Natural heritage

The Ablepharus kitaibelii is the smallest and one of the rarest lizards in Croatia. It was found in Croatia in only one location in Ilok before, but in 2008 it was discovered on the Turjak and Pliš reefs on Papuk. The species inhabits different types of habitat, which are necessarily thermophilic, open or semi-open with a sufficient layer of foliage and grass in the ground layer in order to hide it. When in danger, this tiny lizard bends its tiny legs into special recesses on the flanks of its body and escapes by twisting its body like a snake. Since its discovery, it has been regularly monitored and the areas where it has been found have been cleaned several times to prevent blueberry and ash overgrowing. As the entire population is very localized, an adverse event such as wildfire could destroy the entire population of this rare species. Therefore, the introduction of juniper skinks into carefully selected new habitats on Papuk was carried out in 2016.

Asters are well-known garden ornaments which start to bloom at the time when many species are already dwindling, but did you know there is a wild species on Papuk, the European Michaelmas-daisy (Aster amellus), slightly smaller in stature and with larger blooms than the popular garden Asters?

If you are not able to defend yourself in the natural environment from someone who wants to eat you, it is best to be invisible, such as this blue-winged sand grasshopper (Sphingonotus caerulans) from Vranić whose body color perfectly mimics the sand on which this species lives.

Papuk may not be well-known for its humid habitats, but this certainly does not mean that there are none, or that they have less value, as evidenced by the photo showing 3 different types of typha (cattail). The great diversity of habitats is a prerequisite for greater biodiversity. In addition to the common species, broadleaf cattail (Typha latifolia, in the foreground on the right) and narrow-leaf cattail (Typha angustifolia, in the background), in the bottom half of the photograph there is a very rare, strictly protected and critically endangered miniature graceful cattail (Typha laxmannii).

The dice snake (Natrix tessellata), well hidden in the marsh vegetation, catches some rays of the sun. The dice snake is one of the five species of snakes that may be found on Papuk.

Dutchman’s pipe (Monotropa hypopitys) is a completely white plant whose flowers, if you are lucky enough, can be seen in the dark beech forests during the summer months. It was found on Papuk only a few times.

With a little bit of luck, you will see a tiny orchid, eggleaf twayblade (Neottia (Listera) ovata).

The white wagtail (Motacilla alba) is a common and one of the most admired birds in the Park. This species is usually found near watercourses, and it is characterized by the constant wagging of its tail up and down.