Majkovi ponds

In January 2022, a special herpetological reserve "Majovi ponds" was declared and it includes two ponds in Zabređe, and one pond in Prljevići. This is the first herpetological reserve in Croatia.

The main issue that will be targeted in this project area will be the decreased habitat quality, but other threats will also be addressed.

Freshwater habitats in Majkovi are very scarce and mostly man-made. In the past, they have been used for various traditional agricultural practices, which positively impacted target species, as it increased the number of available and favorable freshwater habitats. However, with the cessation of the use of surface water bodies for water supply, irrigation and watering livestock, ponds and canals were left to natural succession, degradation, and in the end complete disappearance due to the lack of maintenance.

Both ponds are not only important for the Balkan Terrapin, but also for other herpetofauna species, such as the smooth newt, Triturus vulgaris, genus of true frogs, Pelophylax, and many entomofauna groups such as dragonflies, aquatic beetles, etc. In the surrounding karst terrain there are not many other ponds, and therefore each pond represents an irreplaceable habitat for all aquatic animals.

The main conservation goals for this area, which will directly improve conservation status of Natura 2000 species Mauremys rivulata, consist of complete restoration of the pond near the church, cleaning of the pond near the firefighter station and cooperation with locals to adopt new agricultural practices that will not endanger the nesting sites of M. rivulata. These activities have a direct impact on the improvement of aquatic habitats and nesting sites and will ensure better living conditions for target species.