Field trips

POST CONGRESS TOUR

“Tara” National Park (https://www.nptara.rs/en/) includes Tara Mountain, which is located in the western Serbia, bounded by the Drina River between two cities: Višegrad and Bajina Bašta. Tara is a medium-high mountain, with the mean altitude of 1.000-1.200 meters above the sea level. The highest peak is Kozji (Goat) rid, with height of 1.591 meters. Tara Mountain was declared a National park in 1981, with the total area of 24.991 ha.
Tara Mountain is a typical forest area, and, regarding its preservation and diversity of forest ecosystems (many of which are relict), it is one of the richest and most valuable forest areas in Europe. This area is covered with mixed forests of European Spruce, Silver Fir and European Beech (over 85% of forest area) and, in comparison to other mountains of the Balkan Peninsula, unique by the large number of relict and endemic forest species and plant communities.
More than 1.150 species of vascular flora (76 endemic ones) are recorded on the Tara Mountain, which makes 1/3 of the total flora of Serbia. The Serbian Spruce (Picea omorika), an endemic and relict coniferous tree species, which inhabits canyons and ravines of the middle course of the Drina River, has special value and importance.
As concerned to fauna, Tara Mountain is inhabited by over 50 species of mammals, 140 species of birds and 19 species of fish. This area is inhabited by the largest population of brown bears in Serbia. The best-known species, for which it may be said to be symbol of fauna of Tara Mountain, is an endemorelict insect - Pančic's grasshopper (Pyrgomorphella serbica).
Thirteen amphibian species were recorded in the „Tara“ NP (60% of the total number of amphibian species in Serbia). The most common are: Smooth newt, Fire salamander and European tree frog. There is important recent finding of Macedonian crested newt.
Twelve reptile species were recorded in the „Tara“ NP (46% of the total number of reptile species in Serbia). The most interesting is Viviparous lizard (the commonest lacertid species in Europe which, in Serbia - at the southernmost part of the species area - inhabits only specific mountainous habitats). The most common species in the surrounding canyons is Nose-horned viper.
The area of Tara Mountain was identified as an Important Plant Area (IPA), important Bird Area (IBA) and prime Butterfly Areas (PBA) and was also identified as important in the framework of the Emerald Network. “Tara” NP with Zaovine (Landscape of outstanding features) and “Mokra Gora” Nature Park, was nominated by UNESCO MAB Committee as a potential biosphere reserve.

"Uvac" Special Nature Reserve (https://www.uvac.org.rs/) is located within the Starovlaška-Raška Plateau in the southwestern part of Serbia, between Nova Varoš and Sjenica cities. It is protected area since 1971. Habitat diversity is reflected in different types of freshwater habitats: springs, ponds, wet meadows, streams, mountain rivers and lake reservoirs. Predominant terrestrial habitats are meadows, deciduous, mixed deciduous-coniferous and coniferous forests. The altitudinal range goes from 760 m to 1322 m above sea level. The gorges and canyons of the Uvac River and its tributaries provide favorable living conditions for thermophilic species, which can also be found on the edges of plateau to canyons and gorges. Species typical of boreal forests and high-mountain meadows and pastures, but also those characteristic of steppe areas, inhabit this area. One of the most charismatic species there is a Griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus). The viable colony and a sanctuary which supports maintenance of this precious vulture is the result of joint efforts of our vulture experts and the local community.
Ten amphibian and eight reptile species have been recorded within this protected area. The most common amphibians are Alpine newt, Smooth newt, Yellow-bellied toad and the Balkan endemic species - Greek frog. The most common reptiles are Common wall lizard, Green lizard, Dice snake and Nose-horned viper.
 
The Veliki Rzav River (https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Rzav_(Golija) ) is one of the cleanest European rivers, with many cascades and waterfalls, also with thermal springs along the river banks. It originates in the foothills of the Mučanj Mountain (1536 m a.s.l) in Western Serbia and confluences into Moravica River near Arilje town (350m a.s.l.). The slopes are mostly covered by oak and beech forests. Recently, this river has been threatened by the construction of big dam for water accumulation near the Arilje town which will sink large part of the river’s gorge. Additionally, there have been several attempts to build run-of-river small hydropower plants in the upper parts of the river flow.  
The most attractive amphibian species of The Veliki Rzav River Canyon is endemic Greek frog; the common ones are Fire salamander, Common toad, Yellow-bellied toad and Agile frog. The commonest reptile species are Common wall lizard, Green lizard, Dice snake and Nose-horned viper.
 

See a detailed itinerary here.