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Important Bird Areas in Europe – Croatia

■■■■■ CROATIA

Willow forest along theRiver Drava (IBA 011).(PHOTO: T. MIKUSKA)

OVERVIEW

Croatia occupies 56,540 km2 with a population of 4,726,000 people.Twenty-three Important Bird Areas (IBAs) are identified, covering7,546 km2 (approximately 13%) of the country’s surface area. Thisinventory represents a partial update of the previous pan-Europeaninventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989). New data have beencompiled for some sites by Tibor Mikuska (see site-account speciestables) but were unavailable for many existing sites and potentialnew IBAs. With the exception of two sites (YU008 and YU018),all sites from the previous inventory are included here, whether ornot new data are available (Table 1, Map 1). Sites YU008 and

YU018 did not meet criteria in the previous inventory but werejudged important for migratory species and therefore included. Asthese sites do not meet the revised criteria for this inventory either,they have not been confirmed as IBAs (Table 1). In addition to the17 sites retained from the previous inventory, six new sites havebeen identified (Table 1, Map 1).

Several globally threatened and near-threatened bird species(Collar et al. 1994) occur in IBAs, meeting the A1 criterion. Aythyanyroca meets the criterion at 12 sites, with nine sites holdingimportant numbers of breeding birds, two sites significant numbersof passage birds and one site wintering birds. Haliaeetus albicillabreeds in important numbers at six sites and also winters in

Table 1. Summary of Important Bird Areas in Croatia. 23 IBAs covering 7,546 km2

IBA 1989code code International name National name Administrative region Area (ha) Criteria (see p. 11)

001 — Alluvial wetlands of the River Danube Poplavno podrucje rijeke Dunav Osjecko-baranjska zupanija 30,000 A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2002 YU014 Kopacki Rit Special Zoological Reserve Posebni zooloski rezervat Kopacki rit Osjecko-baranjska zupanija 7,000 A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2

003 YU013 River Drava Drava od Donjie Miholjca do Osijeka Osjecko-baranjska zupanija 25,000 A1, B2(ukljucujuci Dravske sume)

004 — Nasicka Breznica fish-ponds Ribnjaci kod Nasicke Breznice Osjecko-baranjska zupanija 1,345 A1, A4i, B1i, B2

005 — Alluvial forests from Podravska Slatina Poplavne sume hrasta luznjaka izmedju Viroviticko-podravska zupanija, 100,000 A1, B2to Vuka Podravske Slatine i Vuke Pozesko-slavonska zupanija,

Osjecko-baranjska zupanija006 — Donji Miholjac fish-ponds Ribnjaci kod Donjeg Miholjca Osjecko-baranjska zupanija 981 A1, A4i, B1i, B2

007 — Grudnjak fish-ponds Ribnjaci Grudnjak Viroviticko-podravska zupanija 1,020 A1, B1i, B2, B3008 YU012 Jelas field Jelas polje Brodsko-posavska zupanija 10,000 A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2

009 YU010 Alluvial wetlands of the River Sava Poplavno podrucje rijeke Save Sisacko-moslavacka zupanija, 210,000 A1, A4i, B1i, B2Brodsko-posavska zupanija,Vukovarsko-srijemska zupanija

010 YU011 Koncanica fish-ponds and surrounding area Ribnjaci Koncanica s okolicom Bjelovarsko-bilogorska zupanija 10,000 A1, B1i, B2

011 — Alluvial wetlands of the River Drava Poplavno podrucje rijeke Drave Koprivnicko-krizevacka zupanija, 50,000 A1, A4i, B1i, B2Viroviticko-podravska zupanija,Osjecko-baranjska zupanija

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several IBAs. Crex crex breeds in significant numbers in a singlesite and Aquila clanga (wintering) meets the A1 criterion at onesite. Falco naumanni occurs but does not meet criteria. There aretwo records of Numenius tenuirostris from 008 and 023 but theseremain unverified and the species is therefore not considered tomeet criteria.

The majority of sites selected as IBAs are wetland-forestcomplexes, with extensive areas of broadleaved alluvial forest inassociation with natural water-bodies and fish-ponds. These siteshold important breeding populations of species with anunfavourable conservation status in Europe (meeting the B2/B3criteria), in particular herons and storks, including Ixobrychus

Table 1 ... continued. Summary of Important Bird Areas in Croatia. 23 IBAs covering 7,546 km2

IBA 1989code code International name National name Administrative region Area (ha) Criteria (see p. 11)

012 YU009 Turopolje Turopolje Sisacko-moslavacka zupanija, 20,000 B2Grad Zagreb

013 YU007 Pokupsko depression Pokupska Depresija Zagrebacka zupanija, 196,600 A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2Karlovacka zupanija

014 YU015 Special Ornithological Reserve on Krk island Posebni ornitološki rezervat na otoku Krku Primorsko-goranska zupanija 1,000 B2015 YU017 Prvic island Otok Prvic Primorsko-goranska zupanija 7,000 B2

016 YU016 Special Ornithological Reserves on Cres island Posebni ornitološki rezervati na otoku Cresu Primorsko-goranska zupanija 1,450 B2017 YU019 Paklenica National Park Nacionalni park Paklenica Zadarsko-kninska zupanija 3,617 B2

018 YU020 Kornati National Park and Telascica Nacionalni park Kornati i Park prirode Zadarsko-kninska zupanija, 30,200 B2Nature Park Telascica Sibenska zupanija

019 YU022 Lake Vransko Vransko jezero Zadarsko-kninska zupanija 3,000 A4i, A4iii, B1i

020 YU021 Krka National Park Nacionalni park Krka Zadarsko-kninska zupanija, 14,200 B2Sibenska zupanija

021 YU023 Sinjsko field Sinjsko polje Splitsko-dalmatinska zupanija 640 B2

022 YU024 Dinara mountain Dinara planina Zadarsko-kninska zupanija, 20,000 B2Splitsko-dalmatinska zupanija

023 YU025 Delta of the Neretva river Delta rijeke Neretve Dubrovacko-neretvanska zupanija 11,500 A3, B1i

Sites identified in the previous inventory of IBAs in Europe (Grimmett and Jones 1989) but no longer considered to be IBAsYU008 St Eufemia Bay, Rab; YU018 Bokanjacko blato and Ninske solane (Nin saltpan).

minutus, Nycticorax nycticorax, Ardeola ralloides, Ciconia nigra andCiconia ciconia. Several of these IBAs are also important for passageand wintering waterbirds, five sites regularly holding more than20,000 waterbirds (meeting the A4iii criterion).

Alluvial forest and wetlands are threatened by a wide variety offactors. Of particular importance are agricultural expansion,forestry, drainage and river canalization. Canalization preventsnatural flood-plain dynamics and causes the drying of forests andsurrounding wetlands, as inundation no longer occurs and thewater-table is lowered. In IBAs with fish-ponds, hunting is a seriousthreat as the ponds are often leased to foreign hunting groups.Hunting causes both significant mortality and disturbance.

Map 1. Location, area andcriteria category of ImportantBird Areas in Croatia.

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2018

17

19

16 14

15

9

11

1012

8

15

67

42

3

13

2122

H U N G A R Y

S L O V E N I A

Y U G O S L A V I A

A D R I A T I C S E A

B O S N I A A N DH E R Z E G O V I N A

Area of IBA (ha)

A (14 IBAs)

B (9 IBAs)

Highest category ofcriteria met by IBA

640 to 2,999

3,000 to 11,499

11,500 to 30,199

30,200 to 210,000

0 15075

km

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■ SITE ACCOUNTS

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Ixobrychus minutus Little Bittern B — 100 100 B B21 Nycticorax nycticorax Night Heron B — 100 400 B B2

2,3Ardeola ralloides Squacco Heron B — — 70 B B1i, B24 Anas platyrhynchos Mallard W — 20,000 20,000 — B1iAythya nyroca Ferruginous Duck B 1991 50 50 B A1, B2Aythya nyroca Ferruginous Duck P 1994 1,000 1,000 — A1, A4iHaliaeetus albicilla R — 15 20 A A1, B2

White-tailed Eagle

1. 1980–1990.2. 1987–1990.3. Large decrease.4. 1989.


Ixobrychus minutus Little Bittern B — 100 — — B2Nycticorax nycticorax Night Heron B — 400 400 — B2Ardeola ralloides Squacco Heron B — 10 100 — B2Ardea purpurea Purple Heron B — 10 200 — B2Ciconia nigra Black Stork B — 30 30 — B2Ciconia ciconia White Stork B — 20 50 — B2Platalea leucorodia Spoonbill P — 500 10,000 — A4i, B1iAnser fabalis Bean Goose W — 10,000 50,000 — A4i, B1iAnas platyrhynchos Mallard W — 50,000 50,000 — B1iAythya nyroca Ferruginous Duck B — 100 200 — A1, A4i, B1i, B2Milvus migrans Black Kite B — 50 50 — B2Haliaeetus albicilla R — 15 20 — A1, B2

White-tailed EagleAquila clanga Greater Spotted Eagle W — 2 5 — A1Falco cherrug Saker B — 4 5 — B2Grus grus Crane P — 50 500 — B1iChlidonias hybridus Whiskered Tern B — 100 100 — B1i, B2


Haliaeetus albicilla B — 5 6 — A1, B2White-tailed Eagle

■■■■■ Birds

This is an important site for breeding herons. The site holds 20,000 ormore waterbirds in winter, on a regular basis. Species of globalconservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Aquila heliaca,Falco naumanni, Crex crex.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational Partial International Partial6,234 ha of IBA covered by Special Zoological Reserve (Kopacki Rit,6,234 ha). IBA overlaps with Nature Park (Kopacki Rit, 17,200 ha).IBA overlaps with Ramsar Site (Kopacki Rit, 17,770 ha).

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (U), Other (U)

Threats include fisheries, eutrophication, siltation, and frog collection.

River Drava A1, B2 003Admin region Osjecko-baranjska zupanijaCoordinates 45°37’N 18°25’EAltitude 85–95 m Area 25,000 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA stretch of the River Drava, extending from Donji Miholjac to Osijek(including Dravske forest).

Habitats Forest and woodland (alluvial/very wet forest; broadleaved evergreen forest),Wetland (river/stream)Land-use Forestry


■■■■■ Protection statusNational None International None


Threats Intensified forest management (U)

Nasicka Breznica fish-ponds A1, A4i, B1i, B2 004Admin region Osjecko-baranjska zupanijaCoordinates 45°35’N 18°13’EAltitude 95–105 m Area 1,345 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA complex of fish-ponds with extensive reedbeds (Phragmites) andponds with emergent vegetation.

Alluvial wetlands A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2 001of the River DanubeAdmin region Osjecko-baranjska zupanijaCoordinates 45°40’N 18°50’EAltitude 84–89 m Area 30,000 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionAlluvial wetlands along the River Danube from the Croatian–Hungarian border south to the mouth of the River Drava. Areaincludes alluvial Quercus forests, extensive freshwater wetlands andreedbeds (Phragmites) and commercial fish-ponds. Since 1991 the areahas been completely occupied by military forces.

Habitats Forest and woodland (40%; broadleaved deciduous forest; alluvial/very wetforest), Grassland (5%; humid grassland), Wetland (50%; standing fresh water; river/stream; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape (5%; arable land; forestryplantation; other urban/industrial areas)Land-use Agriculture (10%), Fisheries/aquaculture (5%), Forestry (40%), Hunting (80%),Nature conservation/research (50%), Tourism/recreation (30%)


The site is important for breeding herons. The site holds 20,000 ormore waterbirds in winter, on a regular basis. Species of globalconservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Aquila heliaca(passage), Falco naumanni, Crex crex (breeding).

■■■■■ Protection statusNational Partial International Partial7,000 ha of IBA covered by Special Reserve (Kopacki Rit, 7,000 ha).17,200 ha of IBA covered by Nature Park (Kopacki Rit, 17,200 ha).17,770 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Kopacki Rit, 17,770 ha).


Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Aquaculture/fisheries (C),Burning of vegetation (C), Deforestation (commercial) (A), Disturbance to birds (A),Dredging/canalization (A), Natural events (B), Other (A), Recreation/tourism (B)

There are plans for river canalization, forestry and use of the site asan exclusive state hunting property. The entire area has been proposedfor protection as a National Park.

Kopacki Rit A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2 002Special Zoological ReserveAdmin region Osjecko-baranjska zupanijaCoordinates 45°34’N 18°51’EAltitude — Area 7,000 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionAn area of flood-plain of the Rivers Danube and Drava, with extensiveSalix, Populus and Quercus forests. There are numerous channels andoxbows, extensive reedbeds (Phragmites) and a large fish-pondcomplex.

Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest; alluvial/very wet forest),Wetland (standing fresh water; river/stream; water-fringe vegetation)Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture, Hunting, Tourism/recreation

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Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria1 Ardeola ralloides Squacco Heron B 1995 10 15 A B22 Egretta alba Great White Egret W 1996 6 313 A A4i, B1iAythya nyroca Ferruginous Duck B 1993 20 50 B A1, B2

1. 1993–1995.2. 1993–1996.


Ciconia nigra Black Stork B — 10 50 B B2Milvus migrans Black Kite B — 10 20 C B2Haliaeetus albicilla R — 5 10 B A1, B2

White-tailed Eagle

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria1 Phalacrocorax carbo Cormorant N 1990 400 400 B B1i2 Egretta alba Great White Egret W 1996 1 177 B A4i, B1i3 Ardea purpurea Purple Heron B 1995 3 58 A B24 Anser anser Greylag Goose W 1987 500 500 A B1iAythya nyroca Ferruginous Duck B 1993 10 40 B A1, B2

5 Mergus merganser Goosander W 1996 33 33 A B1i

1. Birds breed on Hungarian part of site but feed in Croatia.2. 1993–1996.3. 1990–1993.4. 1987.5. 1996.

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria1 Ixobrychus minutus Little Bittern B 1995 15 20 B B21 Nycticorax nycticorax Night Heron B 1995 23 100 A B22 Ardeola ralloides Squacco Heron B 1995 2 20 A B2Aythya ferina Pochard B 1993 17 17 B B3Aythya nyroca Ferruginous Duck B 1993 20 50 B A1, B2Chlidonias hybridus Whiskered Tern B 1993 200 200 B B1i, B2

1. 1993–1995.2. 1994–1995.

Habitats Wetland (90%; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation), Artificiallandscape (10%; ruderal land)Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture (100%), Hunting (100%)


Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria:Haliaeetus albicilla.



Threats Abandonment/reduction of land management (B), Aquaculture/fisheries (B),Burning of vegetation (C), Disturbance to birds (B), Recreation/tourism (B),Unsustainable exploitation (U)

The main threats are fishery management practices, the leasing of theponds to foreign hunters, and disturbance caused by the shooting ofPhalacrocorax carbo during the breeding season.

Alluvial forests from A1, B2 005Podravska Slatina to VukaAdmin region Viroviticko-podravska zupanija,

Pozesko-slavonska zupanija,Osjecko-baranjska zupanija

Coordinates 45°40’N 18°10’EAltitude 90–100 m Area 100,000 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionAlluvial Quercus forests streching from the town of Podravska Slatinasouth-east to the village of Vuka.

Habitats Forest and woodland (90%; broadleaved deciduous forest; alluvial/very wetforest), Artificial landscape (10%; other urban/industrial areas)Land-use Forestry (100%), Hunting


An important site for breeding storks and raptors. Species of globalconservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Falco naumanni.



Threats Deforestation (commercial) (B), Infrastructure (B), Natural events (B),Unsustainable exploitation (A)

The main threat is from the intensification of forestry, particularlyclear-felling. Falling groundwater levels, as a result of drought andpossibly drainage, are also a problem.

Donji Miholjac fish-ponds A1, A4i, B1i, B2 006Admin region Osjecko-baranjska zupanijaCoordinates 45°45’N 18°12’EAltitude 90–92 m Area 981 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA complex of a fish-ponds along the River Drava. The site includes

large ponds with extensive reedbeds (Phragmites) and other emergentvegetation. The surrounding area includes abandoned ponds and aformer oxbow lake.

Habitats Wetland (90%; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation), Artificiallandscape (10%; ruderal land)Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture (100%), Hunting (100%)


This is an important site for breeding and wintering waterbirds. Speciesof global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria:Haliaeetus albicilla (1–6 wintering).



Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (B), Burning of vegetation (C), Disturbance to birds (B),Unsustainable exploitation (U)

The main threats are from fisheries management, and disturbanceand mortality caused by foreign hunters. Shooting of Phalacrocoraxcarbo causes great disturbance to breeding birds including Aythyanyroca.

Grudnjak fish-ponds A1, B1i, B2, B3 007Admin region Viroviticko-podravska zupanijaCoordinates 45°40’N 18°03’EAltitude 99–102 m Area 1,020 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA complex of fish-ponds surrounded by water-fringe vegetation andsome completely covered with emergent vegetation. Wet meadows andpastures are adjacent to the fish-ponds.

Habitats Forest and woodland, Grassland (5%; humid grassland), Wetland (90%;standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape (5%)Land-use Agriculture (5%), Fisheries/aquaculture (95%), Hunting (95%)


This is an important site for breeding herons and terns. Species ofglobal conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Aythyanyroca, Haliaeetus albicilla (1–9 wintering).



Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (B), Burning of vegetation (C), Disturbance to birds (A),Recreation/tourism (A), Unsustainable exploitation (U)

The fish-ponds are leased to foreign hunters. Breeding birds aredisturbed by fishermen and by the shooting of Phalacrocorax carbo.

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Nycticorax nycticorax Night Heron B — 100 200 — B2Ciconia nigra Black Stork B — 50 80 — B1i, B2Ciconia ciconia White Stork B — 570 570 — B2Platalea leucorodia Spoonbill B — 150 170 — A4i, B1i, B2Milvus migrans Black Kite B — 10 — — B2Haliaeetus albicilla B — 15 15 — A1, B2

White-tailed EagleAquila pomarina Lesser Spotted Eagle B — 25 — — B2Crex crex Corncrake B — 120 150 — A1Chlidonias hybridus Whiskered Tern B — 150 — — B1i, B2

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria1 Phalacrocorax carbo Cormorant W 1994 3 2,500 A B1iCiconia ciconia White Stork B — 20 30 A B2

2 Anser fabalis Bean Goose W 1987 2,000 2,000 A B1iAythya nyroca Ferruginous Duck B — 10 50 B A1, B2Chlidonias hybridus Whiskered Tern B — 15 15 B B2

1. 1992–1994.2. 1987.

Jelas field A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2 008Admin region Brodsko-posavska zupanijaCoordinates 45°05’N 17°45’EAltitude 87–100 m Area 10,000 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionAlluvial flood-plain of the River Sava, situated west of the town ofSlavonski Brod. The site includes commercial fish-ponds, alluvialQuercus forests, wet meadows and pastures, as well as arable landwith traditional villages.

Habitats Forest and woodland (20%; broadleaved deciduous forest; alluvial/verywet forest), Grassland (20%; humid grassland), Wetland (30%; standing fresh water;river/stream; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape (30%; highly improvedreseeded grassland; arable land; perennial crops/orchards/groves; other urban/industrial areas)Land-use Agriculture (30%), Fisheries/aquaculture (25%), Forestry (25%),Hunting (25%)


This is an important site for breeding herons. The site holds 20,000 ormore waterbirds in winter, on a regular basis. Species of globalconservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Haliaeetusalbicilla, Falco naumanni, Crex crex.



Threats Abandonment/reduction of land management (A), Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Aquaculture/fisheries (B), Burning of vegetation (C), Disturbance tobirds (B), Intensified forest management (B)

Local authorities protect the mixed heron colony as a SpecialOrnithological Reserve.

Alluvial wetlands A1, A4i, B1i, B2 009of the River SavaAdmin region Sisacko-moslavacka zupanija,

Brodsko-posavska zupanija,Vukovarsko-srijemska zupanija


■■■■■ Site descriptionA flood-plain area of the Rivers Sava, Lonja and Strug. The siteinculdes alluvial Quercus and Populus forests, marshes, meadows, fish-ponds, oxbow lakes and rivers and streams. Some areas have beendrained and cultivated.

Habitats Forest and woodland (40%; broadleaved deciduous forest; alluvial/very wetforest), Grassland (10%; humid grassland), Wetland (20%; standing fresh water; river/stream; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape (40%; arable land; perennial crops/orchards/groves; other urban/industrial areas; ruderal land)

Land-use Agriculture, Forestry


This is an important site for breeding storks and raptors. Species ofglobal conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Aythyanyroca, Aquila heliaca.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational Low International None25 ha of IBA covered by Bird Sanctuary (Krapje Dol, 25 ha). 430 haof IBA covered by Bird Sanctuary (Rakita, 430 ha). 77 ha of IBAcovered by Bird Sanctuary (Vrazje Blato, 77 ha).


Threats Drainage (U), Filling-in of wetlands (U)

The main threats are drainage and land reclamation.

Koncanica fish-ponds A1, B1i, B2 010and surrounding areaAdmin region Bjelovarsko-bilogorska zupanijaCoordinates 45°40’N 17°04’EAltitude 129–144 m Area 10,000 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA complex of fish-ponds along the Ilova river consisting of large pondswith water-fringe vegetation (Phragmites) covering 1,475 ha and wetgrasslands covering over 700 ha. Alluvial Qurecus forests occupy2,500 ha.

Habitats Forest and woodland (30%; broadleaved deciduous forest; alluvial/very wetforest), Grassland (10%; humid grassland), Wetland (30%; standing fresh water; river/stream; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape (40%; arable land; perennial crops/orchards/groves; other urban/industrial areas)Land-use Agriculture (40%), Fisheries/aquaculture (30%), Forestry (30%),Hunting (30%)


Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria:Haliaeetus albicilla, Crex crex.



Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Aquaculture/fisheries (B),Deforestation (commercial) (B), Disturbance to birds (B), Other (B), Unsustainableexploitation

The main threats include conversion of grasslands to arable cultivation,increasingly intensive forestry, hunting, pesticide run-off, and leadpoisoning from spent shot (‘Other’, threats).

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria1 Phalacrocorax carbo Cormorant W 1996 27 3,500 A B1i2 Phalacrocorax pygmeus W 1996 242 400 A A1, A4i, B1i

Pygmy Cormorant3 Ixobrychus minutus Little Bittern B 1995 25 26 B B24 Nycticorax nycticorax Night Heron B 1995 122 320 A B24 Ardeola ralloides Squacco Heron B 1995 60 180 A B21 Egretta alba Great White Egret W 1996 12 157 A A4i, B1i5 Platalea leucorodia Spoonbill B 1996 100 125 A B1i, B26 Anas platyrhynchos Mallard W 1996 2,500 11,000 A B1iAythya nyroca Ferruginous Duck B — 120 160 — A1, B1i, B2

7 Aythya nyroca Ferruginous Duck W 1996 11 52 A A11 Larus ridibundus Black-headed Gull W 1996 42 5,500 A B1i

1. 1992–1996.2. 1995–1996.3. 1993–1996.4. 1991–1995.5. 1991–1994.6. 1991–1997.7. 1991–1996.

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Phalacrocorax carbo Cormorant R — 2,000 2,000 A A4iIxobrychus minutus Little Bittern B — 10 43 B B2Nycticorax nycticorax Night Heron B — 200 423 A B2Ardeola ralloides Squacco Heron B — 5 22 A B2Ardea purpurea Purple Heron B — 144 144 A B2Ciconia nigra Black Stork B — 10 41 B B2Ciconia ciconia White Stork B — 100 120 B B2Platalea leucorodia Spoonbill B — 5 31 A B2Aythya nyroca Ferruginous Duck B — 100 200 B A1, A4i, B1i, B2Haliaeetus albicilla R — 10 27 B A1, B2

White-tailed EagleRiparia riparia Sand Martin B — 4,000 4,700 B B2


Ciconia nigra Black Stork B — 5 10 B B2Ciconia ciconia White Stork B — 15 20 B B2Milvus migrans Black Kite B — 2 5 B B2Aquila pomarina Lesser Spotted Eagle B — 2 3 B B2

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc CriteriaIxobrychus minutus Little Bittern B — 10 20 C B2Egretta alba Great White Egret U 1992 23 120 B A4i, B1iAnas platyrhynchos Mallard W — 12 10,000 B B1iAnas platyrhynchos Mallard P — 10,000 10,000 B B1iAythya nyroca Ferruginous Duck B — 70 120 B A1, B2Aythya nyroca Ferruginous Duck P — 3,200 5,200 — A1, A4i, B1i, B2Aquila pomarina Lesser Spotted Eagle B — 1 2 — B2

Alluvial wetlands A1, A4i, B1i, B2 011of the River DravaAdmin region Koprivnicko-krizevacka zupanija,

Viroviticko-podravska zupanija,Osjecko-baranjska zupanija


■■■■■ Site descriptionNatural alluvial landscapes along the River Drava from the mouth ofthe River Mura, east to its mouth with the River Danube. Area includesextensive alluvial Quercus forests, wet meadows, pastures, and smallfreshwater wetlands. The river has created 40-m-high cliffs andnumerous meanders, as well as gravel islands.

Habitats Forest and woodland (40%; broadleaved deciduous forest; alluvial/very wetforest), Grassland (10%; humid grassland), Wetland (25%; standing fresh water; river/stream; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape (25%; highly improved reseededgrassland; arable land; perennial crops/orchards/groves; other urban/industrial areas)Land-use Agriculture (60%), Forestry (40%), Hunting, Water management (10%)


This is an important site for breeding herons and storks.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational Low International None3,886 ha of IBA covered by Nature Park (Repas Nature Park). 700 haof IBA covered by Special Reserve (Veliki Pazut, 700 ha).


Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Burning of vegetation (C),Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (A), Deforestation (commercial) (B),Disturbance to birds (B), Dredging/canalization (A), Extraction industry (B), Filling-in ofwetlands (B), Industrialization/urbanization (B), Infrastructure (B)

There are plans to build power-stations along the River Drava and tocanalize parts of the river. Gravel mining is a further threat. A jointconservation project between Austrian, Slovenian, Hungarian andCroatian NGOs, under the leadership of Euronatur, has proposedthe whole area for protection.

Turopolje B2 012Admin region Sisacko-moslavacka zupanija,

Grad ZagrebCoordinates 45°34’N 16°15’EAltitude 97–105 m Area 20,000 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionAn area regularly inundated by the River Odra and its tributaries.The site includes extensive pastures, wet grasslands and alluvialQuercus and Fagus forests.

Habitats Forest and woodland (25%; broadleaved deciduous forest; alluvial/very wetforest), Grassland (65%; humid grassland), Wetland (5%; standing fresh water; river/stream), Artificial landscape (5%; arable land)Land-use Agriculture (70%), Forestry (30%), Hunting

■■■■■ BirdsThis is an important site for breeding storks, herons and raptors.

Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria:Aythya nyroca, Haliaeetus albicilla (2–3 breeding pairs), Crex crex(10 breeding pairs).



Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (A), Burning of vegetation (C),Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (B), Deforestation (commercial) (B),Industrialization/urbanization (B), Intensified forest management (B), Natural events (B)

There are a number of major threats to the site. A nuclear power planthas been planned for the site and a major highway is likely to runthrough or close to the area. It has been suggested as a location for anurban waste-disposal site. River canalization, in combination withdrought, has already caused a reduction in the groundwater level anddrying of the alluvial forests. Further canalization and drainage workis planned.

Pokupsko depression A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2 013Admin region Zagrebacka zupanija,

Karlovacka zupanijaCoordinates 45°37’N 15°42’EAltitude 116–200 m Area 196,600 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionThe site includes a number of subsites: Crna Mlaka SpecialOrnithological Reserve; Pisarovina fish-ponds; Draganici fish-ponds;and Lonjsko and Mokro fields. Draganici and Crna Malka areboth fish-pond complexes with emergent vegetation and extensivewater-fringe vegetation, surrounded by alluvial Quercus forests.Lonjsko and Mokro fields include the flood-plains of the Rivers Sava,Lonja and Strug. The area includes extensive alluvial Quercus forests(52,000 ha), wet grasslands (12,000 ha), pastures (11,900 ha) andnumerous small temporary and permanent wetlands. Other habitatsinclude old settlements, fish-ponds (1,400 ha), arable land andperennial crops.

Habitats Forest and woodland (alluvial/very wet forest), Wetland (standing fresh water;water-fringe vegetation)Land-use Agriculture, Fisheries/aquaculture, Forestry, Hunting


The site holds 20,000 or more waterbirds on passage, on a regularbasis. Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBAcriteria: Haliaeetus albicilla, Crex crex.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational Low International Partial625 ha of IBA covered by Special Ornithological Reserve (Crna Mlaka,625 ha). 625 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Crna Mlaka, 625 ha).IBA overlaps with Ramsar Site (Lonjsko Polje and Mokro Poljie,50,560 ha).


Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (U), Aquaculture/fisheries (U), Dredging/canalization (U), Infrastructure (U), Intensified forest management (U)

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Gyps fulvus Griffon Vulture B — 25 25 — B2Circaetus gallicus Short-toed Eagle B — 2 4 — B2

Special Ornithological Reserve B2 014on Krk islandAdmin region Primorsko-goranska zupanijaCoordinates 45°01’N 14°45’EAltitude — Area 1,000 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionCanyons and sea cliffs on the north-eastern side of Krk island.

Habitats Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore; inland cliff)Land-use Tourism/recreation


Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria:Aythya nyroca, Falco naumanni, Crex crex.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International None1,000 ha of IBA covered by Ornithological Reserve (Krk, 1,000 ha).


Threats Recreation/tourism (U)

Prvic island B2 015Admin region Primorsko-goranska zupanijaCoordinates 44°55’N 14°48’EAltitude — Area 7,000 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionThe island has high sea cliffs in the north-east and south-west. Theupland plateau is dominated by garrigue with some sheep-grazedgrassland.

Habitats Scrub (sclerophyllous scrub/garrigue/maquis), Grassland (steppe/dry calcareousgrassland), Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore)Land-use Tourism/recreation


This is an important site for breeding raptors.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational Partial International NoneIBA overlaps with Botanical and Zoological Reserve (Prvic Island,7,000 ha).



Special Ornithological Reserves B2 016on Cres islandAdmin region Primorsko-goranska zupanijaCoordinates 44°57’N 14°24’EAltitude — Area 1,450 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionQuercus, Carpinus, Ostrya and Castanea forest and high sea cliffs.

Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest), Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore)Land-use Tourism/recreation

■■■■■ BirdsThis is an important site for breeding raptors.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International None1,450 ha of IBA covered by Ornithological Reserves (Cres,1,450 ha).



Paklenica National Park B2 017Admin region Zadarsko-kninska zupanijaCoordinates 44°19’N 15°45’EAltitude — Area 3,617 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionTwo large river canyons with high cliffs and forests dominated byFagus, Quercus, Carpinus and Pinus.

Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest; native coniferous forest;mixed forest), Rocky areas (inland cliff)Land-use Tourism/recreation



■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International High3,617 ha of IBA covered by National Park (Paklenica, 3,617 ha).3,617 ha of IBA covered by Specially Protected Area (Paklenica,3,617 ha).



Kornati National Park B2 018and Telascica Nature ParkAdmin region Zadarsko-kninska zupanija,

Sibenska zupanijaCoordinates 43°45’N 15°18’EAltitude — Area 30,200 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionAn archipelago of several hundred islands in the central part of theAdriatic Sea. The islands are not forested but there are patches ofscrub.

Habitats Scrub (sclerophyllous scrub/garrigue/maquis), Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore)Land-use Tourism/recreation


Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria:Falco naumanni.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational Partial International Partial


Gyps fulvus Griffon Vulture R — 10 15 — B2


Gyps fulvus Griffon Vulture R — 10 15 — B2


Circaetus gallicus Short-toed Eagle B — 10 10 — B2Falco eleonorae Eleonora’s Falcon B — 10 10 — B2Falco peregrinus Peregrine R — 1 3 — B2


Gyps fulvus Griffon Vulture R — 20 20 — B2Falco peregrinus Peregrine R — 2 2 — B2

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Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria1 Fulica atra Coot W 1994 30,000 60,000 A A4i, B1i

1. 1993–1994.

IBA overlaps with Nature Park (Telascica). IBA overlaps withNational Park (Kornati, 30,200 ha). IBA overlaps with SpeciallyProtected Area (Kornati, 30,200 ha).



Lake Vransko A4i, A4iii, B1i 019Admin region Zadarsko-kninska zupanijaCoordinates 43°54’N 15°35’EAltitude 0–109 m Area 3,000 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA natural lake connected to the sea by a canal, fringed with reedbeds(Phragmites) and agricultural land along the western shore. The siteis used for recreation, fishing, aquaculture, reed-harvesting, huntingand tourism.

Habitats Wetland (standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape(arable land)Land-use Agriculture, Fisheries/aquaculture, Hunting, Other, Tourism/recreation


The site holds 20,000 or more waterbirds in winter on a regular basis.Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria:Aythya nyroca, Crex crex.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational Low International None30 ha of IBA covered by Special Reserve (Vransko, 30 ha).


Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (U), Aquaculture/fisheries (U), Other (U),Recreation/tourism (U), Unsustainable exploitation (U)

Krka National Park B2 020Admin region Zadarsko-kninska zupanija,

Sibenska zupanijaCoordinates 43°48’N 15°55’EAltitude — Area 14,200 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionSea coast, canyons, lakes and Quercus, Carpinus and Ostrya forests.

Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest), Wetland (standingfreshwater; river/stream), Marine areas (sea inlet/coastal features), Rocky areas (inland cliff)Land-use Tourism/recreation


Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria:Aythya nyroca, Aquila heliaca, Falco naumanni, Crex crex.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational High International High14,200 ha of IBA covered by National Park (Krka, 14,200 ha). 14,200 haof IBA covered by Specially Protected Area (Krka, 14,200 ha).


Threats Recreation/tourism

Tourism is the main threat.

Sinjsko field B2 021Admin region Splitsko-dalmatinska zupanijaCoordinates 43°55’N 16°25’EAltitude 295–301 m Area 640 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionAn area of meadows at the head of the Cetina river.

Habitats Grassland (humid grassland), Wetland (river/stream)

■■■■■ BirdsThe B2 criterion has been applied at the site level. The site was in theprevious pan-European inventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989) asPasko field (YU023). However, bird data are lacking. Caprimulguseuropaeus and Lullula arborea are common with ‘many’ breeding pairsreported.



Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (U)

Dinara mountain B2 022Admin region Zadarsko-kninska zupanija,

Splitsko-dalmatinska zupanijaCoordinates 43°58’N 16°32’EAltitude 0–1,831 m Area 20,000 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionAn area of montane meadows, cliffs, deciduous and conifer woodland.Land-uses include sheep- and cattle-grazing.

Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest; native coniferous forest),Grassland (alpine/subalpine/boreal grassland), Rocky areas (inland cliff)Land-use Agriculture




Delta of the Neretva river A3, B1i 023Admin region Dubrovacko-neretvanska zupanijaCoordinates 42°57’N 17°33’EAltitude — Area 11,500 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionDelta of the Neretva river, the largest wetland on the Croatian coast.The site includes extensive areas of brackish and freshwater marshes,reedbeds (Phragmites) and other emergent vegetation, as well as coastalsand beaches.

Habitats Wetland (tidal river/enclosed tidal water; saltmarsh; sand-dunes/sand beach; standing fresh water; standing brackish and salt water; water-fringevegetation)



Circaetus gallicus Short-toed Eagle B — 4 5 — B2Falco peregrinus Peregrine R — 2 3 — B2


Alectoris graeca Rock Partridge R 1994 — — — A3Oenanthe hispanica B 1994 — — — A3

Black-eared Wheatear


Circaetus gallicus Short-toed Eagle B — 5 5 — B2Aquila chrysaetos Golden Eagle R — 1 2 — B2Falco peregrinus Peregrine R — 2 3 — B2

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The B1i criterion has been applied at the site level as data are missingbut the site is known to be important for spring and autumnpassage waterbirds. Breeding birds include eight of the 21 species thatare restricted in Europe to the Mediterranean biome (when breeding).Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria:

Aythya nyroca, Haliaeetus albicilla, Aquila heliaca, Falco naumanni,Crex crex.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational Partial International High1,250 ha of IBA covered by Special Reserve (Pod Gredon / Prud /Orepak / south-east delta, 1,250 ha). 11,500 ha of IBA covered byRamsar Site (Neretva Delta, 11,500 ha). 11,500 ha of IBA covered bySpecially Protected Area (Neretva Delta, 11,500 ha).


Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (U), Industrialization/urbanization (U),Infrastructure (U), Unsustainable exploitation (U)

Drainage, agricultural development, urbanization, road building andhunting are all threats to the site.

BARTOVSKY, V., KLETECKI, E., RADOVIC, D., STIPCEVIC, M. AND SUSIC, G. (1987)Breeding waders in Yugoslavia. Wader Study Group Bull. 51: 33–37.

COLLAR, N. J., CROSBY, M. J. AND STATTERSFIELD, A. J. (1994) Birds to watch 2:the world list of threatened birds. Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International(Conservation Series 4).

DELIC, A. (1989) [Waterbirds of the Koncanica fishponds.] Larus 40: 25–33. (InCroatian.)

ERN, H. (1990) Autumn and winter observations of Great White Herons (Egrettaalba) on fishponds in Croatia. Troglodytes 3: 11–12.

GETZ, D. (1994) Cesta kroz Kopacki rit. [Road through Koapcki rit.] NovostiIBA projekta 3/4: 1–2.

GRIMMETT, R. F. A. AND JONES T. A. (1989) Important Bird Areas inEurope. Cambridge, UK: International Council for Bird Preservation (Tech.Publ. 9).

JURCEVIC, I. (1998) [Winter fauna and ecology of waterfowl, Anseriformes, inCroatia.] Zagreb: University of Zagreb (M.Sc. thesis). (In Croatian.)

LUKAC, G. (1994) Umjetni mocvarni biotopi—znacajna stanista mocvarnih ptica.[Artificial wetlands—important habitats for waterbirds.] Novosti IBA projekta3/4: 3–5.

LUKAÈ, G. AND STIPÈEVIÆ M. (1997) Birds of National Park Paklenica, Croatia.Natura Croatica 6: 60.

MAJER, J. (1995) Data to the fish fauna (Pisces) of Drava river (Hungary) and tothe quality of backwaters. Pp. 189–202 in A. Uherkovics, ed. The fauna ofthe Drava region, Vol. 1., Studia Pannonica, (A) Series Historico-naturalis.Pecs, Croatia.

MIKUSKA, J. (1979) Ekoloske osobine i zastita Specijalnog zooloskog rezervata“Kopacki rit” s posebnim osvrtom na ekologiju kraljesnjaka. [Ecologicalcharacteristics and protection of the Special zoological reserve “Kopacki rit”.]Zagreb: University of Zagreb (Ph.D. thesis).

MIKUSKA, J. AND MIKUSKA, T. (1994) Ptice Dunava na podrucju Hrvatske. [Birdsof the Danube valley in Croatia.] Anali Zavoda za znanstveni rad u Osijeku10: 109–175.

MIKUSKA, T. (1988/89) Prijeti li ekoloska katastrofa “Kopackom ritu”. [Doesecological catastrophe threaten “Kopacki rit”?] Priroda 77(9): 6–7.

MIKUSKA, T. (1990) Veliki vranac (Kormoran). [Great Cormorant.] Priroda 79(9/10): 24–25.

MIKUSKA, T. (1990) Ornithological report from delta of river Neretva on June29th 1990. Troglodytes 3: 22–23.

MIKUSKA, T. (1991) [Red-throated Diver near Velika Gorica.] Troglodytes 4:37. (In Croatian.)

MIKUSKA, T. (1991) Goosander on the Kopacko Lake. Troglodytes 4: 38.

MIKUSKA, T. (1991) Little Egret Egretta garzetta flying in mixed flocks.Troglodytes 4: 36.

MIKUSKA, T. (1993) Status of the Black Stork in Croatia. P. 61 in M. Strazds,ed. 1st International Black Stork Conservation and Ecology Symposium,Abstract Book. Latvia: Jurmala.

REFERENCES

MIKUSKA, T. AND MARTINOVIC D. (1993) Medjunarodna Drava Konferencija.[International “Drava” Conference.] Novosti IBA projekta 2/3: 1–2.

MIKUSKA, T. AND MIKUSKA, J. (1992) Baranja i Kopacki rit u ratu. [Baranjaand Kopacki rit during war.] Pp. 47–57 in P. Durbesic and M. Kerovec,eds. Posljedice rata na okolis u Hrvatskoj. [Consequences of the war on theCroatian environment.] Zagreb: Hrvatsko Ekolosko Drustvo (MalaEkoloska biblioteka Knjiga 6).

MIKUSKA, T. AND MIKUSKA, J. (1993) Vijesti s IBA podrucja. Kopacki rit—IBA 014. [News from IBAs. Kopacki rit.] Novosti IBA projekta 1: 4–6.

MIKUSKA, T., SETINA, M. AND MIKUSKA, J. (1993) Vijesti s IBA podrucja.Jelas polje—IBA 014. [News from IBAs. Jelas field.] Novosti IBA projekta1: 4.

MIKUSKA, T., NOLA, I. A., KAJFEZ, R. AND KOVACIC, D. (1991) Otterdistribution in view of habitat quality in Turopolje. Pp. 333–334 inD. Serman, ed. Proceedings of the Fourth Congress of Croatian Biologists.Abstract Book. Zagreb: Hrvatsko Biolosko Drustvo.

MRAKOVCIC, M. AND TURK. M. (1988) [Application of ornithologicalresearch in the protection and management of fisheries in Croatia.]Pp. 175–180 in M. Mestrov and G. Susic, eds. Ornithology in Croatia.Zagreb: JAZU.

RUCNER, D. (1962) Prilog poznavanju ornitofaune Kopackog rita i okolice uBaranji. [Contribution to the knowledge of ornithofauna of Kopacki ritand surrounding area in the Baranja region.] Larus 14: 84–121.

SCHNEIDER-JACOBY, M. (1993) Vogel als Indikatoren fur das okologischePotential der Saveaue und Moglischkeiten fur deren erhaltung. Konstanz,Germany: University of Konstanz (Ph.D. thesis).

SCHNEIDER-JACOBY, M. (1994) Sava and Drava—Ecological value and futureof the two main rivers in Croatia. Periodicum Biologorum 4: 348–356.

SCHNEIDER-JACOBY, M. (1995) Drau und Mur—Leben durch Flussdynamik.Uberlingen, Germany: Naturerbe Verlag Jurgen Resch.

SCHNEIDER-JACOBY, M. (1997) Die Drau—ein Stuck europaische Urlandschaft.Natur und Mensch 2: 10–15.

STIPCEVIC, M. (1996) A contribution to the Croatian list of rare and scarcebirds recorded from 1985–1995. Natura Croatica 5(1): 53–81.

TOPIC, J. (1989) Vegetation of the special zoological reserve of Kopacki rit.Hydrobiologia 182: 149–160.

TOTH, S. (1995) Preliminary report on the dragonfly (Odonata) fauna of theDrava region, Hungary. Pp. 41–52 in A. Uherkovics, ed. The fauna of theDrava region, Vol. 1., Studia Pannonica, (A) Series Historico-naturalis.Pecs, Croatia.

TUCKER, G. M. AND HEATH, M. F. (1994) Birds in Europe: their conservationstatus. Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International (BirdLife ConservationSeries no. 3).

Species ... continued Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Hippolais olivetorum B 1994 — — — A3Olive-tree Warbler

Sylvia conspicillata B 1994 — — — A3Spectacled Warbler

Sylvia cantillans Subalpine Warbler B 1994 — — — A3Sylvia melanocephala B 1994 — — — A3

Sardinian WarblerSitta neumayer Rock Nuthatch R 1994 — — — A3Emberiza melanocephala B 1994 — — — A3

Black-headed Bunting

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