BANJA LUKA / PRAGUE - Biological surveys of the Sana and Rzav rivers in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) have revealed a natural treasure trove of rare animals. Experts brought to the site by the Jewels of Nature project, a joint effort of several Czech and Bosnian NGOs, have discovered a number of species in the rivers' ecosystems that have never before been recorded in BiH. On the International Day of Action for Rivers, they warn that the findings should become an imperative for the designation of new protected areas and the systematic protection of ecosystems around Europe's last wild rivers.
Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Western Balkans is full of diverse ecosystems, often linked to Europe's last wild rivers. This is evidenced, among other things, by the 304 species of flora and fauna found by biodiversity mapping in the upper reaches of the Sana River in the north-west of the country. This was carried out as part of the long-term efforts of the non-governmental organisations Arnika (the Czech Republic), Centre for Environment, Centre of Dr. Stjepan Bolkay, and Aarhus Centre Sarajevo (BiH) to protect the local ecosystems, for example against the unregulated construction of small hydroelectric power plants.
The field research has primarily revealed a wide range of animals from stealthy cave dwellers to the peregrine falcon. When researching the Sana River’s Prizren Grand Canyon, experts have also identified 15 species of amphibians and reptiles, including multiple protected species.
“A trio of amphibians certainly leads the way. We found the fire salamander - a beautiful creature that requires a stable environment to live in and is very sensitive to changes in the water regime and is classified as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Other interesting inhabitants include the Yellow-bellied toad and the Greek stream frog, both species falling into the category of 'strictly protected under local regulations” summarises Saudin Merdan, biologist and president of the Dr. Stjepan Bolkay Centre.
The Greek stream frog (rana graeca), chilling nearby the river. Photo Majda Slámová / Arnika
The biodiversity mapping also found eight different species of bats, including several protected under the European Natura 2000 system.[1] Experts have also discovered several species of fish, proving that the area is inhabited by species that are highly dependent on clean water and non-interference with existing environmental conditions.[2]
However, the official protection of the Sana River from such potential interference - as the possible construction of hydroelectric projects cutting into the river's flow - is only partial and, as experts and NGOs warn, insufficient.
“In general, the Sana River is characterised by a high level of biodiversity and cultural importance. Given the planned hydroelectric projects, especially in this very canyon that we conducted the research in, it is extremely important that these unique sites are fully protected,” warns Vladimir Topić, coordinator from the energy and climate change programme of Banja Luka-based Centre for Environment. He refers to the official initiative of the Ministry of Physical Planning, Construction and Ecology requesting the designation of a protected area in the Prizren Grand Canyon.
Photo Majda Slámová / Arnika
In the past, a similar initiative by the Centre for the Environment and Arnika led to the designation of the Sana Springs area as a 'natural monument'. This was hailed as a success by the NGOs, but the protected area is limited to about 3.2 square km.
The second part of the biological research was carried out on another valuable Bosnian river, the Rzav. This research on spiders in the river valley, led by Czech arachnologist Ondřej Machač, added many new species to the list of species living in the natural environment of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The research has found a total of 140 species of spiders, 53 of which have never been recorded in BiH before. On the gravelly riverbanks and the surrounding rocky grasslands or light deciduous woods, experts have also identified several spiders or harvestmen classified as endangered or critically endangered, such as Phaeocedus braccatus, Brigittea latens, Uloborus walckenaerius and others.[3] The area is also home to one species of scorpion and several pseudoscorpions.
“Bosnia and Herzegovina is blessed with some of the most diverse ecosystems in Europe. But these areas are under increasing threat from habitat destruction, pollution and other unsustainable land uses. This becomes doubly problematic when only about 3% of the BiH’s territory has official protection - compared to almost 30%, which is the average for EU countries. It is clear that the proportion of protected areas should be increased, but it is also appropriate to talk about the implementation of rigorous nature protection systems, such as the European Natura 2000, and support for local people who want to work to protect their environment,” concludes Zuzana Vachůnová, international project coordinator from Arnika.
Photo Majda Slámová / Arnika
The Czech NGO has a long history of working with local NGOs in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In the past, they have mainly worked to help local communities protect rivers from the destructive construction of small hydropower plants. The current project, supported by the Transition Promotion Programme of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, mainly aims to designate new protected areas and strengthen the systemic protection of BiH's unique biodiversity.
For more information, please contact Arnika’s international PR officer: Jan Kašpárek (jan.kasparek@arnika.org / +420770143103).
Notes
[1] - Specifically, the following bat species were recorded: Rhinolophus ferrumequinum, Nyctalus noctula, Pipistrellus pipistrellus, Pipistrellus pygmaeus, Pipistrellus kuhlii, Hypsugo savii, Miniopterus schreibersii, Barbastella barbastellus, the phonetic group Pipistrellus kuhlii/nathusii, and the genus Myotis. This is the first bat data for this area of the Sana Canyon. Out of the recorded species, three are listed on the Natura 2000 species list. All of the species found are also protected under the International Agreement for the Conservation of Bats, UNEP/EUROBATS, to which Bosnia and Herzegovina is a signatory.
[2] - During field research on the ichthyofauna of the upper reaches of the Sana River, the presence of four fish species was recorded (brook trout, chub, dace, and two-banded trout). These species are characteristic of the upper reaches of rivers, specifically fast flowing, well oxygenated, clean, cold waters, and by a very limited capacity to adapt to altered environmental conditions. The Sana River is also home to grayling and huchen (so-called Danube salmon), all being a clear indication of its unpolluted nature.
[3] - The research was conducted in June 2024 in the Višegrad-Dobrun area of the Rzav river. Other remarkable findings include Minicia marginella, Arctosa cinerea, Piratula knorri and species from the Leptonetidae family, found in the Orlovska cave area.
