Fauna

Being positioned on the boundary between Istria and Kvarner, in immediate proximity to the sea, and having many specific vegetation features, make the mountains of Učka and Ćićarija a very interesting area with regard to the altitudinal distribution and characteristics of the local fauna. Learning more about the fauna will enable us to make a better management plan with the aim of protecting species and thus the whole area, since fauna is one of the key components in the natural balance needed for a healthy environment and life. All animals are closely connected and related to their habitats, therefore it is impossible to speak about them or their protection without taking into account their natural habitats.

Due to the lack of more recent data, local fauna has not been researched completely. This is why conducting new scientific research that will give an insight into the actual state of the park fauna is one of the priority management objectives of this public institution.

Did you know?

The griffon vulture feeding site

…that griffon vultures, endangered in Croatia, are often flying over Učka in search for food? Once they were nesting here, but today their northern-Adriatic population is decreasing and in order to help in their preservation, a feeding site was build in Učka Nature Park, popularly called 'griffon vulture restaurants'.

The „Two towers“ trail

…that in 2018 a trail named „Two towers“ was established, which connects the town tower in Lovran with the Vojak tower on Učka? The trail goes through the existing hiking trail, and alongside there are educational boards that inform visitors on the flora and fauna of Učka.

The Roman cheese

…that it is traditional on Učka to produce the „molded“ sheep cheese of distinctive taste since the Roman Empire time? Its production was standardized due to its use in the nutrition of the Roman legions, while today's cheese made on Učka doesn't differ much from its antique ancestor.

Slavic mythology

…that the Mošćenička Draga's canyon used to be the scenery of sacred beliefs for the first Slavic settlers on the Kvarner area? The local toponyms like Perun, Babin grob and Voloski kuk witness about the old Slavic cult of Perun.