The olm Proteus anguinus is a unique species, and the only true subterranean vertebrate of the Dinarides, representing exceptional natural wealth
In Krka National Park, the presence of the olm was discovered in 1989, and monitoring the state of its population began in 2012 through the project Proteus. It is a target species of the Natura 2000 site “Broader area of Krka National Park”. Monitoring conducted in speleological structures where the olm population is known confirmed that the population is stable.
In order to obtain better insight into the species distribution, during 2023, a survey was conducted to detect environmental DNA (eDNA). The results of the analysis of environmental DNA confirmed that this species is present in the spring systems of the Krka River downstream of the Miljacka spring, Torak spring, and the cave at Bilušića buk, thereby expanding the known distribution range of this species in the Park area.
The results indicate that this target species could be more widely distributed; however, it is difficult to find sites where this could be physically confirmed. Given the very small number of speleological structures containing water bodies in the Park, a better understanding of the species distribution is possible only through testing in connected cave systems outside the Park boundaries.
Monitoring
JOŠ NOVOSTI IZ KATEGORIJE
The first find of a snow bunting in the Krka National Park
We are extremely pleased to announce that the first recorded sighting of a snow bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis) has been recorded in the Krka National Park, increasing the bird population in the Park to as many as 230 species
Investigation and monitoring of the status of white-legged crayfish – Austropotamobius pallipes –in the Krka NP area
The white-legged crayfish has a natural distribution in all the rivers of the Adriatic basin and also in the Lika region. However, due to a series of pressures and threats to freshwater habitats (deterioration of water quality, the regulation of watercourses, invasive species), the white-legged crayfish has been disappearing from many locations where it was once present
Monitoring summer (nursing) bat colonies in the Miljacka II cave in 2024
In summer 2024, the company Geonatura d.o.o. conducted monitoring of summer bat colonies in the Miljacka II cave, an internationally important underground bat habitat (UNEP/EUROBATS)
Mapping the target species of Dalmatian scilla or amethyst meadow squill
Dalmatian scilla (Chouardia litardierei) is an endemic Illyrian-Balkan species that grows on open, occasionally flooded or wet habitats, mainly meadows, grasslands, and basophilic outcrops.