The removal of ailanthus (tree of heaven) has begun in the Krka NP
As a part of the project “LIFE CONTRA Ailanthus – Establishment of control over the invasive foreign species Ailanthus altissima (tree-of-heaven) in Croatia” in the project region HR2000918, i.e. the broader area of the Krka National Park, the removal of ailanthus has begun in the Krka NP
In order to preserve habitats and autochthonous plant species and to prevent the spread of ailanthus/tree-of-heaven, an invasive foreign species, the Krka National Park is participating as a partner in the project of establishing control over the ailanthus tree, valued at a total of 19.4 million HRK. The expected main results of the "LIFE CONTRA Ailanthus" project are the improvement of the conservation status of Natura 2000 habitat types, the preservation of the cultural heritage, the prevention of the further spread of invasive foreign species, and the development of a national protocol. The project is expected to continue for five years.
Various methods of removal will be used to control the ailanthus in the Krka National Park from the middle of September to the end of October 2022. Eight sites have been chosen, and the removal activities began in the northern part of the park in the Oćestovo area. As part of the project, four groups of external experts were arranged to carry out the development of an alternative protocol for the removal of the invasive species also called tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima). As part of their field activities, these experts will collect and analyse data, and further assess the impact of the project on various habitats, pollinators, and the soil biodiversity.
Ailanthus displaces native vegetation and reduces biodiversity, is damaging in agriculture, causes allergies in people, and destroys monuments of the cultural heritage and other buildings with its extremely strong root system. Due to negative impacts on biodiversity, the economy, and human health, this species is on the list of invasive non-native species of concern in the European Union.
LIFE CONTRA Ailanthus
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The final conference of the LIFE CONTRA Ailanthus project
The final conference of the LIFE CONTRA Ailanthus project, which aims to establish control over the invasive alien species Ailanthus altissima (pajasen) in Croatia, was held today at the Krka Eco Campus in Puljane
A volunteer program at Krka NP: the successful removal of invasive species through education and actions
The volunteer program called “Guardians of native species habitats”, launched last year, took place from September 2 to 11, 2024. This year, it brought together enthusiasts, volunteers, and experts, with the aim of combating pajasen or tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), an invasive non-native plant species, and raising awareness about the importance of preserving the natural heritage.
The Habitat Protector volunteer programme is open for applications
Apply to volunteer at Krka National Park from 2 to 11 September 2024, and become a Krka Habitat Protector
In February, the Krka Eco Campus was the centre of education on practices to combat the invasive Tree of Heaven
The Public Institute of Krka National Park hosted the pupils of six primary schools from Šibenik-Knin County who learned about the natural values of Krka National Park, and attended an educational workshop on the topic of combatting the spread of the invasive species Tree of Heaven.