Discover the animals in Plitvice Lakes National Park

The fauna in Plitvice Lakes National Park is incredibly rich, thanks to the unique level of preservation and the diversity of habitats. Due to its location and pristine nature, Plitvice Lakes National Park provides a sanctuary for many animals. This great diversity in Plitvice Lakes National Park ensures the development and survival of native animals, many of which are considered endangered and rare worldwide.

The Plitvice Lakes are more than a natural phenomenon, they are a true biodiversity hotspot, where forests and aquatic ecosystems provide an ideal environment for various animal species to flourish. Habitat preservation is very important for the benefit of future generations and the preservation of Croatia’s natural heritage. The presence of large carnivores, as well as other endangered species protected worldwide, serves as a guarantee of the quality and state of conservation of these areas.

Croatia is among the few countries in Europe where three large carnivores still live: the bear, the wolf and the lynx. All three species also live in Plitvice Lakes National Park. The Park covers an area of ​​less than 300 km2, with its water bodies accounting for slightly less than 1% of the total area of ​​the Park. Plitvice Lakes National Park extends over a large area, and the tourist area and the deep forests where large carnivores live are not over: tourists cannot meet one of these animals. A special place within the ecosystem of the Park is reserved for four large carnivores described further in the text.

Brown bear (Ursus arctos)

According to scientific classification, the brown bear belongs to the Carnivora, family Ursidae and genus Ursus. The brown bear is a strictly protected species and the largest carnivore. Bears are covered in thick brown fur and an undercoat. Because of their variable feeding habits, brown bears are not a threatened species – their opportunities play an important role in their survival. In winter, when food is scarce, the bear will hibernate, or hibernate, and in autumn it will prepare to sleep by accumulating body fat (up to 30%) and making a den.

In Plitvice Lakes National Park, bears have been systematically monitored for many years, and it has been found that about 30 bears claim the Park as part of their range. Like other wild animals, the brown bear has no sense of boundaries, it enters the Park and leaves as it pleases. Because of the important role the brown bear plays in balancing the ecosystem, it has become a symbol of Plitvice Lakes National Park.

Gray wolf (Canis lupus)

The gray wolf is a carnivore from the order Carnivora, family Canidae and genus Canis. It is an endangered species and has the status of a strictly protected species in Croatia. The park is a natural habitat for wolves due to dense forests, mountainous areas and large areas that allow these animals plenty of room to roam and hunt. Wolves mainly eat wild animals such as deer, wild boar and small mammals. In Plitvice Lakes National Park, wolves live in packs, and their presence is very important for the whole ecosystem: they keep the prey in balance.

Wolf research in the Park includes photographing individual animals, processing data, taking blood samples for genetic analysis and health checks. The captured wolf is then collared with a GPS transmitter, allowing researchers to track the entire pack for one year. After a year, the collar is automatically removed by the discharge system. Wolves are territorial animals and will defend their range, which is why it is impossible for the territories of different packs to overlap. Considering that the surface area of ​​the Park is smaller than the area normally used by wolves, it is clear that the Park area is shared by several wolf packs, including areas outside the Park.

Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx)

The lynx is the largest carnivore in the family Felidae, subfamily Felinae, Felis genus and Lynx subgenus. In Croatia, the lynx is a strictly protected species. The presence of lynx indicates a well-preserved habitat. The lynx is a suitable climber and predator. Its spotted fur helps it blend in with its surroundings as it stalks and prays, adding to a successful hunt. The lynx eats birds, amphibians and small mammals. A total of 26 independent animals have been recorded in Plitvice Lakes National Park, although their presence does not change. Every year, the Park area is used by 7 to 9 animals, depending on their migration activities and local behavior.

Otter (Lutra lutra)

Preserved wetlands provide an ideal home for the otter, a mammal from the weasel family. The otter is an aquatic animal, meaning it lives in both water and land. It belongs to the order Carnivora and the family Mustelidae. Lutra lutra, also known as the Eurasian otter, is the only otter species that lives on the European continent. There are many well-studied tracks of this type, which have been wiped out or almost wiped out in many parts of the continent. It’s not easy to see an otter in the wild, but if you’re lucky, you might see one swimming in a lake, usually hunting for prey.

The otter is active at night, and will disappear into thick vegetation or into its hole on the beach as soon as it senses danger. It is a large predator in the aquatic environment, feeding mainly on fish, but also on amphibians, crustaceans, birds, small mammals and aquatic insects. Some 30 otters are present in Plitvice Lakes National Park. The presence of otters is tracked in different areas using camera traps. Otter research at the Park includes collecting saliva and feces samples and analyzing the genetic makeup of each otter. In addition, two otters are fitted with telemetry transmitters and their movements are tracked via GPS.

The presence of large carnivores, the brown bear (Ursus arctos), the gray wolf (Canis lupus), the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) and the otter (Lutra lutra), which are strictly protected species and are in danger of extinction worldwide, is a guarantee of superiority the highest. the extent and level of conservation of natural areas. Forest habitats provide ideal conditions for the brown bear, gray wolf and Eurasian lynx to thrive, and the freshwater habitats are ideal habitat for the otter. All of these species prefer quiet and secluded areas with plenty of food, shelter and sheltered areas to raise their young. The diversity and richness of habitats is the key to maintaining the diversity and richness of animals. Healthy habitats, where plants and mushrooms can enjoy favorable growing conditions and animals can find food and shelter, are one of the important characteristics of Plitvice Lakes National Park, making it a valuable biodiversity reserve.