Biodiversity of Kosovo

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Bjeshket e Nemuna National Park Parku Kombetar Bjeshket Nemuna, Liqeni i madh ne Liqenat, Rugove.jpg
Bjeshkët e Nemuna National Park
Sharr Mountains National Park Brod Dragash.jpg
Sharr Mountains National Park

Kosovo is characterised by a diverse biodiversity and an abundance of different ecosystems and habitats determined by the climate along with the geology and hydrology. [1] Predominantly mountainous, it is located at the center of the Balkan Peninsula bounded by Montenegro to the west, Serbia to the north and east, North Macedonia to the southeast, and Albania to the southwest.

Contents

Most of the country is geographically defined by the plains of Dukagjini and Kosovo. It is framed along its borders by the Albanian Alps in the west and the Sharr Mountains in the southeast, which are simultaneously, in terms of plant and animal species, the most important and diverse areas of the country. [2] [3]

The climate of the country is a combination of a continental and a Mediterranean climate, with four distinct seasons. It is mostly defined by its geographical location in Southeastern Europe and strongly influenced by the Adriatic, Aegean and Black Sea within the Mediterranean Sea. [1]

In terms of phytogeography, the land area of Kosovo lies within the Boreal Kingdom, specifically within the Illyrian province of the Circumboreal Region. Its territory can be subdivided into two terrestrial ecoregions of the Palearctic realm, the Balkan and Dinaric mixed forests.

The forests are the most widespread terrestrial ecosystem in Kosovo and currently protected by particular laws of the Constitution of Kosovo. [4] Most of the forests are important because they provide shelter and protection to hundreds of plant and animal species of national and international importance.

Flora

The Kosovan forest flora is represented by 139 orders classified in 63 families, 35 genera and 20 species. [2] It has a significance for the Balkans as whole – although Kosovo represents only 2.3% of the region's area, in terms of vegetation it represents 25% of flora and about 18% of total European flora. [5] Due to the Mediterranean climate, several plants characteristic to sub-Mediterranean regions are found in forests, including terebinth ( Pistacia terebinthus ), wild asparagus ( Asparagus acutifolius ), fragrant virgin's bower ( Clematis flammula ) and the mallow bindweed ( Convolvulus althaeoides ). [6]

The biodiversity of Kosovo is quite rich due to the exposure to the climate through the White Drin valley. [6] The woodlands of Shar are habitat to 86 vascular plants of international significance, while the Accursed Mountains house 128 endemic species. [7] The flora is represented by 139 orders classified in 63 families, 35 genera and 20 species. [2] It has a significance for the entire region of Balkans, although Kosovo represents only 2.3% of the entire surface of Balkans, in terms of vegetation it represents 25% of the Balkans flora and about 18% of the European flora. [5]

Other common flowers for the forests of Kosovo that are not exclusive to the Mediterranean climate include: [6]

Endangered species

There are several flora species in the Kosovan forests that are considered to be endangered, as classified by the Kosovo Environmental Protection Agency: [5]

Fauna

The Balkan lynx subspecies is found in Kosovo. Lynx kitten.jpg
The Balkan lynx subspecies is found in Kosovo.

The fauna is influenced by the geographical position and conditions of the country, which suit several rare animals. [8] The fields and hilly areas are home to boars, deers, rabbits, ravens, magpies, starlings, field sparrows, woodpeckers and turtle doves. In the mountainous regions there are field partridges, quails, pheasants, squirrels, storks, and many numerous species of eagles, vultures, hawks and others. The rare animals include the brown bear, wolves, roe deer, lynx, wild and forest hen grouse. Bears are mainly found in the Shar Mountains as well as in the Albanian Alps.

The high mountains in Kosovo make it ideal for many animals to live in. In the rivers and lakes there are salmon, trout, scuba, eel, gudgeon, catfish, carp, torpedo and small herring. The southern part, especially the Dragashi municipality has its own dog breed called the Qeni i Sharrit which is kept by the majority of people living in the country, Western part of North Macedonia and Albania.

The fauna of Kosovo is composed of a wide range of species due to its relief, ecological factors and geographic location. The forests with the greatest varieties are the ones located in the Shar Mountains, Accursed Mountains, Kopaonik and Mokna. [9] There are a total of eleven natural reserves throughout Kosovo [10] and they are home to species such as: [11] [9] [12]

Deer in Blinaja during the winter Vendgjuetia Blinaja.jpg
Deer in Blinaja during the winter

Blinaja and Duboçak are two hunting areas of special significance in Kosovo, established with the primary objective of preserving the region's diverse and precious fauna. These designated zones play a crucial role in safeguarding the wildlife of Kosovo. [13]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Metohija</span> Place

Metohija, also known in Albanian as Dukagjin is a large basin and the name of the region covering the southwestern part of Kosovo. The region covers 35% (3,891 km2) of Kosovo's total area. According to the 2011 census, the population of the region is 700,577.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kopaonik</span> Mountain range in Southeast Europe

Kopaonik is a mountain range located in Kosovo and Serbia. The highest point of this mountain range is the Pančić's Peak with an altitude of 2,017 m (6,617 ft). The central part of the Kopaonik plateau was declared a national park in 1981 which today covers an area of 121.06 km2 (46.74 sq mi).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Accursed Mountains</span> Mountain range in Southeast Europe

The Accursed Mountains, also known as the Albanian Alps, is a mountain range in coastal Southeast Europe adjacent to the Adriatic Sea. It is the southernmost subrange of the 1,000-kilometre-long (621 mi) Dinaric Alps range (Dinarides), extending from northern Albania to western Kosovo and northeastern Montenegro. Maja Jezercë, standing at 2,694 m (8,839 ft), is the highest point of the Accursed Mountains and of all Dinaric Alps, and the fifth highest peak in Albania. The range includes the mountain Zla Kolata, which, at 2,534 m (8,314 ft), is the tallest mountain in Montenegro. The range also includes the mountain Gjeravica, which, at 2,656 m (8,714 ft), is the second tallest mountain in Kosovo. One of the southernmost glacial masses in Europe was discovered in the Albanian part of the range in 2009.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Geography of Kosovo</span>

Kosovo is a landlocked country in Southeastern Europe. The country is strategically positioned in the center of the Balkan Peninsula enclosed by Montenegro to the west, Serbia to the north and east, North Macedonia to the southeast, and Albania to the southwest. It has no direct access to the Mediterranean Sea but its rivers flow into three seas, the Adriatic, Aegean and Black Sea.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shebenik National Park</span> Protected area in Albania

Shebenik National Park is a national park in eastern Albania adjacent to the border with North Macedonia. It encompasses 34,507.9 hectares (345.079 km2) and is specifically marked by a mountainous landscape supplied with glacial lakes, valleys, dense coniferous and deciduous forests and alpine meadows and pastures. Elevations in the park vary from 300 metres to over 2,200 metres above the Adriatic at the peak of Shebenik and Jabllanica, hence the name. It dwells a number of endangered species that are fast becoming rare in Southern Europe, including the brown bear, gray wolf and Balkan lynx. The abundance in wildlife can in part be explained by the variety of vegetation types and remote location.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bjeshkët e Nemuna National Park</span> National park in western Kosovo

Bjeshkët e Nemuna National Park is a national park in the districts of Gjakovë and Pejë in western Kosovo. It encompasses 63,028 hectares (630.28 km2) of mountainous terrain, with numerous lakes, dense deciduous and coniferous forests and alpine landscapes. The park was established to protect its ecosystems and biodiversity, as well as the cultural and historical heritage.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hiking in Kosovo</span>

Hiking in Kosovo started with establishment of the first hiking association in 1928, and it continued with creation of different association all around the territory which was then part of Yugoslavia. After the Kosovo War a lot was done also by the support of societies such as HikingNjeri, which have worked hard to not only organize activities, but also to expose hiking to the general public via social media.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Forests of Kosovo</span> Overview of the forests of Kosovo

The forests of Kosovo make up about 44.7% Agricultural land comprises 53% of Kosovo's total land area and forests 44.7% of the entire surface of the territory. Most of the forests are located in southwestern Kosovo, including the outskirts of Peja, Deçan, Istog, Junik and Gjakova and are protected by particular laws of the Kosovar Constitution. There are several types of forests in Kosovo and they are mostly represented by pinnate ones.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bear Sanctuary Prishtina</span> Bear sanctuary in Kosovo

The Bear Sanctuary Prishtina is a sanctuary for rescued brown bears in Kosovo at around 22 km (14 mi) close to the city of Prishtina. The sanctuary is located near the Badoc Lake.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Geography of Prizren</span>

Prizren is located on the slopes of the Sharr Mountains in the southern part of Kosovo. The municipality has a border with Albania and North Macedonia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rugova (region)</span> Mountain region in Kosovo

Rugova is a mountain region located to the north-west of the city of Peja, in Kosovo. According to notes of Rugova it has been inhabited since before the 12th century. In 2013, it was designated a national park by the Parliament of Kosovo.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Demographics of Pristina</span>

As of December 2012 Pristina, the capital city of Kosovo, had a population of 205,133 registered inhabitants.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maja e Arnenit Strict Nature Reserve</span> Nature reserve in Southeastern Kosovo

The Maja e Arnenit Strict Nature Reserve is a strict nature reserve in the District of Prizren of Southeastern Kosovo. Maja e Arnenit has an area of 30 ha.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Biodiversity of Albania</span>

For a small country, Albania is characterised by a considerable wealth of terrestrial and marine ecosystems and habitats with contrasting floral, faunal, and fungal species, defined in an area of 28,748 square kilometres. Most of the country is predominantly of Mediterranean character, comprehending the country's center and south, while the alpine affinity is more visible in the northeast.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Korab-Koritnik Nature Park</span> Protected area and a tourist attraction in Albania

The Korab-Koritnik Nature Park is a nature park in eastern Albania and forms a section of the European Green Belt, which serves as a retreat for endangered animal and plant species. It encompasses 55,550 hectares (555.5 km2) of alpine mountainous terrain, with valleys, rivers, glacial lakes, caves, canyons and dense coniferous and deciduous forest. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed the park as Category IV. Koritnik and Korab have each been recognised as an Important Plant Area of international importance by Plantlife.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Albanian Ionian Sea Coast</span> Albanian coastline of the north-eastern Ionian Sea

The Albanian Ionian Sea Coast is a coastline of the north-eastern Ionian Sea, that encompasses the south-western border of the Republic of Albania, stretching from the southern half of Karaburun Peninsula, across the historical region of Labëria, the city of Sarandë, the mountains of the Ceraunians, and the Albanian Riviera, to the Lake of Butrint, where the Strait of Corfu separates the country from Greece.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oshlak Strict Nature Reserve</span>

The Oshlak Strict Nature Reserve is a strict nature reserve in the District of Prizren and Ferizaj of Southeastern Kosovo. The reserve encompasses 20 hectares of mountainous and hilly terrain, small lakes and wide forests with numerous of the related flora and fauna. It is entirely located within the Sharr Mountains National Park, one of the two national parks of Kosovo.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fauna of Montenegro</span> Native animals of Montenegro

Montenegro is the smallest Balkan nation in population and second smallest in land mass. The land mass is 13,812 square kilometres with 360 square kilometres of water. Montenegro's geography ranges from mountainous forested regions in the north where larger mammals are most common. Mediterranean coastline makes up the south end of the country, forested area makes up 40.4% of the nation's landmass. The most densely populated area of the country is the south coast and the most sparsely populated is the north east section of the country. The fauna of Montenegro is predominantly shared with surrounding Balkan nations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blinaja</span> Hunting area of special importance in Kosovo

Blinaja, also known as the Blinaja Hunting Area of Special Importance, is a hunting area of special importance in Kosovo. It was initially established in 1955 and later re-established in February 2009 with a total area of 2,794 hectares. The protection of this park falls under the responsibility of the Kosovo Forestry Agency.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Northern Montenegro</span> Region of Montenegro

Northern Montenegro, is one of three statistical regions in Montenegro. It encompasses the sparsely populated mountainous part of Montenegro. It is bordered by Bosnia and Herzegovina to the northwest, Serbia to the northeast, Kosovo to the east, Albania to the southeast and central region of Montenegro to the south. It comprises thirteen municipalities and is the largest by area.

References

  1. 1 2 "Kosovo Biodiversity Assessment" (PDF). ammk-rks.net. 2003. pp. 1–66. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2018-09-21. Retrieved 2018-09-25.
  2. 1 2 3 "Qenan Maxhuni: Biodiversiteti i Kosoves" (PDF) (in Albanian). AKMM/IKMN. p. 2. Archived from the original (PDF) on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 23 February 2013.
  3. ↑ "Annual Report State of the Environment in Kosovo" (PDF). ammk-rks.net. 2017. pp. 23–26. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2018-09-26. Retrieved 2018-09-26.
  4. ↑ "Ligji Nr. 2003/3, Ligji per pyjet e Kosoves" (PDF) (in Albanian). Assembly of Kosovo. Archived from the original (PDF) on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 24 February 2013.
  5. 1 2 3 "Qenan Maxhuni: Biodiversiteti i Kosoves" (PDF) (in Albanian). AKMM/IKMN. p. 8. Archived from the original (PDF) on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 23 February 2013.
  6. 1 2 3 Kraja, Rexhep Ismajli, Mehmet (2011). Kosova: vështrim monografik. Pristina: Akademia e Shkencave dhe e Arteve e Kosovës. ISBN   9789951413961.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  7. ↑ "Qenan Maxhuni: Biodiversiteti i Kosoves" (PDF) (in Albanian). AKMM/IKMN. p. 9. Archived from the original (PDF) on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 23 February 2013.
  8. ↑ "Biodiversiteti I Kosovës" (PDF) (in Albanian). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2016-03-03. Retrieved 2017-06-01.
  9. 1 2 "Qenan Maxhuni: Biodiversiteti i Kosoves" (PDF) (in Albanian). AKMM/IKMN. p. 14. Archived from the original (PDF) on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 23 February 2013.
  10. ↑ "Qenan Maxhuni et al. Gjendja e natyres, Raport 2008-2009". 2010: 5.{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  11. ↑ "Qenan Maxhuni et al. Gjendja e natyres, Raport 2008-2009". 2010: 70.{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  12. ↑ "Plani hapesinor, Parku nacional 'Mali Sharr'" (PDF) (in Albanian). Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 23 February 2013.
  13. ↑ "Blinaja, një nga pjesët më të bukura dhe të mbrojtura të Kosovës". Ministria E Bujqësisë Pylltarisë Dhe Zhvillimit Rural. Retrieved 2023-12-24.
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