Study Visit of Hungarian and Slovakian Experts
The coordinators of the LIFE for Mauremys project, Dragica Šalamon, and the coordinator of the Cross-border initiative for the promotion of European pond turtle conservation, Csilla Dorogman, brought together experts from Croatia, Hungary, and Slovakia for a three-day field visit to project sites important for the conservation of the Balkan terrapin in the Dubrovnik-Neretva County.
The aim of the visit was to exchange knowledge on freshwater turtle research, habitat restoration, and management of protected areas, as well as to improve existing nature conservation methods.
The first day began with introductions and project presentations in Majkovi, where we were warmly welcomed at the local “House of Honey” by Mrs. Ružica Tepšić. Afterwards, we visited the herpetological reserve “Lokve u Majkovima,” and then continued towards Ston. Following lunch at “Kapetanova kuća,” we took a tour around Stonsko Polje, where our guests could observe various methods of maintaining irrigation channels and the refuge pond restored under our Work Package 2 (Habitat restoration and improvement). The pond will soon become a new home for young turtles bred at the Zagreb Zoo as part of Work Package 3 (Population reinforcement in Stonsko Polje). During the walk, we discussed habitat suitability and sustainability, while also presenting the challenges we face in protecting this species.
On the second day, we explored the Konavočica River in Gruda and presented the Konavle area, home to the largest and most stable population of the Balkan terrapin. The day concluded with a visit to the “Mlin” picnic area on the Ljuta River and lunch at the traditional restaurant Konoba Vinica Monković. This somewhat calmer day served as good preparation for the volunteer activity awaiting us the following morning.
On the third day, we rolled up our sleeves and, under the expert guidance of experienced local farmer Miho Kukuljica and with the consent of all landowners, manually cleaned about 120 meters of irrigation channels. These channels not only connect ponds but also serve as main corridors through which the Balkan and European pond turtles move across the landscape. In addition, we cleared vegetation and improved access to one of the ponds. Our colleagues from Hungary and Slovakia impressed us with their skill, dedication, and team spirit — without hesitation, they took up chainsaws and rakes, and despite bad weather and strong winds, we managed to complete all planned tasks.
This demanding yet highly productive day concluded with a pleasant lunch at the agritourism “Kameni dvori,” where we shared impressions and discussed future steps of cooperation with our new friends from Hungary’s Fertő-Hanság National Park and the Slovak association BROZ.
