UNESCO/ Joan de la Malla
Velebit Mountains
General information
This biosphere reserve is located in the large mountain area of Mount Velebit on the Adriatic Sea. Altitudes range from sea level to 1,757 metres above sea level. The area is a 145 km long and 10–30 km wide stretch of karst landscape.
Detailed information
Key data
Year of nomination
1977
Country
Croatia
Total population
10000
Area
Surface
203,529.00 ha
Total terresterial area
203,529.00 ha
Location
Latitiude: 44.4501 - Longitude: 15.2965
Ecological Characteristics
The maritime slope is barren karst, while woodlands cover the central mountain ranges and the Lika slope. Habitat diversity is very rich. It includes woodlands of Pinus halepensis, sub-Mediterranean shrub with Paliurus spina-christiand Carpinus orientalis, and beech (Fagus sylvatica) woods. There are also fir and beech woods (Abies alba) and pine woods of Pinus nigra. Subalpine beech woods and subalpine meadows are present as well.
Socio-Economics Characteristics
Communities on the maritime side of the biosphere reserve are oriented towards tourism, fishing, traditional agriculture and services within the Velebit Nature Park. Communities on the northern side of Velebit make their living mainly from agriculture, small enterprises, hunting and logging. Scientists and visitors consider the Cerovacke Pecine caves in southern Velebit and the Lukina Jama pit in northern Velebit to be among the most valuable natural landmarks. Numerous smaller caves and pits, along with important geomorphological features such as Kiza, Tulove Grede and Kuk Stapina, are also of interest, as are hydrological features including the spring and course of the Zrmanja. A visitor centre of the Paklenica National Park welcomes tourists and provides environmental education and information on the natural history of Velebit Mountain.
