The varnished hook moss (Hematocaulis vernicosus) is a type of moss growing in bright open fens. Fens in Ljeskovačke bare are the only recent habitat of this species in Croatia. The population is extremely small and made up of only a handful of groups of individuals. It is a target Natura 2000 species for the area of the Plitvice Lakes National Park.
This species was studied and monitored by the Faculty of Science of the University of Zagreb in cooperation with the employees of the Park’s expert service.
Fens are relics from the colder periods in Earth’s history. They are also major carbon stores and contribute significantly to combating climate change. Today they are facing extinction mostly owing to climate change, changes in the water regime, desiccation and succession.