Mount Velebit (3603)
Croatia, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2025
National site name: Velebit
Central coordinates: Latitude: 44.4930, Longitude: 15.3710
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 1755
Area of KBA (km2): 2035.14168
Protected area coverage (%): 99.91
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: This area comprises the largest Croatian mountain with diverse habitats (forest, open, rocky and mixed habitats). The majority of important bird species inhabit forests – fir-beech in the northern part and beech in the southern part. Very important spruce forests (Stirovaca, Lomska duliba etc.), as well as black pine and hop-hornbeam forests are found here. Rocky habitats with exposed cliffs are best developed in Velika and Mala Paklenica. It is one of the most important breeding areas for Capercaillie, Hazel Grouse, Pygmy and Tengmalm’s Owl, White-backed and Three-toed Woodpecker, Golden Eagle and Ortolan Bunting in Croatia.
Manageability of the site: Site identified based on BirdLife International's Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas, under which manageability is strongly recommended but not explicitly documented
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Birds are threatened mainly by intensified forest management, changes in traditional farming, excessive or illegal hunting and unregulated recreational activities and tourism (incl. mountaineering and rock climbing).
Additional information
Contributors: Site identified based on Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas by the BirdLife International Partnership