Lead partner:
Croatian Forests Ltd.
Project partners:
- Hrvatske šume d.o.o. (Croatian Forests Ltd.)
- Municipality of Dubravica
Project implementation area:
Zagreb County
Project objective:
The aim of the project is to contribute to the conservation and achievement of a favourable state of conservation of target species and habitat types by implementing research, conservation and restoration activities of ecological network in the area of Zagreb County, and is achieved by the restoration of Dubravica peat bog, the habitat of European mudminnow, the bat roost in Turopoljski lug, the hydrological regime in lowland floodplain forests and grassland habitats, Restoration of the water supply to the Crna Mlaka fishponds and the implementation of research activities and monitoring of the condition of target species and habitats.
Planned activities:
- Restoration of the Dubravica peat bog
We are restoring the Dubravica peat bog by removing woody vegetation, carrying out regular mowing, adapting the nearby forest road and returning water to the bog. We are also strengthening the populations of endangered peat-bog plant species through reintroduction and repopulation activities accompanied by regular monitoring and research on other peatland habitat species.
- Restoration of European mudminnow habitat
We are researching the presence of an endangered freshwater fish – the European mudminnow (Umbra krameri) using environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis. Detailed LiDAR imaging of the Žutica forest are being used to identify suitable ponds for species repopulation. We will release the individuals from ex situ breeding programme into suitable ponds and their adaptation will be closely monitored. We are also removing invasive alien fish species, educating fishers and continuously assessing the habitat quality .
- Restoration of a Bat roost in Turopoljski lug forest
We are restoring the roof of the Vratovo forest lodge, which previously hosted the only known bat roost in the area. We are also researching bat distribution and establishing a bat monitoring programme in Turopoljski lug.
- Restoration of the hydrological regime of lowland floodplain forests
In the Česma and Varoški lug forests, we are analysing LiDAR images and establishing a network of boreholes equipped with data loggers to monitor groundwater levels. Restoration activities include: canal construction and maintenance, replacing culverts, building weirs and adjusting embankments to improve the hydrological regime.
- Restoration of grassland habitats
In Odransko polje, we are removing invasive alien plant species, among which the most widespread is false indigo bush (Amorpha fruticosa). The grasslands are then maintained through regular mowing and the continued removal of invasive plants.
- Restoration of the water supply to the Crna Mlaka fishponds
We are monitoring the flow of streams feeding the Crna Mlaka fishponds to identify the causes of water loss and explore potential solutions. Restoration activities include: channel maintenance, obstacle removal and mapping major anthropogenic barriers for planning future interventions.
- Natura 2000 species and habitats research and monitoring
We are researching and monitoring target species of birds, amphibians, reptiles, butterflies, fish, beetles, dragonflies, beavers, otters and cave species, as well as forest, grassland and aquatic habitats.
- Project management
- Promotion and visibility
Expected results:
4540.62 ha of Natura 2000 area covered by protection and restoration measures
The amount of grants from the European Regional Development Fund:
1,993,130.52 EUR
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