Podzemna fauna

Karst areas like Učka and Ćićarija are particularly valuable and interesting for their subterranean fauna, which is predominantly endemic and protected by law.Approximately 200 caves, pits and other karst phenomena have been registered within the area of Učka Nature Park.
Thirty-five of these have been researched from the biospeleological perspective so far, the most interesting being the natural underground cavern in the Učka Tunnel. This cavern is the only place within the park where an endemic cave beetle has been identified – Croatodirus bozicevici. As many as 10 endemic subterranean specieshave been registered so far in the Učka and Ćićarija areas – particularly important is thedescription of a new species of troglobitic isopod Thaumatoniscellus speluncae.

Because of the sensitivity of the cave fauna, disturbing the environment in the high-altitude areas of Učka and Ćićarija can significantly endanger the survival of individual species, especially of those that are closely related to groundwater. Apart from the study of caves and pits, in the next period particular attention will be given to the study of water sources in the coastal area and in the hinterland of Učka.

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.