Jacoby

159
27
Rašanjsko polje (Rasno)
Surface: 0.5 km2
Altitude: 344 m
Catchment: Neretva River
Type: flooded polje
Maximal recorded flood: 0.23 km2
Olm: no data
Fish: no data
Birds: 3 species (NR)
Dragonflies: no data
Plants: no data
Land use: mainly used for livestock grazing, small portion
used for tobacco growing, cereals and grapes
Vulnerability: no actual pressures known
Karst phenomenon: cave, Studenac spring, Krgača pool
Cultural heritage: no data
Conservation status: not protected
Administration: Široki Brijeg municipality, West
Herzegovina Canton, Federation of Bosnia and
Herzegovina

22 November 2012, Photo: Dražen Kotrošan

160
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Dossiers of The Karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina

28
Mokro polje (Široki Brijeg)
Surface: 2.8 km2
Altitude: 260 m
Catchment: Neretva River
Type: flooded polje
Maximal recorded flood: 0.66 km2
Olm: no data
Fish: no data
Birds: 13 species (NR)
Dragonflies: no data
Plants: no data
Land use: mainly livestock grazing
Vulnerability: no current pressures known
Karst phenomenon: one of Herzegovina’s poljes which
are mainly influenced by surface water during winter
(Mokro polje = wet polje)
Cultural heritage: no data
Conservation status: not protected
Administration: Široki Brijeg municipality, West
Herzegovina Canton, Federation of Bosnia and
Herzegovina
8 January 2010, Photos: Martin Schneider-Jacoby

161
29 17 March 2012, Photo: Ilhan Dervović
Mostarsko blato
Surface: 33.1 km2
Altitude: 223 m
Catchment: Neretva River
Type: flooded polje
Maximal recorded flood: 32.79 km2 (exceptional flooding)
Olm: no data
Fish: 13 species (6 endemic)
Birds: 185 species (PR)
Dragonflies: 21 species
Plants: 147 species (2 endemic)
Land use: mainly used for livestock grazing, partially for
agricultural production
Vulnerability: construction of the hydropower plant
Mostarsko blato in 2010 has destroyed the hydrological
regime of the polje
Karst phenomenon: Borak spring, source of the
meandering Lištica River, and ponors
Cultural heritage: medieval town with relicts of cobble-
stone pavement
Conservation status: not protected, but fulfils IBA as
well Ramsar criteria (20,000 waterbirds during spring
migration, including several thousands Wood Sandpiper
Tringa glareola, up to 200 Eurasian Spoonbills Platalea
leucorodia and 10,000 Eurasian Cranes Grus grus before
the construction hydropower plant; data on current
waterbird numbers missing) 18 january 2010, Martin Schneider-Jacoby
Administration: Mostar municipality, Herzegovina-
Neretva Canton, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

16 April 2007, Photo: Luka Božič

162
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Dossiers of The Karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina

12 April 2010, Photo: Martin Schneider-Jacoby 16 April 2007, Photo: Luka Božič

16 April 2007, Photo: Luka Božič 1 March 2009, Photo: Dejan Kulijer

6 April 2007, Photo: Matjaž Kerček

163
30
Vučipolje
Surface: 1.1 km2
Altitude: 977 m
Catchment: Neretva River
Type: dry polje
Maximal recorded flood: no potential flooding
Olm: no data
Fish: no data
Birds: 9 species (NR)
Dragonflies: no data
Plants: no data
Land use: mainly used for livestock grazing and a smaller
portion for agricultural production
Vulnerability: no current pressures known
Karst phenomenon: no data
Cultural heritage: no data
Conservation status: not protected
Administration: Posušje municipality, West Herzegovina
Canton, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

11 October 2012, Photos: Jasminko Mulaomerović

164
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Dossiers of The Karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina

31 15 March 2010, Photo: Borut Stumberger

Posušje
Surface: 21.7 km2
Altitude: 578 m
Catchment: Neretva River
Type: flooded polje
Maximal recorded flood: 5.13 km2
Olm: no data
Fish: no data
Birds: 20 species (NR)
Dragonflies: no data
Plants: no data
Land use: mainly used for livestock grazing and, partially,
for agricultural production 11 October 2012, Photo: Jasminko Mulaomerović
Vulnerability: no current pressures known
Karst phenomenon: rather short flood duration of 3 - 5
days
Cultural heritage: no data
Conservation status: not protected
Administration: Posušje municipality, West Herzegovina
Canton, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

18 January 2010, Photo: Martin Schneider-Jacoby

165
32 23 February 2013, Photo: Ilhan Dervović
Imotsko (Bekijsko polje)
Surface: 87.4 km2
Altitude: 251 m
Catchment: Neretva River
Type: flooded polje
Maximal recorded flood: 39.30 km2
Olm: no data
Fish: 6 species (3 endemic)
Birds: 31 species (NR)
Dragonflies: 7 species
Plants: 62 species (1 endemic)
Land use: mainly used for growing corn, grapes and
tobacco 15 March 2010, Photo: Borut Stumberger
Vulnerability: no actual pressures known
Karst phenomenon: permanent Vrlika River
Cultural heritage: no data
Conservation status: not protected, but will together
with the Croatian part of polje fulfil IBA criteria
Administration: Grude municipality, West Herzegovina
Canton, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

15 March 2010, Photo: Borut Stumberger

166
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Dossiers of The Karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina

33
Rastoka i Ljubuško polje
Surface: 74.5 km2
Altitude: 58 m
Catchment: Neretva River
Type: flooded polje
Maximal recorded flood: 12.70 km2
Olm: present
Fish: no data
Birds: 30 species (NR)
Dragonflies: 2 species
Plants: no data
Land use: mainly used for growing potatoes, grapes and
cotton
Vulnerability: no current pressures known
Karst phenomenon: permanent Mlade River (collects
discharge from Vrlika River) which changes its name to
Trebižat River in Ljubuško polje
Cultural heritage: no data
Conservatio status: not protected
Administration: Ljubuški municipality, West Herzegovina
Canton, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

11 October 2012, Photos: Jasminko Mulaomerović

34
Studeničko polje
Surface: 1.8 km2
Altitude: 25 m
Catchment: Neretva and Trebišnjica Rivers
Type: flooded polje
Maximal recorded flood: 0.36 km2
Olm: present
Fish: no data
Birds: 19 species (NR)
Dragonflies: no data
Plants: no data
Land use: mainly used for growing grapes and other
agricultural products (greenhouses), partially livestock
grazing
Vulnerability: no current pressures used
Karst phenomenon: Studenac and Vakuf cave springs
Cultural heritage: no data
Conservation status: not protected
Administration: Ljubuški municipality, Federation of
Bosnia and Herzegovina

11 October 2012, Photos: Jasminko Mulaomerović

167
35
Hansko polje (Gornje Zijemlje)
Surface: 1.4 km2
Altitude: 835 m
Catchment: Neretva River
Type: dry polje
Maximal recorded flood: southern parts potentially flooded
Olm: no data
Fish: no data
Birds: 29 species (NR)
Dragonflies: no data
Plants: no data
Land use: mainly used for livestock grazing and, partially,
for vegetable production 15 June 2012, Photo: Dejan Kulijer
Vulnerability: no actual pressures known
Karst phenomenon: no data
Cultural heritage: stećak necropolis
Conservation status: not protected, like nearby Donje Zijemlje
karst polje Hansko polje fulfils IBA criteria for raptors and
Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor; both poljes are the only dry
poljes in Bosnia and Herzegovina which meet IBA criteria.
Administration: Mostar municipality, Herzegovina-
Neretva Canton, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

27 June 2007, Photo: Behudin Alimanović

168
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Dossiers of The Karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina

36 16 May 2009, Photo: Behudin Alimanović

Donje Zijemlje
Surface: 4.5 km2
Altitude: 807 m
Catchment: Neretva River
Type: dry polje
Maximal recorded flood: some flooding potential in
central lower part
Olm: no data
Fish: no data
Birds: 31 species (NR)
Dragonflies: no data
Plants: no data
Land use: mainly used for livestock grazing and a minor 15 June 2012, Photo: Dejan Kulijer
portion for agricultural production
Vulnerability: no current pressures known
Karst phenomenon: no data,
Cultural heritage: prehistoric hillforts, stećak necropolises
Conservation status: not protected, but together with
nearby “twin polje” Gornje Zijemlje polje may fulfil IBA
criteria for raptors and Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor
Administration: Istočni Mostar municipality, Republika
Srpska

27 June 2007, Photo: Behudin Alimanović

169
37 16 January 2010, Photo: Borut Stumberger
Slato polje
Surface: 4.1 km2
Altitude: 1,012 m
Catchment: Neretva and Trebišnjica rivers
Type: flooded polje
Maximal recorded flood: 0.73 km2
Olm: no data
Fish: no data
Birds: 33 species (NR)
Dragonflies: 2 species
Plants: no data
Land use: mainly used for livestock grazing and a smaller
portion for agricultural production
Vulnerability: “Upper Horizons” hydropower project (for
which 7 hydropower plants in the Neretva river basin are
planned)
Karst phenomenon: ponor
Cultural heritage: prehistoric hillfort, stećak necropolis
Conservation status: not protected
Administration: Nevesinje municipality, Republika Srpska

26 November 2011, Photo: Kenan Pašić

170
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Dossiers of The Karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina

15 June 2012, Photo: Dejan Kulijer

26 november 2011, Photo: Kenan Pašić 5 April 2012, Photo: Dražen Kotrošan

26 November 2011, Photo: Kenan Pašić

171
38 16 April 2007, Photo: Luka Božič
Nevesinjsko polje
Surface: 77.5 km2
Altitude: 817 m
Catchment: Neretva and Trebišnjica Rivers
Type: flooded polje
Maximal recorded flood: 16.64 km2
Olm: no data
Fish: 4 species (3 endemic)
Birds: 99 species (PR)
Dragonflies: 18 species
Plants: 270 species (3 endemic)
Land use: mainly used for agricultural production
(potatoes, cabbage and cereals), partly for livestock 16 January 2010, Photo: Borut Stumberger
grazing
Vulnerability: “Upper Horizons” project by closing the
Biograd ponor and dam construction for artificial lake
Karst phenomenon: Biogradski ponor
Cultural heritrage: Stećak necropolises, prehistoric Illyrian
hillforts, prehistoric tumuli
Conservation status: not protected, but fulfils IBA criteria
Administration: Nevesinje municipality, Republika Srpska

17 April 2006, Photo: Dražen Kotrošan

172
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Dossiers of The Karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina

15 June 2012, Photo: Dejan Kulijer

27 June 2007, Photo: Behudin Alimanović

173
39
Lukavačko polje
Surface: 3.3 km2
Altitude: 859 m
Catchment: Neretva and Trebišnjica Rivers
Type: flooded polje
Maximal recorded flood: 0.57 km2
Olm: no data
Fish: 1 endemic
Birds: 37 species (NR)
Dragonflies: 8 species
Plants: 14 species (1 endemic)
Land use: mainly used for livestock grazing and a smaller
portion for agricultural production 5 April 2012, Photo: Dražen Kotrošan
Vulnerability: “Upper Horizons” hydropower project (for
which 7 hydropower plants in the Neretva river basin are
planned)
Karst phenomenon: ponor
Cultural heritage: prehistoric hillfort, stećak necropolis
Conservation status: not protected
Administration: Nevesinje municipality, Republika Srpska

15 June 2012, Photo: Dejan Kulijer

174
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Dossiers of The Karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina

26 November 2011, Photo: Kenan Pašić

15 June 2012, Photo: Dejan Kulijer

175
40
Trusinsko polje
Surface: 1.5 km2
Altitude: 866 m
Catchment: Neretva River
Type: flooded polje
Maximal recorded flood: 0.30 km2
Olm: no data
Fish: no data
Birds: 16 species (NR)
Dragonflies: no data
Plants: no data
Land use: mainly used for agriculture (cereals) and,
partially, for livestock grazing
Vulnerability: “Upper Horizons” hydropower project (for
which 7 hydropower plants in the Neretva river basin are
planned)
Karst phenomenon: no data
Cultural heritage: stećak necropolis
Conservation status: not protected
Administration: Berkovići municipality, Republika Srpska

23 March 2013, Photos: Jasminko Mulaomerović

176
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Dossiers of The Karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina

41 9 June 2010, Photo: Dražen Kotrošan

Dabarsko polje
Surface: 28.9 km2
Altitude: 472 m
Catchment: Neretva and Trebišnjica Rivers
Type: flooded polje
Maximal recorded flood: 16.69 km2 (flooding potential
22.32 km2)
Olm: present
Fish: 5 species (4 endemic)
Birds: 100 species (PR)
Dragonflies: 27 species
Plants: 114 species (1 endemic)
Land use: mainly used for livestock grazing, partially for 1 September 2010, Photo: Martin Schneider-Jacoby
agriculture (cereals, peppers, tomatoes, lettuce) and fruit
growing
Vulnerability: “Upper Horizons” hydropower project (for
which 7 hydropower plants in the Neretva river basin are
planned)
Karst phenomenon: Visibaba and Obodina cave,
Ljelješnica spring-cave, Vrijeka great spring-cave,
Danajlova cave, Sušica cave, Ponikva ponor-cave
Cultural heritage: stećak necropolis
Conservation status: not protected, but fulfils IBA criteria
Administration: Berkovići municipality, Republika Srpska

26 November 2011, Photo: Kenan Pašić

177
 18 July 2009, Photo: Martin Schneider-Jacoby

4 May 2010, Photo: Martin Schneider-Jacoby 20 January 2010, Photo: Dejan Kulijer

20 January 2010, Photo: Dejan Kulijer

178
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Dossiers of The Karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina

42
Crničko polje
Surface: 2.9 km2
Altitude: 212 m
Catchment: Neretva River
Type: dry polje
Maximal recorded flood: vegetation and remnants of
fluvial activity indicate flooding potential
Olm: no data
Fish: no data
Birds: 20 species (NR)
Dragonflies: no data
Plants: no data
Land use: mainly used for agricultural production, a small
part for livestock grazing
Vulnerability: no current pressures known
Karst phenomenon: no data
Cultural heritage: no data
Conservation status: not protected
Administration: Stolac municipality, Herzegovina-
Neretva Canton, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

23 March 2013, Photos: Jasminko Mulaomerović

179
43 15 June 2012, Photo: Dejan Kulijer
Gatačko polje
Surface: 60.1 km2
Altitude: 936 m
Catchment: Trebišnjica River
Type: flooded polje
Maximal recorded flood: 38.17 km2 (flooding potential
42.91 km2)
Olm: present
Fish: 2 species (1 endemic)
Birds: 129 species (PR)
Dragonflies: 20 species
Plants: 274 species (3 endemic)
Land use: mainly used for livestock grazing 16 April 2007, Photo: Luka Božič
Vulnerability: pollution caused by Gacko thermal power
plant
Karst phenomenon: Gareva cave, meanders of temporary
karst rivers
Cultural heritage: stećak necropolis
Conservation status: not protected, but fulfils IBA criteria
Administration: Gacko municipality, Republika Srpska

16 April 2007, Photo: Luka Božič

180
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Dossiers of The Karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina

16 January 2010, Photo: Borut Stumberger 23 May 2012, Photo: Dejan Kulijer

15 June 2012, Photo: Dejan Kulijer

23 May 2012, Photo: Dejan Kulijer

181
44 11 October 2012, Photo: Jasminko Mulaomerović
Cernica
Surface: 5.5 km2
Altitude: 816 m
Catchment: Trebišnjica River
Type: flooded polje
Maximal recorded flood: 1.86 km2
Olm: no data
Fish: 1 endemic
Birds: 23 species (NR)
Dragonflies: no data
Plants: no data
Land use: mainly used for livestock grazing, a smaller
portion for agricultural production
Vulnerability: “Upper Horizons” hydropower project (for
which 7 hydropower plants in the Neretva river basin are
planned)
Karst phenomenon: ponor of the Klučka River, Vilina and
Jasovica ponor-cave
Cultural heritage: prehistoric hillfort, stećak necropolises,
medieval town
Conservation status: not protected
Administration: Gacko municipality, Republika Srpska

45 11 June 2011, Photo: Dejan Kulijer

Fatničko polje
Surface: 7.7 km2
Altitude: 452 m
Catchment: Neretva and Trebišnjica Rivers
Type: flooded polje
Maximal recorded flood: 7.27 km2
Olm: no data
Fish: 2 endemic
Birds: 88 species (PR)
Dragonflies: 15 species
Plants: 5 species
Land use: mainly used for livestock grazing
Vulnerability: “Upper Horizons” hydropower project (for
which 7 hydropower plants in the Neretva river basin are
planned)
Karst phenomenon: Velika pećina ponor-cave, Obod
spring-cave, Lepirnica and Pasmica ponor-caves
Cultural heritage: Mandina hillfort
Conservation status: not protected, but fulfils IBA criteria
Administration: Bileća municipality, Republika Srpska

182
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Dossiers of The Karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina

4 May 2010, Photo: Martin Schneider-Jacoby 11 June 2011, Photo: Dejan Kulijer

4 May 2010, Photo: Martin Schneider-Jacoby 11 June 2011, Photo: Dejan Kulijer

20 January 2010, Photo: Dejan Kulijer

183
46
Plana
Surface: 0.6 km2
Altitude: 609 m
Catchment: Trebišnjica River
Type: dry polje
Maximal recorded flood: no potential flooding
Olm: no data
Fish: no data
Birds: 5 species (NR)
Dragonflies: no data
Plants: no data
Land use: mainly used for livestock grazing
Vulnerability: no actual pressures known
Karst phenomenon: no data
Cultural heritage: stećak necropolis
Conservation status: not protected
Administration: Trebinje municipality, Republika Srpska

12 January 2012, Photos: Dražen Kotrošan

184
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Dossiers of The Karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina

47
Ljubomir polje
Surface: 12.7 km2
Altitude: 506 m
Catchment: Trebišnjica River
Type: flooded polje
Maximal recorded flood: 1.33 km2
Olm: no data
Fish: 1 endemic
Birds: 7 species (NR)
Dragonflies: no data
Plants: no data
Land use: mainly used for livestock grazing
Vulnerability: no current pressures known 12 January 2013, Photo: Dražen Kotrošan
Karst phenomenon: Grabova sinkhole/cave
Cultural heritage: no data
Conservation status: not protected
Administration: Trebinje municipality, Republika Srpska

28 September 2008, Photo: Behudin Alimanović

185
48
Jasenpolje
Surface: 1.1 km2
Altitude: 556 m
Catchment: Trebišnjica River
Type: flooded polje
Maximal recorded flood: 0.50 km2
Olm: no data
Fish: no data
Birds: 2 species (NR)
Dragonflies: no data
Plants: no data
Land use: mainly used for livestock grazing, a smaller
portion for agricultural production
Vulnerability: no actual pressures known
Karst phenomenon: no data
Cultural heritage: no data
Conservation status: not protected
Administration: Trebinje municipality, Republika Srpska

12 Janaury 2013, Photos: Dražen Kotrošan

186
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Dossiers of The Karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina

49
Ljubinjsko polje
Surface: 6.9 km2
Altitude: 396 m
Catchment: Neretva and Trebišnjica Rivers
Type: flooded polje
Maximal recorded flood: 0.90 km2
Olm: no data
Birds: 7 species (NR)
Dragonflies: no data
Plants: no data
Land use: agriculture (tobacco) and livestock grazing
Vulnerability: no actual pressures known
Karst phenomenon: no data
Cultural heritage: stećak necropolises
Conservation status: not protected
Administration: Ljubinje municipality, Republika Srpska

10 July 2007, Photos: Dejan Kulijer

187
50 10 July 2007, Photo: Dražen Kotrošan
Popovo polje
Surface: 118.9 km2
Altitude: 227 m
Catchment: Neretva and Trebišnjica Rivers
Type: flooded polje
Maximal recorded flood: 42.06 km2
Olm: know from some 30 localities
Fish: 7 species (3 endemic)
Birds: 175 species (WR)
Dragonflies: 20 species
Plants: 6 species
Land use: agricultural production (potatoes, watermelons,
tobacco, grapes, fruits) and livestock grazing 30 September 2007, Photo: Dejan Kulijer
Vulnerability: hydrological regime heavily impacted by
canalisation of the Trebišnjica River, the “Upper Horizons”
hydropower project (for which 7 hydropower plants in the
Neretva river basin are planned) will further impact the
polje´s water balance and biodiversity
Karst phenomenon: Vjetrenica cave, Lukavac spring, Baba
cave, Crnulja and Doljašnica ponor-cave, Ponikva ponor,
Baba cave, extensive natural water oscillations up to 40 m
Cultural heritage: prehistoric hillfort, stećak necropolises,
medieval town
Conservation status: not protected, but fulfil IBA criteria
Administration: Trebinje municipality, Republika Srpska;
Ravno municipality, Herzegovina-Neretva Canton,
Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina 13 January 2012, Photo: Dušan Toholj

188
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Dossiers of The Karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina

8 July 2007, Photo: Martin Schneider-Jacoby 20 Ocbober 2012, Photo: Dejan Kulijer

20 January 2010, Photo: Dejan Kulijer

4 August 2011, Photo: Martin Schneider-Jacoby

189
51 11 Jul 2007, Photo: DejanKulijer
Hutovo blato
(Deransko-Svitavsko polje)
Surface: 32.7 km2
Altitude: 2 m
Catchment: Neretva and Trebišnjica rivers
Type: flooded polje
Maximal recorded flood: 39.71 km2
Olm: present
Fish: 43 species (17 endemic)
Birds: 249 species (WR)
Dragonflies: 38 species
Plants: 218 species
Land use: mainly used for agricultural production 16 January 2010, Photo: Borut Stumberger
(greenhouses) and, partially, for livestock grazing; the
artificial reservoir Svitava Lake was created during the
construction of the hydro power plant Čapljina.
Vulnerability: The “Upper Horizons” hydropower project
for which a cascade of 7 hydropower plants in the Neretva
river basin are planned, will impact natural Deransko Lake
who represents a relic of the former Hutovo blato wetland
Karst phenomenon: karst springs, called “okas” (eyes),
located in the unique karst delta of the Neretva River
Cultural heritage: prehistoric tumuli, remains of Illyrian
ships
Conservation status: Nature park Hutovo blato, Ramsar
site, IBA
Administration: Čapljina municipality, Herzegovina- 8 April 2010, Photo: Dejan Kulijer
Neretva Canton, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

190
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Dossiers of The Karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina

22 July 2010, Photo: Martin Schneider-Jacoby

6 April 2010, Photo: Dejan Kulijer

191
52
Gradac
Surface: 2.2 km2
Altitude: 88 m
Catchment: Neretva River
Type: dry polje
Maximal recorded flood: no potential flooding
Olm: no data
Fish: no data
Birds: 2 species (NR)
Dragonflies: no data
Plants: no data
Land use: mainly used for livestock grazing
Vulnerability: no actual pressures known
Karst phenomenon: no data
Cultural heritage: no data
Conservation status: not protected
Administration: Neum municipality, Herzegovina-
Neretva Canton, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

11 October 2011, Photo: Dražen Kotrošan

53
Grab polje
Surface: 9.6 km2
Altitude: 672 m
Catchment: via the Konavosko polje drained into the
Adriatic Sea and with a connection to Mokro polje into the
Trebišnjica River
Type: dry polje
Maximal recorded flood: southern parts of the polje
potentially flooded
Olm: no data
Fish: no data
Birds: no data
Dragonflies: no data
Plants: no data
Land use: mainly used for livestock grazing
Vulnerability: no actual pressures known
Karst phenomenon: no data
Cultural heritage: no data
Conservation status: not protected
Administration: Trebinje municipality, Republika Srpska

22 January 2012, Photo: Borut Stumberger

192
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Dossiers of The Karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina

54
Carevo polje
Surface: 0.3 km2
Altitude: 875 m
Catchment: Trebišnjica River
Type: dry polje
Maximal recorded flood: no potential flooding
Olm: no data
Fish: no data
Birds: 7 species (NR)
Dragonflies: no data
Plants: no data
Land use: mainly used for livestock grazing
Vulnerability: no current pressures known
Karst phenomenon: no data
Cultural heritage: no data
Conservation status: not protected
Administration: Trebinje municipality, Republika Srpska

20 October 2012, Photos: Dejan Kulijer

55
Konjsko polje
Surface: 1.4 km2
Altitude: 829 m
Catchment: Trebišnjica River
Type: dry polje
Maximal recorded flood: no potential flooding
Olm: no data
Fish: no data
Birds: 10 species (NR)
Dragonflies: no data
Plants: no data
Land use: mainly used for livestock grazing, a smaller
portion for agricultural production
Vulnerability: no current pressures known
Karst phenomenon: no data
Cultural heritage: no data
Conservation status: not protected
Administration: Trebinje municipality, Republika Srpska

20 October 2012, Photos: Dejan Kulijer

193
56
Orahovac polje
Surface: 1.0 km2
Altitude: 664 m
Catchment: Tebišnjica River
Type: dry polje
Maximal recorded flood: no potential flooding
Olm: no data
Fish: no data
Birds: 5 species (NR)
Dragonflies: no data
Plants: no data
Land use: mainly used for livestock grazing, a smaller
portion for agricultural production
Vulnerability: no current pressures known
Karst phenomenon: no data
Cultural heritage: no data
Conservation status: not protected
Administration: Trebinje municipality, Republika Srpska

20 October 2012, Photo: Dejan Kulijer

57
Mokro polje (Trebinje)
Surface: 6.2 km2
Altitude: 269 m
Catchment: Trebišnjica River
Type: flooded polje
Maximal recorded flood: 3.00 km2
Olm: no data
Fish: no data
Birds: 1 species (NR)
Dragonflies: no data
Plants: no data
Land use: mainly used for agricultural production
(vegetables), partially for livestock grazing
Vulnerability: already drained polje which will be further
impacted by the “Upper Horizons” hydropower project (for
which 7 hydropower plants in the Neretva river basin are
planned)
Karst phenomenon: no data
Cultural heritage: no data
Conservation status: not protected
Administration: Trebinje municipality, Republika Srpska

26 January 2014, Photos: Borut Stumberger

194
Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Dossiers of The Karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina

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Kotrošan D., Stumberger B. & Sackl P. (2008/09): Prva registracija the Corncrake (Crex crex) in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Bilten Mreže posmatrača
šarenog kulika (Charadrius morinellus) na Livanjskom polju. Bilten Mreže ptica u Bosni i Hercegovini 6: 61-62.
posmatrača ptica u Bosni i Hercegovini 4/5: 117-118. Stumberger B., Schneider-Jacoby M. & Gotovac M. (2007): Livanjsko
Kotrošan D. & Dervović I. (2010): Rezultati zimskog brojanja ptica polje. Information Sheet on Ramsar Wetlands (RIS). Euronatur & Centar
močvarica u Bosni i Hercegovini za period od 2008. do 2010. godine. Bilten Mladih Livno.
Mreže posmatrača ptica u Bosni i Hercegovini 6: 23-45. Stumberger B. & Schneider M. (2010): International importance of three
Kotrošan D., Lelo S. & Vesnić, A. (2011): Biodiverzitet ptica (Vertebrata, Adriatic Flyway priority sites: Livanjsko Polje, the Neretva Delta and Lake
Aves) Popovog polja. Međunarodni naučni skup „Struktura i dinamika Skadar-Shkoder with the Bojana-Buna Delta. In: Denac D., Schneider-
ekosistema Dinarida (stanje, mogućnosti i perspektive)“, knjiga sažetaka. Jacoby M. & Stumberger B. (eds.): Adriatic Flyway – Closing the Gap in
p 28. Bird Conservation. Euronatur, Radolfzell; pp. 53-58.
Kulijer D. (2007): Nalaz crne rode (Ciconia nigra) na Livanjskom polju. Stumberger B., Schneider-Jacoby M., Schwarz U. & Sackl P. (2010):
Bilten Mreže posmatrača ptica u Bosni i Hercegovini 3: 54. Zonation concept for the Livanjsko polje Ramsar Site. In: Denac D.,
Lister S. & Hall M. (2001): Bird observations in Hutovo blato on April 13th Schneider-Jacoby M. & Stumberger B. (eds.): Adriatic Flyway – Closing the
2001. http.//www.ptice.net. Gap in Bird Conservation. Euronatur, Radolfzell; pp. 125-132.
Marcouse T. & Kotrošan D.(2006): Izvještaj sa ornitoloških posmatranja u Stumberger B. & Šarac M. (2010): Kudravi pelikan  (Pelecanus crispus)
Bosni i Hercegovini u septembru 2006. godine. Bilten Mreže posmatrača na  Buškom Blatu kod Tomislavgrada (Livanjsko polje). Bilten Mreže
ptica u Bosni i Hercegovini 2: 24-27. posmatrača ptica u Bosni i Hercegovini 6: 60.
Mulaomerović J. (2012): Zlatovrana modrulja u Bosni i Hercegovini Šarac M. & Stumberger B. (2008/09): Bijela roda (Ciconia ciconia) na
ponovo nakon 100 godina. Bilten Mreže posmatrača ptica u Bosni i Duvanjskom polju i Livanjskom polju. Bilten Mreže posmatrača ptica u
Hercegovini 7/8: 95. Bosni i Hercegovini 4/5: 10-16.
Obratil S. (1967): Pregled istraživanja ornitofaune Bosne i Hercegovine I Topić G. & Kotrošan D. (2011/12): Rezultati Međunarodnog cenzusa
(Passeriformes). GZM BiH (PN) NS 5: 191-268. ptica vodenih staništa u Bosni i Hercegovini 2012. godine. Bilten Mreže
Obratil S. (1968): Pregled istraživanja ornitofaune Bosne i Hercegovine posmatrača ptica u Bosni i Hercegovini 7/8: 56-74.
II (Gaviiformes, Podicipediformes, Pelacaniformes, Ciconiiformes, Topić G., Janković M. & Zubić G. (2012): Prilog poznavanju ornitofaune
Anseriformes). GZM BiH (PN) NS 6: 227-254. Šipova i Novog Sela. Bilten Mreže posmatrača ptica u Bosni i Hercegovini
Obratil S. (1971): Ptice Hutova blata. GZM BiH (PN) NS 8: 87-143. 7/8: 5-31.
Obratil S. (1972): Pregled istraživanja ornitofaune Bosne i Hercegovine III
(Falconiformes). GZM BiH (PN) NS 10: 139-155.
Obratil S. (1975): Pregled istraživanja ornitofaune Bosne i Hercegovine IV
(Galliformes, Gruiformes). GZM BiH (PN) NS 13: 153-161.
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(Charadriiformes). GZM BiH (PN) NS 15: 221-241.
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VI (Columbiformes, Cuculiformes, Strigiformes, Caprimulgiformes,
Apodiformes, Coraciformes, Piciformes). GZM BiH (PN) NS 16: 203-223.
Obratil S. (1984): Naselja ptica (Aves) u kopnenim biocenozama kraških
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Obratil S. (1985): Ornitofauna Hutovog blata do izgradnje akumulacionog

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Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life Dossiers of The Karst poljes of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Index of Karst Aegilops ovata

Aegilops triuncialis
54
54
Bromus racemosus
Bromus squarrosus
54
54
Chenopodium glaucum
Chenopodium murale
46
46
poljes Aethionema saxatile 47 Bromus sterilis 54 Chenopodium polyspermum 46
Agrimonia eupatoria 48 Bupleurum aristatum 49 Chondrilla juncea 52
Dugo polje 132 Agrimonia odorata 48 Bupleurum lancifolium 49 Chrysanthemum tenuifolium 51
Rudno polje 133 Agrimonia procera 48 Butomus umbellatus 52 Cichorium intybus 52
Bjelajsko polje 133 Agropyron intermedium 54 Callitriche palustris 49 Circus pygargus 32
Medeno polje 134 Agrostis alba 54 Callitriche stagnatilis 49 Cirsium acaule 52
Petrovačko polje 135 Agrostis canina 54 Caltha laeta 47 Cirsium arvense 52
Palanka (Lušci polje) 135 Agrostis olivetorum 54 Caltha palustris 47 Cirsium oleraceum 52
Podrašničko polje 136 Aira capillaris 54 Calystegia sepium 50 Cirsium palustre 52
Marinkovci 137 Ajuga chamaepitys 50 Campanula erinus 51 Cirsium rivulare 52
Grahovsko polje 138 Ajuga genevensis 50 Campanula moesiaca 51 Cladium mariscus 53
Pašića polje 140 Alchemilla xanthochlora 48 Campanula patula 51 Clematis flammula 47
Ravna Mliništa 141 Alisma gramineum 52 Campanula pyramidalis 51 Clematis recta 47
Glamočko polje 142 Alisma plantago-aquatica 52 Campanula rapunculus 51 Clematis vitalba 47
Kupreško polje 144 Allium angulosum 52 Campanula trachelium 51 Clematis viticella 47
Šuićko polje 146 Allium carinatum 52 Cardamine pratensis 47 Colchicum autumnale 52
Duvanjsko polje 148 Allium saxatile 52 Carduus acanthoides 52 Convallaria majalis 52
Livanjsko polje 150 Allium scordoprasum 52 Carduus candicans 52 Convolvulus arvensis 50
Viničko polje 152 Allium vineale 52 Carduus nutans 52 Convolvulus cantabricus 50
Dobranjsko polje (Livno) 152 Alnus glutinosa 46 Carduus pycnocephalus 52 Conyza canadensis 51
Kruško polje 153 Alopecurus aequalis 53 Carex acutiformis 53, 55 Cornus mas 49
Borovo polje 153 Alopecurus geniculatus 53 Carex appropinquata 53 Cornus sanguinea 49
Vukovsko polje 154 Alopecurus pratensis 53 Carex caryophyllea 53 Coronilla scorpioides 49
Ravanjsko polje 155 Alopecurus utriculatus 53 Carex davalliana 53 Coronilla varia 49
Roško polje 156 Althaea hirsuta 48 Carex digitata 53 Corrigiola litoralis 47
Dugo polje (Dugorudo) 157 Althaea officinalis 48 Carex distans 53 Corylus avellana 46
Rakitno 158 Amaranthus retroflexus 46 Carex disticha 53 Crataegus monogyna 48
Kočerinsko polje 159 Anacamptis pyramidalis 54, 55 Carex divisa 53 Crepis biennis 52
Rašanjsko polje (Rasno) 160 Anchusa barrelieri 50 Carex flava 53 Crepis chondrilloides 52
Mokro polje (Široki Brijeg) 161 Anemone nemorosa 47 Carex glauca 53 Crepis neglecta 52
Mostarsko blato 162 Antennaria dioica 51 Carex goodenowii 53 Crepis paludosa 52
Vučipolje 164 Anthemis arvensis 51 Carex gracilis 53 Crepis setosa 52
Posušje 165 Anthoxanthum odoratum 53 Carex hirta 53 Crex crex 3, 32, 90, 91, 92, 102,
Imotsko (Bekijsko polje) 166 Anthriscus nemorosus 49 Carex hostiana 53 103, 127, 138, 144, 193
Rastoka i Ljubuško polje 167 Anthyllis illyrica 49 Carex humilis 53 Crocus albiflorus 53
Studeničko polje 167 Anthyllis vulneraria 49 Carex lasiocarpa 53 Crocus vernus 53
Hansko polje (Gornje Zijemlje) 168 Aquila pomarina 32 Carex lepidocarpa 53 Crypsis alopecuroides 53
Donje Zijemlje 169 Arabis glabra 47 Carex leporina 53 Cuscuta epithymum 50
Slato polje 170 Arabis hirsuta 47 Carex oederi 53 Cyclamen repandum 50
Nevesinjsko polje 172 Arctium lappa 51 Carex pallescens 53 Cynodon dactylon 54
Lukavačko polje 174 Aristolochia clematitis 47 Carex panicea 53 Cynoglossum officinale 50
Trusinsko polje 176 Aristolochia rotunda 47 Carex paniculata 53 Cynosurus cristatus 54
Dabarsko polje 177 Armeria canescens 50 Carex pendula 53 Cyperus flavescens 53
Crničko polje 179 Arrhenatherum elatius 54 Carex pseudocyperus 53 Cyperus fuscus 53
Gatačko polje 180 Artemisia abrotanum 51 Carex remota 53 Cyperus longus 53
Cernica 182 Artemisia campestris 52 Carex riparia 53 Cyperus michelianus 53
Fatničko polje 182 Artemisia lobelii 52 Carex rostrata 53 Cyperus serotinus 53
Plana 184 Artemisia vulgaris 52 Carex stellulata 53 Dactylis glomerata 54
Ljubomir polje 185 Arum maculatum 52 Carex stricta 53 Dactylis hispanica 54
Jasenpolje 186 Asparagus acutifolius 52 Carex sylvatica 53 Danthonia calycina 54
Ljubinjsko polje 187 Asparagus tenuifolius 52 Carex tomentosa 53 Daucus carota 49
Popovo polje 188 Asperula cynanchica 51 Carex vesicaria 53 Delminichthys 37, 72, 75
Hutovo blato (Deransko-Svitavsko Astragallus gremlii 48, 55 Carex vulpina 53 Delphinium consolida 47
polje) 190 Astragallus illyricus 48, 55 Carlina corymbosa 51 Deschampsia caespitosa 54
Gradac 192 Atriplex latifolia 46 Carpinus betulus 46 Deschampsia media 54
Grab polje 192 Avena fatua 53 Carpinus orientalis 46, 117 Dianthus armeria 47
Carevo polje 193 Baldellia ranunculoides 52 Carum carvi 49 Dianthus cruentus 47
Konjsko polje 193 Ballota nigra 50 Celtis australis 48 Dianthus deltoides 47
Orahovac polje 194 Barbarea vulgaris 47 Centaurea cyanus 52 Dianthus sanguineus 47, 55
Mokro polje (Trebinje) 194 Bellis perennis 51 Centaurea deusta 52 Dianthus superbus 47, 55
Berteroa mutabilis 47 Centaurea jacea 52 Digitaria sanguinalis 53
Betula pendula 46 Centaurea pannonica 52 Dipsacus laciniatus 51
Organism Index Bidens cernuus 51 Centaurea scabiosa 52 Dorycnium herbaceum 49
Bidens tripartitus 51 Centaurea weldeniana 52 Drosera rotundifolia 47, 55
Abutilon theophrasti 48 Bifora radians 49 Centaurium pulchellum 51 Ecbalium elaterium 47
Acer campestre 48 Blackstonia serotina 51 Centaurium umbellatum 51 Echinochloa crus-galli 53
Acer monspessulanum 48 Blysmus compressus 53 Cerastium brachypetalum 47 Echinodorus ranunculoides 52, 55
Acer tataricum 48 Botaurus stellaris 32 Cerastium brachypetalum 47 Echium altissimum 50
Achillea collina 51 Brachypodium pinnatum 53 Cerastium caespitosum 47 Echium vulgare 50
Achillea millefolium 51 Briza media 54 Cerastium semidecandrum 47 Edraianthus dalmaticus 51, 55
Achillea nobilis 51 Bromus arvensis 54 Cerastium sylvaticum 47 Eleocharis acicularis 53
Achillea pannonica 51 Bromus erectus 54 Ceratophyllum demersum 52 Eleocharis carniolica 53
Achillea ptarmica 51 Bromus mollis 54 Chenopodium album 46 Eleocharis palustris 53

197
Eleocharis quinqueflora 53 Gnaphalium uliginosum 51 Leontodon hispidus 52 Oenanthe silaifolia 49
Epilobium adnatum 49 Gratiola officinalis 50 Lepidium graminifolium 47 Onobrychis ocellata 49
Epilobium hirsutum 49 Grus grus 3, 32, 82, 83, 84, Leucanthemum vulgare 51 Onobrychis viciifolia 49
Epilobium palustre 49 85, 86, 87, 88, 103, 160 Leucojum aestivum 53 Ononis antiquorum 49
Epilobium parviflorum 49 Gymnadenia conopsea 54 Ligustrum vulgare 51 Ononis hircina 49
Epipactis palustris 54 Haynaldia villosa 54 Lilium bosniacum 52 Ononis spinosa 49
Equisetum hyemale 46 Hedera helix 48 Lilium bosniacum 55 Ophioglossum vulgatum 52
Equisetum limosum 46 Heleochloa alopecuroides 53 Linum angustifolium 48 Ophrys apifera 54
Equisetum palustre 46 Helianthemum nummularium 47 Linum catharticum 48 Orchis coriophora 54
Erigeron acer 52 Heliotropium europaeum 50 Linum flavum 48 Orchis incarnata 54
Eriophorum angustifolium 53 Helleborus multifidus 47 Linum hirsutum 48 Orchis laxiflora 54
Eriophorum gracile 53,55 Herniaria glabra 46 Linum montanum 48 Orchis maculata 54, 55
Eriophorum latifolium 53 Herniaria incana 47 Linum tenuifolium 48 Orchis mascula 54
Eryngium amethystinum 49 Hibiscus trionum 48 Liparis loeselii 54, 55, 56, 57, 194 Orchis militaris 54
Eryngium campestre 49 Hieracium bauhinii 52 Liparis loeselii 55 Orchis morio 54
Euonymus europaeus 46 Hieracium pavichii 52 Listera ovata 54 Orchis palustris 54
Eupatorium cannabinum 51 Hieracium pilosella 52 Lolium perenne 54 Orchis simia 54, 55
Euphorbia chamaesyce 46 Hieracium umbellatum 52 Lolium temulentum 54 Orchis tridentata 54
Euphorbia cyparissias 46 Hippocrepis comosa 49 Lotus anguistissimus 49 Orlaya grandiflora 49
Euphorbia dulcis 46 Hippuris vulgaris 49 Lotus corniculatus 49 Ornithogalum comosum 52
Euphorbia exigua 46 Holcus lanatus 54 Lotus tenuifolius 49 Ornithogalum pyrenaicum 52
Euphorbia falcata 46 Holcus mollis 54 Lotus uliginosus 49 Ornithogalum tenuifolium 52
Euphorbia helioscopia 46 Holoschoenus vulgaris 53 Ludwigia palustris 51 Ornithogalum umbellatum 52
Euphorbia lucida 46 Hordeum gussoneanum 54 Luzula campestris 53 Orobanche alba 50
Euphorbia palustris 46 Hordeum marianum 54 Lychnis flos-cuculi 47 Orobanche caryophyllacea 50
Euphorbia spinosa 46 Hordeum secalinum 54 Lycopus europaeus 50 Orobanche reticulata 50
Euphorbia villosa 46 Hottonia palustris 50 Lycopus exaltatus 50 Ostrya carpinifolia 46, 117
Euphrasia liburnica 50, 55 Humulus lupulus 48 Lysimachia nummularia 50 Paliurus spina-christi 48
Euphrasia rostkoviana 50 Hydrocharis morsus-ranae 47 Lysimachia vulgaris 50 Papaver rhoeas 47
Euphrasia stricta 50 Hydrocotyle vulgaris 48 Lythrum hyssopifolia 49 Parietaria judaica 51
Ferulago galbanifera 49 Hypericum barbatum 48 Lythrum salicaria 49 Parnassia palustris 48
Festuca arundinacea 54 Hypericum perforatum 48 Malva moschata 48 Pedicularis brachyodonta 50, 55
Festuca elatior 54 Hypericum perforatum 48, 56 Malva parviflora 48 Pedicularis palustris 50, 55
Festuca pseudovina 54 Hypericum quadrangulum 48 Malva sylvestris 48 Peplis portula 49
Festuca rubra 54 Hypochoeris radicata 52 Marrubium incanum 50 Petteria ramentacea 48
Festuca valesiaca 54 Inula britannica 51 Medicago arabica 49 Peucedanum coriaceum 49
Filago minima 51 Inula helenium 51 Medicago falcata 49 Peucedanum oreoselinum 49
Filipendula hexapetala 48 Inula hirta 51 Medicago hispida 49 Peucedanum palustre 49
Filipendula ulmaria 48 Inula oculus-christi 51 Medicago lupulina 49 Phalaris arundinacea 53
Fimbristylis dichotoma 53 Inula salicina 51 Medicago minima 49 Phillyrea latifolia 51
Foeniculum vulgare 49 Iris pseudacorus 53 Medicago orbicularis 49 Phleum pratense 53
Fragaria moschata 48 Iris sibirica 53 Medicago prostrata 49 Phleum pratense 53
Fragaria vesca 48, 56 Iris sibirica 55 Melampyrum barbatum 50 Phleum subulatum 53
Frangula alnus 48 Juncus anceps 53 Melampyrum cristatum 50 Phoxinellus 32, 33, 72
Frangula rupestris 48 Juncus atriculatus 53 Melampyrum pratense 50 Phoxinellus ghetaldii 32, 33
Fraxinus angustifolia 51 Juncus bufonius 53 Melandrium album 47 Phragmites communis 54
Fraxinus ornus 117 Juncus compressus 53 Melilotus officinalis 49 Picris hieracioides 52
Fumaria rostellata 47 Juncus conglomeratus 53 Mentha aquatica 50 Pimpinella major 49
Fumaria vaillantii 47 Juncus effusus 53 Mentha pulegium 50 Pinguicula vulgaris 50, 55
Galium aparine 51 Juncus glaucus 53 Menyanthes trifoliata 51 Pinus halepensis 117
Galium boreale 51 Juncus murbeckii 53 Menyanthes trifoliata 55 Pistacia terebinthus 48
Galium corrudaefolium 51 Juncus tenageja 53 Micropus erectus 51 Plantago altissima 51
Galium cruciata 51 Juncus tenuis 53 Moenchia mantica 47 Plantago bellardii 51
Galium divaricatum 51 Juniperus communis 46 Molinia arundinacea 54 Plantago carinata 51
Galium mollugo 51 Knautia arvensis 51 Molinia caerulea 54 Plantago lanceolata 51
Galium palustre 51 Koeleria gracilis 54 Muscari comosum 52 Plantago major 51
Galium purpureum 51 Koeleria phleoides 54 Muscari racemosum 52 Plantago maritima 51
Galium verum 51 Koeleria splendens 54 Myosotis caespitosa 50 Plantago media 51
Gallinago gallinago 32 Lamium maculatum 50 Myosotis caespitosa 50 Platanthera bifolia 54, 55
Genista ovata 49 Lappula echinata 50 Myosotis scorpioides 50 Plumbago europaea 50
Genista sagittalis 49 Lapsana communis 51 Myriophyllum spicatum 49 Poa annua 54
Genista tinctoria 49 Laserpitium latifolium 49 Myriophyllum verticillatum 49 Poa bulbosa 54
Gentiana crispata 51 Laserpitium prutenicum 49 Najas minor 52 Poa compressa 54
Gentiana pneumonanthe 51 Lathyrus aphaca 48 Narcissus angustifolius 53, 55 Poa sylvicola 54
Gentiana utriculosa 51 Lathyrus latifolius 49 Nardus stricta 54 Polygala comosa 48
Geranium dissectum 48 Lathyrus niger 48 Nasturtium officinale 47 Polygala oxyptera 48
Geranium molle 48 Lathyrus palustris 49 Neottia nidus-avis 54 Polygonatum latifolium 52
Geranium robertianum 48 Lathyrus pannonicus 49 Nepeta pannonica 50 Polygonatum multiflorum 52
Geum rivale 48 Lathyrus pratensis 49 Nigella damascena 47 Polygonum amphibium 46
Geum urbanum 48 Lathyrus tuberosus 49 Nuphar luteum 47 Polygonum aviculare 46
Gladiolus illyricus 53, 55 Leersia oryzoides 54 Nuphar luteum 55 Polygonum bellardi 46
Globularia willkommii 51 Lemna minor 49 Nymphaea alba 47, 55 Polygonum bistorta 46
Glyceria fluitans 54 Lens culinaris 48 Nymphoides peltata 47 Polygonum hydropiper 46
Glyceria plicata 54 Leontodon autumnalis 52 Oenanthe aquatica 49 Polygonum mite 46
Glycyrrhiza echinata 48 Leontodon crispus 52 Oenanthe fistulosa 49 Polygonum persicaria 46
Polygonum tomentosum 46 Ruscus aculeatus 53 Stellaria holostea 47 Veronica orbiculata 50
Polypogon monspeliensis 54 Ruta patavina 48 Stenactis annua 51 Veronica poljensis 50
Populus nigra 46 Sagittaria sagittifolia 52 Stipa pennata 54 Veronica poljensis 55
Populus tremula 46 Salix alba 46 Succisa pratensis 51 Veronica scutellata 50
Potamogeton crispus 52 Salix cinerea 46 Succisella petteri 51, 55 Veronica serpyllifolia 50
Potamogeton fluitans 52 Salix incana 46 Symphytum tuberosum 50 Veronica spicata 50
Potamogeton lucens 52 Salix pentandra 46 Symphytum tuberosum 50, 56 Viburnum lantana 51
Potamogeton natans 52 Salix purpurea 46 Taraxacum officinale 52 Viburnum opulus 51
Potamogeton perfoliatus 52 Salix repens 46, 55 Taraxacum paludosum 52 Vicia cracca 48
Potamogeton pusillus 52 Salvia bertolonii 50 Taraxacum palustre 52 Vicia grandiflora 48
Potentilla anserina 48 Salvia verticillata 50 Telestes 72 Vicia hirsuta 48
Potentilla argentea 48 Sambucus ebulus 51 Teucrium chamaedrys 50 Vicia onobrychoides 48
Potentilla erecta 48 Sambucus nigra 51 Teucrium montanum 50 Vicia sativa 48
Potentilla palustris 48 Samolus valerandi 50 Teucrium montanum 50, 56 Vicia striata 48
Potentilla reptans 48 Sanguisorba minor 48 Teucrium polium 50 Vicia tenuifolia 48
Primula vulgaris 50 Sanguisorba officinalis 48 Teucrium scordioides 50 Vicia tetrasperma 48
Proteus anguinus 35, 70, 71, 72, 74, Saponaria officinalis 47 Teucrium scordium 50 Viola canina 47
75, 128, 194 Satureja montana 50 Thalictrum aquilegifolium 47 Viola reichenbachiana 47
Prunella laciniata 50 Satureja subspicata 50, 55 Thalictrum flavum 47, 55 Viola saxatilis 47
Prunella vulgaris 50 Scabiosa canescens 51 Thalictrum flexuosum 47 Viola stagnina 47
Prunus mahaleb 48 Scabiosa delminiana 51, 55 Thalictrum simplex 47 Viscaria vulgaris 47
Prunus spinosa 48 Scabiosa gramuntia 51 Thelypteris palustris 46 Vitex agnus-castus 50
Pteridium aquilinum 46 Scabiosa leucophylla 51, 55 Thesium intermedium 46 Vitis vinifera 48
Pulicaria vulgaris 51 Scandix pecten-veneris 49 Thymus longicaulis 50 Vulpia myuros 54
Punica granatum 48 Schoenoplectus tabernemontani 53 Thymus striatus 50 Xanthium spinosum 51
Pyrus amygdaliformis 48 Schoenoplectus triqueter 53 Tofieldia calyculata 52, 55 Xanthium strumarium 51
Pyrus communis 48 Schoenus nigricans 53 Tordylium apulum 49 Zannichellia palustris 52
Pyrus pyraster 48 Scilla pratensis 52, 55 Tragopogon dubius 52
Quercus cerris 117 Scirpus lacustris 53 Tragopogon orientalis 52
Quercus conferta 46 Scirpus maritimus 53 Tragopogon pratensis 52
Quercus ilex 117 Scleranthus annuus 47 Trifolium alpestre 49
Quercus lanuginosa 46 Scleranthus uncinatus 47 Trifolium campestre 49
Quercus pubescens 117 Sclerochloa dura 54 Trifolium dalmaticum 49
Quercus robur 46 Scolymus hispanicus 51 Trifolium dubium 49
Quercus trojana 46 Scorzonera rosea 52 Trifolium fragiferum 49
Radiola linoides 48 Scorzonera villosa 52 Trifolium hybridum 49
Ranunculus acer 47 Scutellaria altissima 50 Trifolium incarnatum 49
Ranunculus arvensis 47 Scutellaria galericulata 50 Trifolium lappaceum 49
Ranunculus auricomus 47 Scutellaria hastifolia 50 Trifolium medium 49
Ranunculus circinatus 47 Sedum acre 48 Trifolium montanum 49
Ranunculus ficaria 47 Sedum album 48 Trifolium ochroleucum 49
Ranunculus flammula 47 Sedum boloniense 48 Trifolium patens 49
Ranunculus lanuginosus 47 Selinum carvifolia 49 Trifolium pratense 49
Ranunculus lingua 47 Senecio barbareifolius 52 Trifolium repens 49
Ranunculus neapolitanus 47 Senecio jacobea 52 Trifolium resupinatum 49
Ranunculus ophioglossifolius 47 Senecio paludosus 52 Trifolium strepens 49
Ranunculus paucistamineus 47 Senecio vulgaris 52 Trifolium strictum 49
Ranunculus repens 47 Serratula lycopifolia 52, 55 Triglochin palustre 52
Ranunculus sardous 47 Serratula tinctoria 52 Trigonella corniculata 49
Ranunculus sceleratus 47 Sesleria uliginosa 54 Tringa totanus 32
Ranunculus velutinus 47 Setaria viridis 54 Trollius europaeus 47
Reynoutria japonica 46 Sherardia arvensis 51 Tunica saxifraga 47
Rhamnus cathartica 48 Sieglingia decumbens 54 Typha angustifolia 54
Rhamnus intermedia 48 Silene otites 47 Typha latifolia 54
Rhinanthus major 50 Silene sendtneri 47, 55 Typha shutllerworthi 54, 55
Rhinanthus minor 50 Silene vulgaris 47 Ulmus campestris 46
Rhinanthus rumelicus 50 Silybum marianum 52 Ulmus laevis 46
Rhinanthus serotinus 50 Sinapis arvensis 47 Urtica dioica 51
Rorippa amphibia 47 Sisymbrium officinale 47 Utricularia vulgaris 50, 55
Rorippa lippizensis 47 Sium erectum 49 Vaccaria grandiflora 47
Rorippa sylvestris 47 Sium latifolium 49 Valeriana officinalis 51
Rosa arvensis 48 Smyrnium perfoliatum 50 Valerianella dentata 51
Rosa canina 48, 56 Solanum dulcamara 50 Veratrum album 52
Rosa gallica 48 Sonchus arvensis 51 Verbascum nigrum 50
Rosa spinosissima 48 Sonchus asper 51 Verbascum pulverulentum 50
Rubus caesius 48 Sonchus oleraceus 51 Verbascum thapsus 50
Rubus dalmaticus 48 Sparganium erectum 54 Verbena officinalis 50
Rumex acetosa 46 Sparganium microcarpum 54 Veronica anagallis-aquatica 50
Rumex acetosella 46 Sparganium simplex 54 Veronica anagalloides 50
Rumex conglomeratus 46 Spergularia rubra 47 Veronica anagalloides 55
Rumex crispus 46 Stachys annua 50 Veronica beccabunga 50
Rumex hydrolapathum 46 Stachys germanica 50 Veronica chamaedrys 50
Rumex patientia 46 Stachys palustris 50 Veronica jacquinii 50
Rumex pulcher 46 Stachys serotina 50 Veronica maritima 50, 55
Rumex sanguineus 46 Stellaria graminea 47 Veronica officinalis 50
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Dinaric Karst Poljes – Floods for Life organism index

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 Karst poljes represent small but fertile and
for human beings and biota hospitable
geomorphological forms in generally
inhospitable large surrounding karst areas.
Because of this they represent crucial social
and ecological systems. The problem is
that this fact is not enough scientifically
and especially politically recognized. If this
dangerous trend will continue it is obvious
that values and functions of karst poljes will
be very soon irreparably destroyed.

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