Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Nature Conservation. management models and information system

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Jelovica, the shelter of silence LIFE04NAT/SI/000240 project Natura 2000 in Slovenia - management models

1 Jelovica, the shelter of silence LIFE04NAT/SI/ project Natura 2000 in Slovenia - management models and information system Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Nature Conservation Celje Regional Unit

Jelovica and Ratitovec Jelovica is a densely wooded karst plateau spreading in the eastern part of the

The plateau has thus been given its special character by numerous pitches, sinkholes and caves, owing to

In the distant past, Jelovica was overgrown by beech forests which, however, have been cut down through

Today, the vast spruce forests provide shelter for numerous endangered species of birds.

food for Jelovica s birds, and raised bogs, where specially adapted plants and animals have found suitable

The nature-conservancy status of Jelovica and Ratitovec: special protected area Natura 2000 area (Decree on

49/04, 110/04, 59/07); area of ecological concern (Decree on areas of ecological concern, Official Gazette

48/04); natural asset (Regulations on stipulation and conservation of natural assets, Official Gazette of

2 Jelovica and Ratitovec Jelovica is a densely wooded karst plateau spreading in the eastern part of the Julian Alps. Its karst properties emerge from the area s limestone substratum. The plateau has thus been given its special character by numerous pitches, sinkholes and caves, owing to which it is classified as a natural treasure of national concern. In the distant past, Jelovica was overgrown by beech forests which, however, have been cut down through centuries owing to charcoal burning. Today, the vast spruce forests provide shelter for numerous endangered species of birds. The plateau s biodiversity is further enriched by montane pastures, which present an important source of food for Jelovica s birds, and raised bogs, where specially adapted plants and animals have found suitable habitats. Extensive grasslands spread on the slopes of Ratitovec, the southern margin of the plateau. The nature-conservancy status of Jelovica and Ratitovec: special protected area Natura 2000 area (Decree on special protected areas (Natura 2000 areas), Official Gazette of the RS, Nos. 49/04, 110/04, 59/07); area of ecological concern (Decree on areas of ecological concern, Official Gazette of the RS, No. 48/04); natural asset (Regulations on stipulation and conservation of natural assets, Official Gazette of the RS, Nos. 111/04, 70/06); the raised bogs Za blatom and Ledina are protected as nature reserves (Official Gazette of the Bohinj Council, No. 5/1999, Official Gazette of the Gorenjska region, No. 15/1999). Map of the project area with marked Natura 2000 sites and drawn in localities of information boards which were set up within the LIFE project. Geographical position of Jelovica and Ratitovec in Slovenia 2

Jelovica friendly to birds Owing to the limited anthropological influences and the fact that the

A suitable shelter has been found here particularly by several bird species that happen to be

chrysaetos) and the Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus).

montane grasslands, are the habitat of gallinaceous birds.

associated with forests of specific structure and age.

3 Jelovica friendly to birds Owing to the limited anthropological influences and the fact that the area is not populated, the fauna of Jelovica has been very well preserved. A suitable shelter has been found here particularly by several bird species that happen to be highly endangered elsewhere, which is the reason why the plateau has been included in the European Natura 2000 ecological network. The precipitous rockwalls on the plateau s fringes are nest-sites of the Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) and the Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus). The montane forests with diverse shrub layer and abundant blueberry shrubbery, including glades and montane grasslands, are the habitat of gallinaceous birds. Here, numerous woodpecker and owl Golden Eagle species can also be found, which are closely associated with forests of specific structure and age. Pygmy Owl Birds implicitly need a peaceful environment. Disturbances of different kinds, caused by humans during their activities in the forests, impede the birds life cycles (breeding, rearing the young, feeding, etc.), which can in turn greatly reduce their numbers. Peregrine Falcon Black Woodpecker Jelovica, as seen from Radovljica 3

Grouse birds Most suitable for the survival of these sedentary birds is forest landscape in hilly and mountainous territories.

Hazel Grouse They spend the greater part of their lives on the ground, where they also nest. When performing their display calls, they like to perch in a spruce or larch.

Of great importance for this bird are individual forest openings with well developed herb layer, especially blueberries, cranberries and raspberries.

Some of them, however, have been abandoned, primarily due to disturbances caused in the woods.

4 Grouse birds Most suitable for the survival of these sedentary birds is forest landscape in hilly and mountainous territories. Slovenia is inhabited by several grouse species, Jelovica alone by the Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus), Black Grouse (Tetrao tetrix) and Hazel Grouse (Bonasa bonasia). Hazel Grouse They spend the greater part of their lives on the ground, where they also nest. When performing their display calls, they like to perch in a spruce or larch. Grouse birds feed on berries as well as on buds and apices of forest trees. The Capercaillie is particularly fond of older coniferous to mixed forests. Of great importance for this bird are individual forest openings with well developed herb layer, especially blueberries, cranberries and raspberries. The areas where these birds perform their courtship dances are called leks. In the area of Jelovica, at least 34 leks are known, at which about 50 males have been singing in the last few years. Some of them, however, have been abandoned, primarily due to disturbances caused in the woods. Male Capercaillie at a display ground One of the trees chiselled by the Black Woo Woodpeckers Woodpeckers are birds that are directly associated with the dying off wood in the forests. They feed on insects living under the bark and in wood itself. When they detect the insects movements in the interior of a trunk, they use their powerful bills to chisel out the way to them. The forests of Jelovica are home to the largest woodpecker in Slovenia, i.e. the Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius). Its abandoned nest-holes are popular with numerous other breeding forest birds. Three-toed Woodpecker The Three-toed Woodpecker (Picoides tridactylus) is one of the smaller representatives of these birds. Considering that it inhabits only coniferous montane forests with ample dying but still standing trees, it is rarer than the Black Woodpecker. 4

Owls Owls are peace-loving birds. At night, they mark their territories with hooting or they look for suitable partners.

Owl (Glaucidium passerinum). The Ural Owl is amongst the largest owls in Slovenia.

Bogs have been created through millennia with gradual silting and overgrowing of lakes.

Owing to the accumulation of peat, which is mostly composed of various peat mosses, some fens can gradually lose (in a few

5 Owls Owls are peace-loving birds. At night, they mark their territories with hooting or they look for suitable partners. At Jelovica, we can hear the Ural Owl (Strix uralensis), Tengmalm s Owl (Aegolius funereus) and our smallest owl, the Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium passerinum). The Ural Owl is amongst the largest owls in Slovenia. Owing to its size, it needs big tree holes for breeding and large territory for hunting small mammals (mice, voles), smaller birds and insects, on which it feeds. Raised bog Za blatom Bogs, rare preserved wetlands Bogs, which are rare habitats in our country, are highly sensitive to any changes in their environment. This is why even more should be done to protect them against any possible detrimental influences. Bogs have been created through millennia with gradual silting and overgrowing of lakes. Apart from raised bogs, fens and transitional bogs are also known. Owing to the accumulation of peat, which is mostly composed of various peat mosses, some fens can gradually lose (in a few centuries) contact with groundwater and nutrients dissolved in it. Such fens are called raised bogs. The most characteristic raised bog at Jelovica is Za blatom. Peat moss Ural Owl The largest, called Ledina, is a transitional bog, which means that characteristics of raised bogs and fens interact here with each other. As the bog and fen grounds provide for very specific living conditions, only those plants and animals can thrive here that have adapted to this type of environment. 5

Grazing prevents pastures from becoming overgrown with herbage and at the same time preserves the grasslands, which constitute a suitable habitat for the Black

6 Ratitovec The southern margin of Jelovica ends with Ratitovec. Its highest peak is Altemaver, which is situated at 1,678 m a.s.l.. During the summer, the barren peaks of Ratitovec and with Dwarf-pine overgrown surrounding mountain grasslands turn into true montane pastures. Grazing prevents pastures from becoming overgrown with herbage and at the same time preserves the grasslands, which constitute a suitable habitat for the Black Grouse. Black Grouse, bird of the highest peaks This bird is the Capercaillie s relative. The Black Grouse, too, is known for its plumage display during courting, when calling with characteristic puffing and cooing sounds. Black Grouse Most important for the survival of this bird is conservation of Dwarf-pine and other dwarfish trees in the heterogeneous tree-line area, and rich herbal sites especially with Ericaceous species. Another important factor is peace in its environment particularly during the bird's display and at winter time. 6

Jelovica - an open door to nature Within the LIFE project framework, ten information boards

They help the visitors to be acquainted with the characteristics of surrounding nature in a

Furthermore, we have organised several workshops and lectures to present to the inhabitants of

Jelovica and of the European Natura 2000 ecological network.

7 Jelovica - an open door to nature Within the LIFE project framework, ten information boards were set up in the area of Jelovica and Ratitovec. They help the visitors to be acquainted with the characteristics of surrounding nature in a greater detail. Furthermore, we have organised several workshops and lectures to present to the inhabitants of the area as A detailed management plan documents for the project site Jelovica, prepared within the framework of the project. well as its visitors the significance of the exceptionally well conserved nature in the area of Jelovica and of the European Natura 2000 ecological network. Information board at Dražgoška gora Within the framework of the project, we have also prepared a sample document entitled A detailed management plan for the project site Jelovica since we believe that the natural treasures of Jelovica can be preserved for future generations only with wise management. View from Ratitovec 7

Jelovica, pilot area of the LIFE III Nature project: Natura 2000 in Slovenia management plans and information system, LIFE04NAT/SI/000240 Boletina LIFE III - Nature is a financial instrument of the

The project, which lasts from January 1st, 2005, to December 31st, 2007, is being implemented by the Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Nature Conservation with the following local partners:

8 Jelovica, pilot area of the LIFE III Nature project: Natura 2000 in Slovenia management plans and information system, LIFE04NAT/SI/ Boletina LIFE III - Nature is a financial instrument of the European Union, which supports the nature-conservancy endeavours to conserve the significant European species and habitat types, associated in the Natura 2000 network. The project, which lasts from January 1st, 2005, to December 31st, 2007, is being implemented by the Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Nature Conservation with the following local partners: Slovenian Forest Service Regional Units Bled and Kranj and The Chamber of Agriculture and Forestry Service Unit Kranj. Project activities in the Jelovica pilot area: preparation of the site s management plan, setting up of information boards, publishing of a this brochure, other informative activities (lectures held at primary schools, competition for the best poster at primary schools, preparation of info-material, etc.). Institute of the Republic of Project Slovenia for Nature Conservation Main financer: Co - financer: beneficiary: Jelovica Jovsi IN TITUT ZA VODE REPUBLIKE SLOVENIJE Institute for Water of the Republic of Slovenia The project s partners: Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Nature Conservation Kranj Regional Unit TomšiËeva Kranj Phone Fax LiËenca (Petelinjek ponds) Text: Gregor Kalan, Jurij GuliË, Sonja Rozman Bizjak, Gregor Danev, Metod Rogelj, Nina UratariË, Tjaπa DjokiÊ Photographs: Tomaæ MiheliË, Slavko Polak, Milan Vogrin, Martin Vernik, Boπtjan Kepic, Andrej Hudoklin, Metod Rogelj, Gregor Kalan, Jurij GuliË, Lidija HoËevar Æager, Mirko Peruπek Translated by Henrik CigliË Map: Gregor Kalan Design: Pristop, d.o.o. Printed by»ukgraf, d.o.o. Number of copies: 5,000 September 2007 The brochure was published within the framework of the LIFE III Nature project: Natura 2000 in Slovenia management models and information system, co-financed by the EU. The text does not necessarily express the views of the European Commission. Snežnik

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