FAUNISTIC FINDINGS FROM VOLUJAK MOUNTAIN: A CONTRIBUTION TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE FAUNA OF THE REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA (BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA)

Authors

  • Igor Trbojević Ecology and Research Association, Dr Mladena Stojanovića 2, 78000 Banja Luka, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina; University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Dr Mladena Stojanovića 2, 78000 Banja Luka, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia i Herzegovina; Independent University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Ecology, Veljka Mlađenovića 12e, 78000 Banja Luka, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia i Herzegovina Author
  • Jasminko Mulaomerović Center for karst and speleology, Branilaca Sarajeva 30, 71000 Sarajevo, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bosnia and Herzegovina Author
  • Dejan Radošević Ecology and Research Association, Dr Mladena Stojanovića 2, 78000 Banja Luka, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina; Republic Institute for the Protection of Cultural, Historical and Natural Heritage, Vuka Karadžića 4, 78000 Banja Luka, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina Author
  • Admir Aladžuz Mammalogy Association, Pijačna 118, 71210 Ilidža, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bosnia and Herzegovina Author
  • Maja Manojlović Ecology and Research Association, Dr Mladena Stojanovića 2, 78000 Banja Luka, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina; University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Dr Mladena Stojanovića 2, 78000 Banja Luka, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia i Herzegovina Author
  • Aleksandar Perović Center for Bird Protection and Research, Velje Brdo 35, 81412 Podgorica, Montenegro Author
  • Dime Melovski Macedonian Ecological Society, Todor Skalovski 9a, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia Author
  • Aleksandër Trajçe Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania, Elbasan Street, PARK GATE, 1009 Tirane, Albanija Author
  • Mihajla Đan University of Novi Sad , Faculty of Sciences, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia Author
  • Ivan Napotnik Ecology and Research Association, Dr Mladena Stojanovića 2, 78000 Banja Luka, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina Author
  • Besim Gurda Sports and scientific research club „Atom“, Dr Pinkasa Bandta bb, 72220 Zavidovići, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bosnia and Herzegovina Author
  • Vojo Milanović Center for karst and speleology, Branilaca Sarajeva 30, 71000 Sarajevo, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bosnia and Herzegovina Author
  • Kristina Jovičić Scientific Research Society of Biology and Ecology Students „Josif Pančić“, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 2, 21102 Novi Sad, Serbia Author
  • Marija Iković University of Montenegro, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Džordža Vašingtona bb, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro Author
  • Branka Ivanović University of Montenegro, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Džordža Vašingtona bb, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro Author
  • Maja Vasiljević Independent University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Ecology, Veljka Mlađenovića 12e, 78000 Banja Luka, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia i Herzegovina Author
  • Daria Vuiovich Center for Bird Protection and Research, Velje Brdo 35, 81412 Podgorica, Montenegro Author
  • Marija Brdar University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Mladena Stojanovića 2, 78000 Banja Luka, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina Author
  • Darko Zečević University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Mladena Stojanovića 2, 78000 Banja Luka, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina Author
  • Elvis Čivljak University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Mladena Stojanovića 2, 78000 Banja Luka, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina Author
  • Filip Vračar Ecology and Research Association, Dr Mladena Stojanovića 2, 78000 Banja Luka, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina Author
  • Melitjan Nezaj Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania, Elbasan Street, PARK GATE, 1009 Tirane, Albanija Author
  • Redon Hasanllari Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania, Elbasan Street, PARK GATE, 1009 Tirane, Albanija Author
  • Natalija Melovska Macedonian Ecological Society, Todor Skalovski 9a, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia Author
  • Milika Vujović Veterinary clinic „AnimaVet“, Marka Radovića 18, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro Author
  • Tijana Trbojević Ecology and Research Association, Dr Mladena Stojanovića 2, 78000 Banja Luka, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7251/ASB230401025T

Keywords:

Volujak Mountain, fauna, keystone and endangered species, biodiversity

Abstract

The first, after a long absence of any scientific research, faunal findings from the area of the Volujak Mountain (southeast of the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina) were presented. In addition to listing the diversity of mammal fauna, data on other faunistic groups (birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates) were also recorded. Various methods were used to detect the presence of the fauna of the research area: established transects, trapping with livetraps, netting for catching bats, recording organisms with an ultrasonic detector, photo-traps and visual observation. For 17 days of research, in July and August 2023, a total of 53 taxa were registered. Keystone and endangered species are distinguished: greater horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum), lesser horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus hipposideros), gray wolf (Canis lupus), brown bear (Ursus arctos), Balkan chamois (Rupicapra r. balcanicus), meadow viper (Vipera ursinii macrops) and the beech longhorn beetle (Morimus funereus). The area is very important in terms of biodiversity, and it needs to be protected.

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Published

2025-11-07

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 1 (2023)

Section

Articles