engleski

Geodiversity research in the service of nature protection - an example of Natura 2000 site Sava near Hruščica (Croatia)

In the Republic of Croatia NATURA 2000 areas cover 36.7% of the land and 16.3% of the Adriatic Sea. During their proclamation in most cases the majority of abiotic features were neglected, although their proper management is the basis for the efficient nature protection. For example, no one analyzed the geomorphological features during site preparation and proclamation, what is crucial for habitat well-being. Also, sites boundaries usually do not include or respect areas of influence that affect the declared area. This was also the case with Natura 2000 ecological network area important for birds HR1000002 Sava near Hruščica with gravel pit Rakitje. The area of 15.3 km2 includes Sava river bed with the narrow part of the floodplain and riparian zone near Zagreb important for 6 bird species. The landscape has mosaic structure with alternation of natural and anthropogenic elements. Direct and indirect anthropogenic influences of different intensity are noticeable in the whole area. According to the 2011 Census, there were 4, 778 inhabitants in thirteen settlements in the research area and immediate area of influence. The objectives of the study were geomorphological research of the riverbed, bars, islands and banks, landscape and habitat analysis and their assessment with the aim of developing a physical-geographical basis for the future bird habitat management plan. Numerous data on geomorphological features of the area were collected through the analysis of historical sources and cartographic data, field work and remote sensing. The results of the geomorphological and landscape analysis showed that this is a valuable area in which the basic features of the former condition of the riverbed and the riparian zone of the Sava River have been preserved. These features have been lost in the surrounding area due to a number of large hydromelioration interventions lasting about 200 years. This area therefore has not only habitat significance but it is also a valuable geomorphological area that contributes to the geodiversity of the wider Sava area.

river, floodplain, geomorphology, geodiversity

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