Surveying visit to Croatia May 18th - 24th 2015

Over the last three years we have been establishing a partnership with two organisations in Croatia and this is now providing the opportunity for two visits in 2015: an initial surveying visit scheduled for May 18th – 24th and a practical conservation visit in the autumn to work with our other partner,  BIOM , during the annual birdringing camp in the rich grassland, woodland and scrub habitats of the Ucka area where the camp is held. During previous years EuCAN members have joined in this ringing camp (to read the report click here).

Initially we are looking for experienced naturalists to join us for an exploratory visit to the Zabok area north of the capital Zagreb in May, where we will be working with local experts to survey the biodiversity of land which is at present only used as a hunting reserve in the winter season; this will be a first step to establishing an eco-tourism enterprise which will bring business into the region and underline the importance of the rich flora and fauna there.

This will be EuCAN’s first visit Croatia. We have been invited to take a group of experienced surveyors to:

1. Survey local Wildlife and compile Species Lists of Plants, Birds, Butterflies/Invertebrates, Bats and other Mammals, Fish and Amphibians.

2. Identify and recommend a potential nature reserve area

3. Recommend wildlife management actions for the nature reserve area

4. Identify and agree future work for EuCAN volunteers (UK and Croatian)

5. Gain publicity for EuCAN and the Zabok area for tourism

6. Write up and share information as appropriate.

We are looking for at least one competent surveyor for each of the taxa listed and will be expecting to survey for five of the days we are there. We are also keen to use this as a training opportunity so will be offering places to two trainees from the UK. We will also be working with locally based Croatian ecologists and trainees.

The group will spend 6 nights in a guesthouse in the Zabok area on half board, with lunches and suppers bought locally.

This visit is not grantfunded and the price we are asking participants to contribute is £500 which will cover the food, accommodation and minibus transport in Croatia (but not personal insurance, drinks and other treats and not the journey out). We shall be taking a vehicle out with us, camping on the way, and there will be space for 2 extras. If anyone would like to travel with us, the additional cost will be for food and accommodation on the way and for the ferry across the channel. We estimate that the fare for travelling out with the vehicle will be £100 each way.

We will initially be asking for a deposit of £100 as a confirmation of commitment for this visit.

Please click here to download the Travel information and equipment list for this visit.

Gwilym Wren is the link for our partnership with Croatia and is organising the visit in May. If you would like more detail please contact him on gwil@eucan.org.uk .