In a world increasingly affected by biodiversity loss and climate change, the Barać Caves stand as an example of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. Spanning just 5.19 km² within the Barać Caves Significant Landscape, this area achieves a unique balance between nature conservation, sustainable tourism, and scientific research.
A Biological Treasure in the Heart of Karst
The area managed by the Public Institution Barać Caves is home to an exceptionally rich and diverse flora and fauna. So far, the following have been recorded:
- 562 plant taxa, an impressive number given the area’s size—especially when compared to the Žumberak–Samoborsko Gorje Nature Park, which has just over 1,000 plant taxa across 350 km².
- 603 species of butterflies, including 78 species of diurnal and 525 species of nocturnal butterflies.
- Seven species of reptiles, including one turtle, three lizard species, and three snake species. Additionally, seven species of amphibians have been recorded: one newt, one salamander, and five frog species.
The area is also a habitat for large carnivores such as wolves, lynxes, and bears. Camera traps have also recorded foxes, roe deer, badgers, and wild boars, confirming the ecosystem’s integrity.
An Underground World of Exceptional Value
Biospeleological research conducted in 17 caves and 2 springs within the area has documented:
- 100 species of invertebrates, including 28 troglobionts (species that live exclusively underground), 3 stygobionts, 37 troglophiles, and 22 trogloxenes.
- Upper Barać Cave alone contains 47 different invertebrate taxa, highlighting the ecological importance of cave ecosystems.
Bats as Indicators of a Healthy Environment
Croatia is home to 35 out of 45 European bat species, and 7 species of bats have been recorded within the Barać Caves Significant Landscape. These highly beneficial mammals are crucial for maintaining ecological balance by feeding on large quantities of insects and serving as bioindicators of environmental quality.
Bird Research
Over a two-year study, 56 species of birds were documented within the Barać Caves Significant Landscape, primarily during the nesting season. The most commonly recorded species include the great tit (Parus major), the Eurasian blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus), and the marsh tit (Poecile palustris).
Tourism in the Service of Conservation
With over 50,000 visitors annually, the Barać Caves Significant Landscape is a major tourist attraction in the Municipality of Rakovica. However, tourism here does not conflict with nature conservation—quite the opposite. Educational content, guided tours, and scientific research help raise awareness about the importance of environmental protection, while strict conservation rules minimize human impact on natural processes.
The Barać Caves are not just a natural phenomenon—they are a model of sustainable development and harmony between humans and nature. This approach—based on science, conservation, and education—shows the way forward for preserving biodiversity in the 21st century.
