Monitoring bat hibernation colonies
The continuation of multi-year research and monitoring of bats in the Park boundaries and surrounding areas
During January 2023, monitoring of bat hibernation colonies was performed in the area of Krka National Park. The monitoring included inspections of underground caves Topla pećina, Velika pećina Kaočinka and Miljacka II, and was conducted by the company Geonatura d.o.o.
Field research was conducted in accordance with the international guidelines of the Agreement to protect European bat populations (UNEPEUROBATS), and applied other relevant expert and scientific literature. The research was conducted with the aim of collecting data on bat populations that use these underground shelters during the hibernation period, the dynamics of their use by bats, their abundance and species composition, with an assessment of the state of conservation of the underground shelters, with recommendations for further activities.
During the performance of monitoring, variations were observed in the past concerning the species abundance and composition, particularly during the summer period, which is why research on colony hibernation was performed on only a few occasions and only in certain shelters (Miljacka II cave, Topla pećina cave). The recorded variations in abundance and composition of bat species over the years can be a reflection of true variations, or a reflection of the methods used and scope of research conducted. Also, during winter, it is possible that a share of the bats temporarily retracts deeper into the caves, into inaccessible channels and fissures. However, the results of the study conducted in 2023 suggest that the bats do not use these shelters in such large numbers when forming hibernation colonies, with usually 20 or fewer individuals per colony.
During research conducted in January 2023, the presence of four bat species was recorded: Myotis capaccinii (long-fingered bat), Rhinolophus euryale (Mediterranean horseshoe bat), R. ferrumequinum (greater horseshoe bat) and R. hipposideros (lesser horseshoe bat).
Monitoring
JOŠ NOVOSTI IZ KATEGORIJE
Monitoring of nesting pairs of the Eurasian Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo) in the Krka NP area in 2026
From February 8 to March 14, 2026, during thirty-one field trips, the nature guards of the Krka National Park listened to the singing of male eagle owls in the evening hours, during sunset, at twenty-one locations along the canyons of the Krka and Čikola Rivers
Monitoring the status of hibernating bat colonies in the broader area of Krka National Park in 2026
In January 2026, the company Geonatura d.o.o. conducted monitoring of hibernating bat colonies in the broader area of the Krka National Park, which included an inspection of the underground shelters of Topla Pećina Cave, Miljacka II Cave, Velika Pećina Kaočinka Cave and Stara Jametina Cave
Monitoring the occurrence of plant diseases and pests in forest communities of the Krka NP
The project "Monitoring the occurrence of plant diseases and pests in forest communities of the Krka National Park – 2024 and 2025" was implemented with the aim of systematically monitoring the health of the Park's forest ecosystems in conditions of pronounced climate change, frequent dry periods, forest fires, and an increased risk of the appearance and spread of harmful and invasive organisms
Winter Counting of Waterfowl in the area of the Krka National Park in 2026
This year we also counted waterfowl in the Krka National Park area