Biodiversity objectives
Biodiversity objectives of Buljarica are represent by processes, structures and dynamics of ecosystems and species.
Biodiversity objectives
Biodiversity objectives were grouped into three main categories, consisted of specific ecosystems inhabited by various species.
The second category of biodiversity objects is Freshwater and brackish systems, which is, in fact, the core of the study area and in the strongest need for conservation. Brackish coastal marshland ecosystems are at risk from various human activities. In previous times, they were being dried out so the land could be used for cultivation, and nowadays they are at risk of being converted to mixed-use tourism facilities infrastructure ground. Ecosystems of Burljarica marshland house rich flora and fauna; also, numerous freshwater springs exist in this area, which is essential for human wellbeing and wildlife population in Buljarica. Among the animal species present here many are protected. Buljarica is a hot-spot for dragonflies and butterflies (41 and 66 species, respectively), which are the most numerous among the 175 species of insects registered here. The 11 species of amphibians registered in Buljarica make 79% of all Montenegrin amphibians. All are protected at some level. In Montenegro, Buljarica is the best-preserved habitat for the Balkan terrapin, Mauremys rivulata. It upholds 22 species of reptiles in the entire studied area (61% of all reptiles present in Montenegro); most of them are protected. The fauna of birds is especially rich in Buljarica: of 178 species listed in literature and confirmed during recent investigations, 93 breed here. With the addition of migratory and/or wintering species, the number of bird taxa rises to 220–250. Other than providing nesting and feeding grounds, Buljarica is a part of the “Adriatic Flyway” migratory route for many species. Among mammals, bats are the most interesting group: all seven recorded species are protected.
The third category is Terrestrial and karstic habitats, with as much as 36 types of habitats (17 of which are protected). Here, more than 250 species of vascular plants were recorded, with several rare and/or protected species. Numerous animal species are also dependent on these habitats, especially various insects, reptiles, and birds. Two of the four types of habitats resulted from human intervention, i.e. changes in land use: tall hay meadows, and rocky pastures and arborescent matorral appeared after the abandonment of mowing and/or traditional livestock breeding. Nevertheless, nowadays they provide habitats for numerous wildlife species. The remaining two habitat types naturally occurring are thermophilous oak woods, and cliffs and rocky outcrops. The forests were significantly exploited and degraded to macquis, which are nevertheless important from the conservational point of view. Various inaccessible rocky formations provide shelter for many endemic and/or relict species.
Not only the wildlife in Buljarica is threatened: the existence of people there is subordinated to uncertainty, causing migrations, values, lifestyle and land use changes. The majority of inhabitants of Buljarica rely on their own business. One-half of the residents practices agriculture but produces only for their own needs. During the past 10 years, a marked decline in agricultural production was noted. The main causes of such a trend were insufficient profitability, inadequate incentives by the state, and the increasing orientation of residents towards tourism. As the main potential for economic development of Buljarica, inhabitants of Buljarica perceived tourism. Some think this can be combined with conservation of the landscape. They claimed that the biggest obstacles to sustainable tourism development are as follow: land selling trends, unplanned construction, pollution, and harmful national and local planning policies. Overall, the inhabitants are not optimistic regarding the sustainable development of Buljarica and a half of them would consider selling their properties, which represents another risk to successful conservation of this area.
After thorough analyses of Buljarica ecosystems within the MARISCO conceptual model, the following visions have been formulated in order to encompass the value and importance of the site and to give the directions for future actions.
