4PETHABECO: Visit to Green Infrastructure for Assessing Habitat Connectivity in Croatia

On 2 July, researchers from the Mediterranean Institute for Environmental Studies at the Science and Research Centre Koper (ZRS Koper)—Dr Liliana Vižintin, Dr Suzana Škof and Bernarda Bele—together with Gaja Kovač from the ZRS Koper Project Management Centre, visited the Dedin wildlife crossing near Delnice as part of the 4PETHABECO project.

Built in 1999 above the Karlovac–Rijeka motorway, the ecoduct was the first structure of its kind in Croatia. The wildlife crossing is of crucial importance, as it connects ecosystems and wildlife habitats on both sides of the motorway that runs through Gorski Kotar. This area is one of the most important forest habitats, with high population densities of several large carnivore species.

The Croatian project partners—researchers from the OIKON Institute—presented the dynamics of wildlife movement across the structure and the monitoring methodology during the discussion. Wildlife crossings are actively monitored using camera traps, sand tracking strips and telemetry collars. The expert meeting concluded with an evaluation of the ecoduct’s role in ensuring ecological connectivity between habitats on both sides of the transport infrastructure.

The 4PETHABECO project is supported by the Interreg IPA ADRION Programme through Interreg funding from the European Regional Development Fund and the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA).