Lonjsko Polje Nature Park
Sisačko-moslavačka županija
Lonjsko Polje Nature Park, established in 1998, is the largest protected wetland area in Croatia and the entire Danube basin, spanning over 505.6 square kilometers along the Sava River floodplain. It comprises three main fields: Lonjsko, Mokro, and Poganovo, characterized by a mosaic of habitats including floodplain forests, wet meadows, marshes, and numerous channels shaped by natural flooding and human activity. The park plays a crucial role in flood defense for surrounding communities due to its periodic inundations. It sustains a rich biodiversity with over 250 bird species, including important and endangered birds like the white stork, Eurasian spoonbill, white-tailed eagle, and the crex. The area is also home to rare native livestock breeds such as the Croatian Posavac horse, Turopolje pig, and Slavonian-Srijem grey cattle, representing a unique cultural landscape management tradition. The village of Čigoč within the park is famed as the "European Stork Village" for the numerous stork nests on its houses. Lonjsko Polje is recognized under EU Birds Directive as an Important Bird Area and protected by the Ramsar Convention, highlighting its international ecological significance.
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Astuce: The best time to visit Lonjsko Polje is during spring and early summer when birdlife is most active and the landscape is lush from seasonal floods. Booking guided tours in advance is recommended to explore the park's biodiversity and cultural heritage safely. Visitors should prepare for variable weather and bring binoculars for birdwatching. Discounts may be available for groups and educational visits. The park's visitor center in Krapje provides detailed information and maps.
Faits intéressants
- •Lonjsko Polje is the largest protected wetland in the entire Danube basin.
- •The village of Čigoč in the park is known as the 'European Stork Village' due to numerous stork nests on houses.
- •The park hosts over 250 bird species, with 138 species nesting within its boundaries.
- •It contains native Croatian livestock breeds like the Posavac horse and Turopolje pig, rare in Europe.
- •The park acts as a natural flood defense system for surrounding communities by absorbing river overflow.
Histoire
The Lonjsko Polje area has been recognized for its ecological importance since at least the early 1990s, culminating in its designation as a nature park in 1998.
It is protected under the Ramsar Convention since 1993, emphasizing its status as a wetland of international importance.
Historically, the floodplain landscape has been shaped by natural river dynamics and traditional human pastoral practices, preserving rare native breeds and cultural landscapes that date back to the 19th century and earlier.
Over time, conservation efforts have focused on maintaining the park's biodiversity and flood regulation functions.
Guide du lieu
Village of Čigoč
A traditional village famous for its stork nests on rooftops, earning it the title of the first European Stork Village in 1994. Visitors can observe storks up close and learn about local conservation efforts.
Floodplain Forests
These lowland forests are shaped by seasonal flooding, hosting diverse plant and animal species adapted to wet conditions, including rare amphibians and birds.
Wet Meadows and Pastures
Areas periodically flooded by the Sava River, supporting traditional grazing practices with native cattle breeds, maintaining the cultural landscape and biodiversity.
Ornithological Reserve Krapje Đol
A protected bird habitat hosting mixed colonies of spoonbills, herons, and other waterbirds, important for birdwatchers and conservationists.
Contact
Téléphone: 044 611 190