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Larus - Annual of the Institute of Ornithology Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Vol. 60 No. 1, 2025.

Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.21857/y54jof5ogm

Suburban biodiversity: the importance of a small SPA near Zagreb for riverine birds

Jelena Kralj orcid id orcid.org/0000-0002-1500-5897 ; Institute of Ornithology, Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts *
Luka Basrek ; Zeleni prsten Public Institution of Zagreb County
Tomica Rubinić ; Zeleni prsten Public Institution of Zagreb County
Sandra Hodić ; IBIS program LTD
Krešimir Mikulić ; IBIS program LTD

* Corresponding author.

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Abstract

The Special Protection Area (SPA) Sava near Hrušćica with the Rakitje
gravel pit (HR1000002) is one of the smallest SPAs in Croatia. A total of
171 bird species were recorded within the study area, of which 87 were
breeding. Almost half of all recorded species (82 species, 48%) and 30% of
breeders (26 species) are associated with wetland or riverine habitats. Target
species for this SPA are Common Tern Sterna hirundo, Little Tern Sternula
albifrons, Kingfisher Alcedo atthis, Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos,
and Sand Martin Riparia riparia. Estimated numbers of breeding pairs
for all target species are higher than their respective conservation targets,
except for the Little Tern which disappeared as a breeding species in this
area. Four other bird species listed on Annex I of the EU Birds Directive
should be considered for the addition as target species for this SPA. The
main identified threats comprise periodic flooding of breeding islands
caused by operations of hydropower plants (hydropeaking), gravel extraction,
and vegetation encroachment of nesting sites. Due to the effective
management of nesting habitats by two Natura 2000 management
units (Zeleni prsten Public Institution of Zagreb County and Zagreb City
Nature), the SPA Sava near Hruščica with Rakitje gravel pit remains the
most important breeding area for the Common Tern in Croatia.

Keywords

SPA Sava near Hrušćica with the Rakitje gravel pit; avifauna; threats; conservation measures

Hrčak ID:

337806

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/337806

Publication date:

10.11.2025.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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