{"id":5155,"date":"2020-06-25T12:59:47","date_gmt":"2020-06-25T10:59:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/npkopaonik.rs\/fauna\/"},"modified":"2024-09-16T11:44:32","modified_gmt":"2024-09-16T09:44:32","slug":"fauna","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/npkopaonik.rs\/en\/fauna\/","title":{"rendered":"Fauna"},"content":{"rendered":"

The favorable natural conditions of this mountainous massif have enabled the development of a rich and diverse animal life. The insect fauna is abundant, with Kopaonik being the only known location where the endemic and relict species of butterfly Colias balcanica<\/strong><\/em> Rebel has been found. A significant number of amphibians and reptiles have been recorded. The bird fauna includes 173 species, 90% of which are nesting birds, with the Balkan lark standing out in particular. The mammal fauna comprises 40 species, and the presence of otters along watercourses is noteworthy. The water quality supports the presence of brown trout (Salmo truta) in nearly all watercourses on Kopaonik.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Mammals<\/h2><\/div>
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The mammalian fauna of Kopaonik consists of 40 species: 9 species of insectivores (Insectivora), 5 species of bats (Chiroptera), 1 species of lagomorph (Lagomorpha), 14 species of rodents (Rodentia), 9 species of carnivores (Carnivora), and 2 species of ungulates (Artiodactyla). All these species are native to Kopaonik, having inhabited the region since ancient times, with the exception of the American muskrat, which was introduced indirectly by humans around 40 years ago, spreading through the Ibar Valley and the northeastern foothills of Kopaonik. In the past century, four mammal species have been exterminated from this region, primarily due to human activities: the brown bear (Ursus arctos), which has been sighted sporadically in recent years but is considered to be transient without a permanent habitat, the lynx (Lynx lynx), the chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra), and the red deer (Cervus elaphus). Two species found in the Kopaonik National Park are listed on the International Red List of Europe (European Red List, UNESCO, New York, 1991), namely Muscardinus avellanarius (Rodentia) and Canis lupus (Carnivora), both classified as vulnerable species in terms of global conservation status.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Fish fauna<\/h2><\/div>
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The waters of NP “Kopaonik” belong to the salmonid, trout region, and are characterized exclusively by the native population of brown trout (Salmo trutta L.). Brown trout is a semi-migratory species (exhibiting pronounced freshwater migrations during feeding, especially during spawning periods), and a rheophilic species (inhabiting cold and fast-flowing waters rich in oxygen, with beds covered in stones and coarse gravel). In accordance with the Nature Protection Act, brown trout is listed as a “protected wild species,” and its protection, management, fishing, use, and population enhancement are regulated by fisheries legislation.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Chamois in Kopaonik National Park<\/h2><\/div>
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The Balkan chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra balcanica<\/em>) represents a remarkable and resilient example of the wild fauna of the Balkan Peninsula. It exhibits impressive adaptability and can be found in the harshest living conditions of mountainous regions. The fur of the Balkan chamois changes throughout the year to adapt to varying conditions. During the summer, the fur is dark brown to reddish-brown, while in winter, it lightens to a grayish-brown. Both males and females have backward-curving horns, but males typically possess larger and more robust horns than females. Their natural habitat includes the mountainous regions of the Balkan Peninsula, encompassing Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, North Macedonia, Serbia, and parts of Montenegro. These magnificent animals are distinguished by their exceptional climbing abilities, enabling them to traverse steep and rocky terrain with ease. They are also known for their endurance and resourcefulness in extreme weather conditions. Balkan chamois can find food even in sparse mountain meadows, feeding on various plants, leaves, grasses, and shrubs. Their excellent sense of smell and vision aids them in locating food and recognizing potential threats. Unfortunately, the population of Balkan chamois is declining due to threats such as habitat loss from human expansion, uncontrolled hunting, and changes in climatic conditions. Kopaonik National Park, in collaboration with the Forest Administration and Tara National Park, has initiated activities aimed at the reintroduction of the Balkan chamois. The first chamois were introduced from Tara to Kopaonik in 2021 and are now located in the Kozja Stene reserve.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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