Vejalnica and Krč
Established in 2014, Natura 2000 site Vejalnica i Krč (HR2001298) is managed by Javna Ustanova Maksimir (or Public Institution Maksimir) and is located not far from the capital city of Zagreb, covering an area of 145 ha. The area contains habitats suitable for many rare and strictly protected plant and animal species. The site has been listed as an important orchid site on semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates (class Festuco-Brometea, habitat code: 6210). The target species are the Adriatic lizard orchid (Himantoglossum adriaticum), as well as the large copper (Lycaena dispar) and the day honeysuckle (Euplagia quadripunctaria) butterflies. Other significant species here include the wood anemone (Anemone sylvestris) and a number of orchid species: Ophrys apifera, O. fuciflora, O. insectifera, O. sphegodes, O. militaris and O. purpurea.
The management plan of the site is still being prepared, so all the activities are carried out sporadically and based on multi-year monitoring of the condition of the target species – the Adriatic lizard orchid and the important species – the wood anemone. They also monitor the progress of the succession in the grassland areas of the target habitat type. Not only focused on target species, but the management authority also conducts other research to get information about the overall diversity and to better plan management measures. Some examples include a study of birds, butterflies, small birds, saproxylic beetles, and invasive plant species. At the time of the visit, a modelling study on the degree and speed of succession of lawns was prepared to predict which areas are a priority for active intervention.
In addition to research and monitoring, the Public Institution Maksimir organises educational activities about the importance of the natural heritage of this N2K area for the local population. There are several informative and educational boards on the site, as well as an exhibition about the area at a mountain lodge nearby, while students of the Faculty of Natural Science frequently visit the site for field classes. Finally, they released a publication about the area’s orchid species.
One of the biggest threats is the wild waste dumps on the site, for which the management authority organises "green clean-ups" actions with the locals. To remove woody vegetation, Maksimir also organises volunteer actions and is planning to clear access roads to make it easier to bring in woody vegetation removal equipment and haul that material away from the area.
