engleski

The beaver (Castor fiber L.) in Žutica oil field area, R. of Croatia

After their complete extinction, the Project of Beaver Repopulation in Croatian Ecosystems is currently under way. Based on research conducted by both local and foreign scientists, it was necessary to identify suitable habitats, meeting, among other, the highly stringent environmental criteria, where the beavers, donated to the Republic of Croatia by the German Federal State of Bavaria, could be released into nature. The forest of Žutica near Ivanić Grad has been identified as one among the suitable locations. It is precisely in this area that INA-Naftaplin has been generating oil for over thirty years now, it being one among the oldest and largest oil resevoirs in the Republic of Croatia. Over 20% of totally generated oil from local sources originates precisely from the “Žutica” oil field: The selection of this very location for implementing the Project of Baver Repopulation constitutes at the same time the best evaluation, as well as a direct indicator of INA-Naftaplin experts’ most responsible relation, not only to the conservation, but also to the considerable advancement of both the environment and nature in general. This paper presents research results obtained during Project implementation, for the purpose of monitoring the heaver population on the territory of the “Žutica” oil field. While considering the results, one should take particular into account the established number and distribution directions of the beavers, with relation to complex natural (geological, hydrological, botanic, and zoological), as wellas anthropogenic properties of the area under research. The results and experience obtanied may serve as the model for (possible) future similar undertakings.

beaver; petroleum production; environment protection

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