August 4, 2026 – The latest issue of the scientific journal Šumarski list has published research by Oikon experts on the distribution of protected and endangered vascular flora in the forests of Plitvice Lakes National Park, carried out in cooperation with the Plitvice Lakes National Park Public Institution. The paper is authored by Joso Vukelić, Lovro Turkalj, Tonko Megyery, and Pavle Gašparović of Oikon, together with Nikola Magdić of the Plitvice Lakes National Park Public Institution.
Between 2022 and 2024, the experts combined previously available data with their own field research conducted along predetermined routes across 323 grid squares measuring 1 × 1 km, covering the Park’s entire area. The inventory recorded 34 strictly protected and 11 endangered vascular flora species.
The results show that 25 species have limited distribution, associated with sensitive habitats such as wetlands, limestone slopes, and ecotones. The remaining 20 species are much more widely distributed and give the Park its distinctive natural identity. The research also produced the first recorded occurrence of butcher’s broom (Ruscus aculeatus) within the Park’s boundaries.
While these ranges are currently stable, the authors warn of long-term threats and therefore recommend systematic monitoring of sensitive species and targeted conservation measures.
The successful realisation of the project was made possible thanks to the strong support of staff from the Forest Ecological Systems Department of the Plitvice Lakes National Park Public Institution and the company Pro Silva d.o.o., whom we thank for their invaluable assistance with the fieldwork. We owe special thanks to Prof. Ljiljana Borovečki-Voska for her help identifying orchids from photographs and for her constructive advice and comments.
The full paper is available in Šumarski list, Vol. 150, No. 7-8 (2026), pp. 297–305. https://hrcak.srce.hr/350046
