This semi-aquatic species is found across most of Europe. It is a carnivore and prefers fish, although it also eats crustaceans, birds, amphibians, and other smaller mammals it is able to catch. It inhabits all types of freshwater habitats, and is also found along the sea coast. Otters are very shy and elusive animals, making them hard to spot. It is easiest to spot them at dusk and dawn, when their activity peaks.

OIKON d.o.o. conducted the research on otters in the Park area between 2019 and 2022 in cooperation with the Park’s Professional Service Department. The research aimed to assess the size and condition of otter populations and individual otters, to determine which space they use and to record potential threats. Monitoring of otters is still ongoing.

The relatively large number of about 25 individuals (confirmed through DNA analysis of the collected samples) indicates that the Park area offers an ideal habitat for this species.

Objava The Otter in Plitvice Lakes National Park pojavila se prvi puta na Nacionalni park "Plitvička jezera".

The forests and grasslands of the Park provide an ideal habitat for this group of birds because of the abundance of prey and the presence of tree hollows, which they often use for nesting.

Research and monitoring of the condition of these species in the Park has been conducted for many years. The aim is to assess the condition and size of owl and scops owl populations in the Park area and to identify potential threats.

Owls and scops owls are monitored using passive and active (sound decoy) listening along pre-determined transects covering various areas of the Park.

The Biom Association and Certhia, a sole proprietorship for professional and scientific research, are monitoring the status of these species in the Park area in cooperation with the Park’s Professional Service Department.

As many as five species of owls are Natura 2000 target species for the Park: the boreal owl (Aegolius funereus), the short-eared owl (Asio flammeus), the Eurasian eagle-owl (Bubo bubo), the Eurasian pygmy owl (Glaucidium passerinum), and the Ural owl (Strix uralensis).

Objava Owls and Scops Owls of Plitvice Lakes National Park pojavila se prvi puta na Nacionalni park "Plitvička jezera".

Croatian Ecological Society conducted the project of documenting and monitoring the status of saproxylic beetles between 2021 to 2023 in cooperation with the Park’s Professional Service Department.

The project aimed to assess the distribution of Natura 2000 saproxylic beetle species, determine their ecological traits and assess the population status. The target species for the Plitvice Lakes National Park ecological network area include the long-horned beetle (Morimus funereus), the hermit beetle (Osmoderma barnabita), and the rosalia longicorn (Rosalia alpina). In addition to these, several other species of saproxylic “NATURA 2000” beetles have been recorded: the European stag beetle (Lucanus cervus), the Rhysodes sulcatus, and the flat bark beetle (Cucujus cinnaberinus), along with many other species of saproxylic beetles.

Objava Saproxylic Beetles of Plitvice Lakes National Park pojavila se prvi puta na Nacionalni park "Plitvička jezera".

In order to pay tribute to all those who participated in the challenging establishment of the Natura 2000 network, celebrate and emphasize its values, the European Union declared 21 May as Natura 2000 Day. The Habitats Directive was adopted on the same day in 1992, which, along with the Birds Directive adopted in 1979, forms the legal basis of the ecological network.

Benefits of the Natura 2000 network:

• For nature: Protection and recovery of more than 1200 rare and endangered species, as well as more than 230 habitat types
• For people: Vital services such as drinking water, pollinating insects, protection from floods, erosion and climate change
• For the economy: Ecosystem services worth between 200 and 300 billion euros, livelihoods maintained (4.4 million jobs).

The Natura 2000 network does not advocate a strict conservation regime or the cessation of development activities, but rather, it seeks to enable the coexistence of humans and nature through set goals and conservation measures specific to each area.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of the hundred World Heritage Sites included in the Natura 2000 network. It has been recognized as an area important for wild species and habitat types (identification number HR5000020), as well as an area important for bird conservation (HR1000020). The Park area is an invaluable habitat for 28 plant and animal species and 21 bird species from the Natura 2000 network list. The management mechanisms and the goals and measures from the Park’s 2019–2028 Management Plan facilitate the protection and conservation of the species not only in Croatia, but in Europe as well.

The EU has launched the Bioblitz campaign to promote the Natura 2000 Day. The campaign aims to promote the Natura network areas of your choice. You can join the campaign individually, as a family, a group of friends, nature-lovers and scientists, or through an organization or institution (for example, the Plitvice Lakes National Park public institution etc.).

Join the celebration between 17 and 25 May and take part in Bioblitz. You can find more information at Natura 2000 Day, Natura 2000 Bioblitz 2025.

Celebrate the Natura 2000 Day in Plitvice Lakes National Park or another nearby Natura 2000 network area. Experience the richness and diversity of the chosen area and share it with others.

Objava Natura 2000 Day pojavila se prvi puta na Nacionalni park "Plitvička jezera".

Plitvice Lakes National Park is part of the European ecological network Natura 2000, which highlights its exceptional biodiversity and global importance in the preservation of endangered species and habitats.

We have prepared a special program for the occasion, running from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, with a variety of activities:

• Presentation of the Park’s natural and cultural values – At Entrance 1, Park Interpeters will share fascinating information about the Park’s significance. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about the natural treasures and history of Plitvice Lakes.
• Free guided tours – Two tours will be available in both Croatian and English, starting at 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM from Entrance 1. Availability is limited, so be sure to register on-site to secure your spot.
• The Bear Mascot – Our cheerful bear mascot will be greeting visitors from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, ready for photos and fun moments with our youngest guests.
• Performance by the Cultural Arts Society “Lađevčani” – Enjoy the traditional music and folklore of the region, adding an extra layer of charm to our celebration.

Join us in celebrating the 76th birthday and immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park!

Objava 76th Birthday of Plitvice Lakes National Park pojavila se prvi puta na Nacionalni park "Plitvička jezera".

The protection of species and their habitats is not only our duty to nature, but a matter of our own interest, our own survival!

The Natura 2000 network provides priceless benefits for nature, people and economies.

It ensures the protection and recovery of 1200 rare and endangered species and 230 types of habitat. It offers vital services to people, such as fresh water, pollinating insects, flood protection, erosion protection and climate protection. As for economies, it provides ecosystem services worth around EUR 200 – 300 billion per year. More than 4 million jobs directly depend on healthy ecosystems in Europe.

The Natura network does not involve a strict protection regime and halting development activities, but rather the establishing of management mechanisms to ensure the coexistence of humans and nature.

The many sites it includes (over 27000) successfully contribute to the preservation of European natural heritage through the defined management mechanisms. The Plitvice Lakes National Park is also part of the Natura 2000 network. The Park implements a Management plan through which it ensures the protection and preservation of the most endangered species and habitats in Europe and the world: 28 plant and animal species (other than birds), 21 bird species and 20 habitat types.

To learn more about the Natura network go to https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/nature-and-biodiversity/natura-2000_en, visit one of the many Natura sites and contribute to its preservation activities.

Visit the Plitvice Lakes National Park, a Natura 2000 site!

Objava 21st of May – Natura 2000 Day pojavila se prvi puta na Nacionalni park "Plitvička jezera".