engleski

An Ecological Approach to Management of the Dinaric Karst Renewable Natural Resources

The Dinaric Karst area of Croatia and Bosnia- Herzegovina is a typical example of Mediterranean ecosystems, as shown by its economy, culture and civilization. The Mediterranean region covers more than a third of the entire territory of Croatia (2.020.000 ha or 35.7%). Agricultural areas within the Adriatic littoral represent more than a third (34.3%) of the total agricultural lands in Croatia. In contrast, arable lands in the Adriatic region represent only 16.4% of the country’s total area used for agriculture. In comparison to other areas in Croatia and Bosnia- Herzegovina, rangelands account for a higher portion of arable lands in the Dinaric region. Over 1.7 million hectares are considered as rangelands, and these lands represent a significant natural resource for livestock development. Currently, much of these rangeland areas are, for a number of social and political reasons, partly or completely abandoned. The lack of grazing has allowed the growth of bushes and small trees that form very dense and almost impenetrable thickets. The fire-prone bushes and small trees increase the risk and the volume of wild fires, prevent livestock access to the existing range plants, and suppress the growth of more desirable plants. Although livestock production in the Dinaric area has a long tradition, up to now extensive and systematic investigations on the economic values and proper utilization, i.e. grazing systems, of the Mediterranean rangelands have not been conducted.

Dinaric kast. Kast field ; livestock

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