Specificities

Stone-curlew

(lat. Burhinus oedicnemus)

This remarkable bird belonging to the order Charadriiformes prefers dry, barren areas with little vegetation instead of wetland habitats. It can be seen on dry grasslands, rocky pastures, bare rocky areas and similar wastelands during the warmer part of the year since it winters in Africa.

Stone-curlew has a distinctive appearance. The bird is medium-sized with large yellow eyes, strong bill and long legs. You will be impressed by its appearance which is especially interesting if you spot it on the ground where it usually dwells. It is distinctive in flight with dark wings with white pattern.

While moving, it avoids detection and when it is disturbed, it runs with body held horizontal and head hunched into shoulders. It is more active from dusk to dawn and can be recognized by its unique call, especially during nesting season. Stone-curlews are social birds and they form flocks for feeding and other activities. They are monogamous and reportedly stay together for life. Females usually lay two eggs in a hollow in the ground. They feed mainly on insects and small invertebrates, occasionally on small reptiles, frogs and rodents.

Stone-curlew

(lat. Burhinus oedicnemus)

This remarkable bird belonging to the order Charadriiformes prefers dry, barren areas with little vegetation instead of wetland habitats. It can be seen on dry grasslands, rocky pastures, bare rocky areas and similar wastelands during the warmer part of the year since it winters in Africa.

Stone-curlew has a distinctive appearance. The bird is medium-sized with large yellow eyes, strong bill and long legs. You will be impressed by its appearance which is especially interesting if you spot it on the ground where it usually dwells. It is distinctive in flight with dark wings with white pattern.

While moving, it avoids detection and when it is disturbed, it runs with body held horizontal and head hunched into shoulders. It is more active from dusk to dawn and can be recognized by its unique call, especially during nesting season. Stone-curlews are social birds and they form flocks for feeding and other activities. They are monogamous and reportedly stay together for life. Females usually lay two eggs in a hollow in the ground. They feed mainly on insects and small invertebrates, occasionally on small reptiles, frogs and rodents.

Short-toed lark

(lat. Calandrella brachydactyla)

Short-toed lark is a medium-size songbird with brownish-white feathers. It nests in Croatia and can be found in Istria, Croatian Littoral and Dalmatia. Its habitats are dry grasslands and agricultural land with low vegetation.

Short-toed lark is endangered due to abandonment of traditional livestock farming what results in overgrown grasslands or intensified agriculture which destroys its habitat. It has distinctive undulating song-flight. The bird feeds and nests on the ground and spends nights in shallow holes which it previously digs.

They are migratory but small number spends winter in Croatia. In Croatia, 85% of overall short-toed lark population nests in seven important bird sites of the Natura 2000 ecological network, one of them being Dinara Mountain. 

Short-toed lark

(lat. Calandrella brachydactyla)

Short-toed lark is a medium-size songbird with brownish-white feathers. It nests in Croatia and can be found in Istria, Croatian Littoral and Dalmatia. Its habitats are dry grasslands and agricultural land with low vegetation.

Short-toed lark is endangered due to abandonment of traditional livestock farming what results in overgrown grasslands or intensified agriculture which destroys its habitat. It has distinctive undulating song-flight. The bird feeds and nests on the ground and spends nights in shallow holes which it previously digs.

They are migratory but small number spends winter in Croatia. In Croatia, 85% of overall short-toed lark population nests in seven important bird sites of the Natura 2000 ecological network, one of them being Dinara Mountain. 

Ortolan bunting

(lat. Emberiza hortulana)

Although its name evokes gardens (lat. hortus garden), ortolan bunting cannot be found in the gardens of Croatia. Its abundance is decreasing due to intensification of agriculture or, as is the case in Croatia, abandonment of traditional livestock farming and overgrowth of its habitats. There are few isolated populations in the mountains of Učka, Velebit, Dinara and Biokovo. If you are so lucky to spot the ortolan bunting in its natural habitat, you will notice that it is shy and wary and quick to take cover. Its call is ringing tone with repeated theme ‘srü-srü-srü-srü– srü- dru-dru-dru’ It prefers clearings with trees and bushes and feeds and breeds on the ground.

Ortolan bunting

(lat. Emberiza hortulana)

Although its name evokes gardens (lat. hortus garden), ortolan bunting cannot be found in the gardens of Croatia. Its abundance is decreasing due to intensification of agriculture or, as is the case in Croatia, abandonment of traditional livestock farming and overgrowth of its habitats. There are few isolated populations in the mountains of Učka, Velebit, Dinara and Biokovo. If you are so lucky to spot the ortolan bunting in its natural habitat, you will notice that it is shy and wary and quick to take cover. Its call is ringing tone with repeated theme ‘srü-srü-srü-srü– srü- dru-dru-dru’ It prefers clearings with trees and bushes and feeds and breeds on the ground.

Livestock farming on mount Dinara

Mount Dinara has a long tradition of livestock farming without even using the word livestock but blago, meaning ‘treasure’ in Croatian language, what clearly defines its value to local population. 

Dinara, as is its first neighbour Mount Svilaja, is not a typical impassable karst mountain. It is distinctive by its slight slopes and rather mild rocky terrain, quite the contrary to other Croatian karst mountains such as Velebit, Biokovo or Mosor. The highest zone of Mount Dinara does not consist of steep peaks but of rounded hills, in colloquial speech called heads. This quite accessible terrain was ideal for livestock breeding because shepherds could pass through easily. There are steep and rocky areas on Dinara though, but they extend over relatively small area. Witnesses to widespread livestock keeping are numerous dry stone walls that can still be seen in the area. A very common shape of dry stone masonry is a wall that encloses caves. All the caves that were spacious enough to keep even a smaller herd were enclosed in that way and used for animal keeping. Small sheds can also be found scattered all over the mountain. They were shelters for shepherds during bad weather.

Even in the steep and barely accessible parts of the mountain it is possible to come across the enclosed caves. A thick layer of dry manure is a proof what they were used for.  The existence of these caves in such impassable parts tells us about the number of livestock and competition for grazing areas which forced shepherds into rough terrain. 

Livestock farming on mount Dinara

Mount Dinara has a long tradition of livestock farming without even using the word livestock but blago, meaning ‘treasure’ in Croatian language, what clearly defines its value to local population. 

Dinara, as is its first neighbour Mount Svilaja, is not a typical impassable karst mountain. It is distinctive by its slight slopes and rather mild rocky terrain, quite the contrary to other Croatian karst mountains such as Velebit, Biokovo or Mosor. The highest zone of Mount Dinara does not consist of steep peaks but of rounded hills, in colloquial speech called heads. This quite accessible terrain was ideal for livestock breeding because shepherds could pass through easily. There are steep and rocky areas on Dinara though, but they extend over relatively small area. Witnesses to widespread livestock keeping are numerous dry stone walls that can still be seen in the area. A very common shape of dry stone masonry is a wall that encloses caves. All the caves that were spacious enough to keep even a smaller herd were enclosed in that way and used for animal keeping. Small sheds can also be found scattered all over the mountain. They were shelters for shepherds during bad weather.

Even in the steep and barely accessible parts of the mountain it is possible to come across the enclosed caves. A thick layer of dry manure is a proof what they were used for.  The existence of these caves in such impassable parts tells us about the number of livestock and competition for grazing areas which forced shepherds into rough terrain. 

Naturally, larger barns and settlements are also present along the whole mountain. Their role was livestock keeping. Wells and water troughs were built at all altitudes since water was an essential resource and it used to be collected in various ways. 

Dinara, with its altitude range from 300 to 1900 m, has one more significant feature of great importance for livestock farming development, or transhumance. Mountain climate ensured pasture at higher altitude during summer droughts in lowlands. In spring, families would move to higher areas to avoid droughts and feed their herds. In autumn, with the beginning of rain, they would come back and spend the winter there. Transhumance was dictated by the local climate: at the foot of the mountain summer droughts did not provide enough grazing for livestock. In highlands the grass was green even in the middle of summer but winters were unbearable. Transhumance was also influenced by the mowing cycle. All grasslands without rocks and with deeper soil were mowed and people did not move forward before the hay was collected. Relatively mild rocky terrain of Mount Dinara was suitable for keeping various kinds of animals. They were mostly sheep, Dalmatian pramenka sheep and Croatian spotted goats, Dinara goat. Cows were also abundant, mostly autochthonous breed busha  which was later bred with other larger and dairy breeds. Horses and donkeys were the main means of transport and they were owned by every family. A thousand year old tradition of livestock keeping on Mount Dinara modelled its habitat. Spacious grasslands used to spread almost across the whole mountain while trees were rare and valuable resource.

Naturally, larger barns and settlements are also present along the whole mountain. Their role was livestock keeping. Wells and water troughs were built at all altitudes since water was an essential resource and it used to be collected in various ways. 

Dinara, with its altitude range from 300 to 1900 m, has one more significant feature of great importance for livestock farming development, or transhumance. Mountain climate ensured pasture at higher altitude during summer droughts in lowlands. In spring, families would move to higher areas to avoid droughts and feed their herds.

In autumn, with the beginning of rain, they would come back and spend the winter there. Transhumance was dictated by the local climate: at the foot of the mountain summer droughts did not provide enough grazing for livestock. In highlands the grass was green even in the middle of summer but winters were unbearable. Transhumance was also influenced by the mowing cycle. All grasslands without rocks and with deeper soil were mowed and people did not move forward before the hay was collected. Relatively mild rocky terrain of Mount Dinara was suitable for keeping various kinds of animals. They were mostly sheep, Dalmatian pramenka sheep and Croatian spotted goats, Dinara goat. Cows were also abundant, mostly autochthonous breed busha  which was later bred with other larger and dairy breeds. Horses and donkeys were the main means of transport and they were owned by every family. A thousand year old tradition of livestock keeping on Mount Dinara modelled its habitat. Spacious grasslands used to spread almost across the whole mountain while trees were rare and valuable resource.

Today, grasslands are private properties surrounded by dry stone walls which serve as fences enclosing former hay meadows and best preserved forest habitats. What is inside those private fences shows us which two limited natural resources, apart from water, were crucial for residents at the time: hay for feeding animals during winter and wood as the main energy source and material for building. Grasslands, at the time so plentiful that everybody took their distinctiveness for granted, saved a wide range of wild species which are disappearing today due to several decades of continuously decreasing number of livestock and consequent overgrowing. The most exact proof of low number of livestock is the fact that there is no more need to move animals to highlands during summer. Even during summer droughts there is enough pasture in lowlands. And alpine grasslands, once the source of food for thousands of animals, are now almost completely without livestock during summer.

Today, grasslands are private properties surrounded by dry stone walls which serve as fences enclosing former hay meadows and best preserved forest habitats. What is inside those private fences shows us which two limited natural resources, apart from water, were crucial for residents at the time: hay for feeding animals during winter and wood as the main energy source and material for building. Grasslands, at the time so plentiful that everybody took their distinctiveness for granted, saved a wide range of wild species which are disappearing today due to several decades of continuously decreasing number of livestock and consequent overgrowing. The most exact proof of low number of livestock is the fact that there is no more need to move animals to highlands during summer. Even during summer droughts there is enough pasture in lowlands. And alpine grasslands, once the source of food for thousands of animals, are now almost completely without livestock during summer.

What are grasslands?

Grasslands are areas which are dominated by the herbaceous vegetation from the grass family (Poaceae) and/or the sedge family (Cyperaceae). Natural grasslands in Europe occur in areas where the average precipitation is not sufficient for the forest growth (steppe) or where extreme climate conditions, such as wind and low temperatures, prevent the development of forest vegetation (alpine grasslands that extend beyond the forest limits of high mountains). In Croatia, natural grasslands are limited to Baranja (steppe grasslands which are mostly converted into agricultural land) and some isolated parts of the highest mountain peaks. Other types of grasslands developed due to human impact and maintaining this type of management is crucial for their long-term conservation. These grasslands represent semi-natural vegetation as their existence is part of the natural process of succession but their persistence is the direct result of human activities which began with livestock farming. The formation of grasslands mostly starts with forest or shrub removal after which the areas are maintained by mowing, grazing and controlled burning. According to the management type, grasslands can be divided into hay meadows (grasslands mowed for hay) and pastures (grasslands used for grazing).

What are grasslands?

Grasslands are areas which are dominated by the herbaceous vegetation from the grass family (Poaceae) and/or the sedge family (Cyperaceae). Natural grasslands in Europe occur in areas where the average precipitation is not sufficient for the forest growth (steppe) or where extreme climate conditions, such as wind and low temperatures, prevent the development of forest vegetation (alpine grasslands that extend beyond the forest limits of high mountains). In Croatia, natural grasslands are limited to Baranja (steppe grasslands which are mostly converted into agricultural land) and some isolated parts of the highest mountain peaks. Other types of grasslands developed due to human impact and maintaining this type of management is crucial for their long-term conservation. These grasslands represent semi-natural vegetation as their existence is part of the natural process of succession but their persistence is the direct result of human activities which began with livestock farming. The formation of grasslands mostly starts with forest or shrub removal after which the areas are maintained by mowing, grazing and controlled burning. According to the management type, grasslands can be divided into hay meadows (grasslands mowed for hay) and pastures (grasslands used for grazing).

Dry continental grasslands

(Natura 2000 code: 6210) (important Orchid sites)

This habitat comprises dry grasslands developed on steep calcareous slopes of the hilly part of continental Croatia and Dalmatian Hinterland. The area is rich in orchid species which embody these grasslands’ wealth. Since the grasslands are situated in upland areas of Croatia, where the number of people and livestock is decreasing, they are poorly maintained and are currently in different phases of gradual transition to shrubs and forest. The project area covers relatively small areas of this habitat in the northwestern part, north of the Badanj peak. The areas were traditionally used as hay meadows which contributed to the development of rich and diverse flora. Due to inaccessible terrain they have not been thoroughly studied yet.

Dry continental grasslands

(Natura 2000 code: 6210) (important Orchid sites)

This habitat comprises dry grasslands developed on steep calcareous slopes of the hilly part of continental Croatia and Dalmatian Hinterland. The area is rich in orchid species which embody these grasslands’ wealth. Since the grasslands are situated in upland areas of Croatia, where the number of people and livestock is decreasing, they are poorly maintained and are currently in different phases of gradual transition to shrubs and forest. The project area covers relatively small areas of this habitat in the northwestern part, north of the Badanj peak. The areas were traditionally used as hay meadows which contributed to the development of rich and diverse flora. Due to inaccessible terrain they have not been thoroughly studied yet.

Submediterranean dry grasslands

(Natura 2000 code: 62A0)

This habitat spreads across large surfaces of rocky grasslands developed on coastal slopes and areas exposed to strong northeastern wind (bura). They cover extensive areas along the eastern Adriatic coast. In the hinterland the habitat develops in highland and mountain areas still within the reach of the Mediterranean climate impact. The grasslands contain a high percentage of rocks and they were mostly used as pastures. Although they seem bare and species-poor, they provide a habitat for a wide variety of plant species, many of them endemic to the eastern Adriatic coast and thus represent its outstanding natural richness. In the project area, they are a dominant grassland type and cover relatively big areas spreading across most of the grassland surface of plains and highlands (up to 900 m). In the past, the grasslands were intensively used for livestock farming which was, together with controlled burning, the main way to maintain them. Today, the consequence of reduction in livestock farming is absence of grazing and controlled burning on large areas of these grasslands, which resulted in gradual encroachment of shrubs.

Submediterranean dry grasslands

(Natura 2000 code: 62A0)

This habitat spreads across large surfaces of rocky grasslands developed on coastal slopes and areas exposed to strong northeastern wind (bura). They cover extensive areas along the eastern Adriatic coast. In the hinterland the habitat develops in highland and mountain areas still within the reach of the Mediterranean climate impact. The grasslands contain a high percentage of rocks and they were mostly used as pastures. Although they seem bare and species-poor, they provide a habitat for a wide variety of plant species, many of them endemic to the eastern Adriatic coast and thus represent its outstanding natural richness. In the project area, they are a dominant grassland type and cover relatively big areas spreading across most of the grassland surface of plains and highlands (up to 900 m). In the past, the grasslands were intensively used for livestock farming which was, together with controlled burning, the main way to maintain them. Today, the consequence of reduction in livestock farming is absence of grazing and controlled burning on large areas of these grasslands, which resulted in gradual encroachment of shrubs.

Alpine and subalpine calcareous grasslands

(Natura 2000 code: 6170)

This habitat comprises alpine grasslands that extend beyond the forest line and are widespread around peaks of our highest mountains. These grasslands are often developed in the regions exposed to extreme climate conditions where, due to strong wind and low temperatures, the forest vegetation cannot grow. However, on less exposed areas the grasslands developed as a result of subalpine forest clearance. Their flora is significantly different compared to other grassland habitats because it contains numerous species tolerant of extreme climate conditions. The project area covers the grasslands present at higher altitudes (above 900 m) surrounding the highest peaks of Mount Dinara. Traditionally they were used as summer grazing areas and hay meadows by shepherds, a practice that almost completely died out in the recent decades. Currently, encroachment of woody species is transforming grasslands into shrub and forest thus increasing the risk of summer wildfires. Summer wildfires have extremely negative impact on the grasslands because, apart from grass, a layer of humus also burns, killing the underground parts of plants.

Alpine and subalpine calcareous grasslands

(Natura 2000 code: 6170)

This habitat comprises alpine grasslands that extend beyond the forest line and are widespread around peaks of our highest mountains. These grasslands are often developed in the regions exposed to extreme climate conditions where, due to strong wind and low temperatures, the forest vegetation cannot grow. However, on less exposed areas the grasslands developed as a result of subalpine forest clearance. Their flora is significantly different compared to other grassland habitats because it contains numerous species tolerant of extreme climate conditions. The project area covers the grasslands present at higher altitudes (above 900 m) surrounding the highest peaks of Mount Dinara. Traditionally they were used as summer grazing areas and hay meadows by shepherds, a practice that almost completely died out in the recent decades. Currently, encroachment of woody species is transforming grasslands into shrub and forest thus increasing the risk of summer wildfires. Summer wildfires have extremely negative impact on the grasslands because, apart from grass, a layer of humus also burns, killing the underground parts of plants.

Chrysopogon gryllus

A type of grass species distributed from south and east Europe to the steppes of southern Siberia. As a typical Mediterranean species, it is widespread in Dalmatia, mostly as part of submediterranean dry grasslands (Natura code: 62A0). It is highly valued as a pasture species since in certain areas it is almost the only species for sheep to graze (e.g. islands) and fresh meadows are perfect pasture for horses. Apart from grazing, Chrysopogongryllus grasslands were maintained by mowing because it is useful forage species in Dalmatia and its roots were used for the manufacture of stiff brushes. It is one of the most successfully adapted grass species to extreme edaphic and climate conditions growing in poor, rocky and sandy soil. However, the dry submediterranean grasslands surfaces are decreasing, including the areas where Chrysopogongryllus grows. This species represents an important structural element of dry grasslands andits greater abundance results in higher quality of the habitat. Therefore, its abundance will be monitored in the project area.

Chrysopogon gryllus

A type of grass species distributed from south and east Europe to the steppes of southern Siberia. As a typical Mediterranean species, it is widespread in Dalmatia, mostly as part of submediterranean dry grasslands (Natura code: 62A0). It is highly valued as a pasture species since in certain areas it is almost the only species for sheep to graze (e.g. islands) and fresh meadows are perfect pasture for horses. Apart from grazing, Chrysopogongryllus grasslands were maintained by mowing because it is useful forage species in Dalmatia and its roots were used for the manufacture of stiff brushes. It is one of the most successfully adapted grass species to extreme edaphic and climate conditions growing in poor, rocky and sandy soil. However, the dry submediterranean grasslands surfaces are decreasing, including the areas where Chrysopogongryllus grows. This species represents an important structural element of dry grasslands andits greater abundance results in higher quality of the habitat. Therefore, its abundance will be monitored in the project area.

Prickly juniper

(Juniperus oxycedrus)

Prickly juniper is an evergreen shrub distributed throughout the Mediterranean region and around the Black Sea. It prefers the Mediterranean climate but can also be found in highland and montane regions of the Dinarides. Wood is hard and resistant and valued for making furniture and tools. Essential oils with medical properties are extracted from branches and leaves and are often used in cosmetic industry. Berries are used for gin distillation. Prickly juniper prefers warm and dry conditions and bare soils which enables its encroachment onto areas of dry grasslands where traditional livestock farming and management through grazing and mowing is lacking. Consequently, the areas in Croatia most abundant with this species are those where traditional livestock farming has been abandoned, such as alpine areas and islands, as prickly juniper forms as part of the early stages of succession from grasslands to forests. One of the project activities for dry grasslands restoration is the removal of juniper in some areas. Prickly juniper’s negative impact on grassland habitat and its species will be observed through the monitoring of its abundance.

Prickly juniper

(Juniperus oxycedrus)

Prickly juniper is an evergreen shrub distributed throughout the Mediterranean region and around the Black Sea. It prefers the Mediterranean climate but can also be found in highland and montane regions of the Dinarides. Wood is hard and resistant and valued for making furniture and tools. Essential oils with medical properties are extracted from branches and leaves and are often used in cosmetic industry. Berries are used for gin distillation. Prickly juniper prefers warm and dry conditions and bare soils which enables its encroachment onto areas of dry grasslands where traditional livestock farming and management through grazing and mowing is lacking. Consequently, the areas in Croatia most abundant with this species are those where traditional livestock farming has been abandoned, such as alpine areas and islands, as prickly juniper forms as part of the early stages of succession from grasslands to forests. One of the project activities for dry grasslands restoration is the removal of juniper in some areas. Prickly juniper’s negative impact on grassland habitat and its species will be observed through the monitoring of its abundance.

Orchids

(Orchidaceae)

Out of 23 orchid species recorded for the project area so far, 14 are related primarily to grasslands. Among them are numerous species related exclusively to dry grasslands and belong to genus Ophrys (bee orchids) and genus Orchis. The genus Ophrys is of distinctive appearance with flowers that resemble the females of various pollinator insect species. They are small herbaceous plants with tubers most commonly ccurring in dry and open habitats of the Mediterranean region. In Croatia there are 5 endemic species of bee orchids.The genus Orchis includes the most common orchid species in Croatia, also related to open habitats. These orchids have rich flower spike which attracts pollinators with its vivid colours, scent and occasionally with nectar. Their tubers have been a source of flour used for making salep since the Roman times. Salep is a warm drink still extremely popular in the region of former Ottoman Empire (Greece, Turkey and Middle East). Since the presence and abundance of orchids is connected to the abundance and quality of grasslands, monitoring the orchid species richness in the project area serves as an indicator for the success of grassland restoration.

Orchids

(Orchidaceae)

Out of 23 orchid species recorded for the project area so far, 14 are related primarily to grasslands. Among them are numerous species related exclusively to dry grasslands and belong to genus Ophrys (bee orchids) and genus Orchis. The genus Ophrys is of distinctive appearance with flowers that resemble the females of various pollinator insect species. They are small herbaceous plants with tubers most commonly ccurring in dry and open habitats of the Mediterranean region. In Croatia there are 5 endemic species of bee orchids.The genus Orchis includes the most common orchid species in Croatia, also related to open habitats. These orchids have rich flower spike which attracts pollinators with its vivid colours, scent and occasionally with nectar. Their tubers have been a source of flour used for making salep since the Roman times. Salep is a warm drink still extremely popular in the region of former Ottoman Empire (Greece, Turkey and Middle East). Since the presence and abundance of orchids is connected to the abundance and quality of grasslands, monitoring the orchid species richness in the project area serves as an indicator for the success of grassland restoration.

Contact person
Melani Glavinić

IMPRESSUM

Association BIOM
Čazmanska 2, Zagreb
t. +385 1 5515 324
e. info@biom.hr

Branch office in Sinj
Matića 12, Sinj
t. +385 21 274 946
e. ured-sinj@biom.hr

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