Passion for Wildlife Means Caring for People

Passion for Wildlife Means Caring for People 54 th CIC General Assembly 2 5 May 2007, Belgrade, Serbia International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC)

International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC) Passion for Wildlife Means Caring for People 54 th CIC General Assembly World Forum for Conservation through Sustainable Hunting 2 5 May 2007, Belgrade, Serbia

General information about the host country Official name Form of state Political structure Population (in million) Area Geographic position Climate Average temperature in May Longest river Highest peak Official language Main religion Largest cities Currency Exchange rate GDP (2005) GDP per capita (2005) Time zone Internet domain Power supply Country code City code for Belgrade For international calls from Serbia dial Emergency number Police Fire station Belgrade general hospital Pharmacies Airport Information Post office Hotel Hyatt Regency Hotel Balkan Hotel In Hotel Rex Urgent phone for all useful information Facts about Serbia Facts about Belgrade Tourist Information Republic of Serbia Republic President, Unicameral Assembly with 250 seats 7,498 88,361 km 2 South East Europe, central part of Balkan Peninsula; borders Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, FYR Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia Continental climate, with warm summers up to 30 0 C and snowy winters down to - 500 C in mountain areas min: 17 0 C, max: 23 0 C The Danube (588 km) flows north-west to south-east through Serbia Djeravica (2,656 m) Serbian Christian Orthodox Belgrade (capital): 1.6 million inhabitants; Novi Sad: 300,000; Nis: 250,000 Dinar (RSD) 1 USD = 61.8276 RSD; 1 EUR = 80.1100 RSD (as of 11 th January 2007) 24.105 billion USD 3,193 USD Central European time zone (GMT + 01:00).yu 220V, 50 Hz +381 (0)11 99 94 92 93 361 8 444 Prvi maj 324 0533, Sv.Sava 643 170, 00-24h 3114 222, 3113 313, 138 899, 209 4444 9812 3210 149 3011 234, 3011 158, www.belgrade.regency.hyatt.com 3636 000, www.balkanhotel.net 3105 300, www.inhotel-belgrade.com 3611 862, 3613 949 +381 (0)63 236 432 www.srbija.gov.yu www.beograd.org.yu www.serbia-tourism.org www.tob.co.yu

2 54 th CIC General Assembly Belgrade, Serbia 2007

Passion for Wildlife Means Caring for People Dear Friends, it is my great pleasure to invite you to the 54 th General Assembly of the International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation that will take place in the Republic of Serbia. Serbia is a country that has been back since the year 2000 to the family of the European democratic countries, accomplishing each day more success in its political and economic transition, aiming for the full membership in the European Union. We have just, at the end of 2006, passed the new Constitution, that confirms that we are part of Europe, not only geographically, but also by our historical, cultural, and democratic values. Support of your countries and of all people of Mr. Boris Tadić President of the Republic of Serbia good will is very important for the successful outcome of the reforms that we are pursuing. Your host in Belgrade is the Hunting Association of Serbia who has been your loyal partner for many decades. Active for 110 years the Hunting Association gathers nearly one hundred thousand members, following with great success the best traditions of the CIC and playing an important role in our country. It is the defender of the healthy environment, while educating many of our fellow-citizens how to protect it. The care for environment protection and biodiversity conservation on the principles of sustainable development is the priority of our wildlife management. These are the values that we have accepted in Serbia as well and that we wish to improve together with our Hunting Association. In all of these endeavours we count on your experience and your support. I look forward to meet with you in the capital of Serbia, and sincerely hope that you will get to know our country and will be our dear, dear guests.

4 54 th CIC General Assembly Belgrade, Serbia 2007

Passion for Wildlife Means Caring for People Dear Friends, dobrodosli u Beograd A heartfelt Welcome to the White City, a beautiful and challenging location for our 54 th General Assembly. Belgrade is the historical portal to the Balkan at the southern border of the lowlands of Vojvodina where the Morava Valley opens the way to the South between the Balkan Bend and the Dinarian Mountains, at the joining of the historical waterways of the Danube and the Sava for centuries the crossroads for the trade from Central Europe to the Orient. Mr. Dieter Schramm President of CIC What could be a more suitable location to demonstrate to the world the success of the CIC-Coordination in Central and South-Eastern Europe where hunters as conservationists of all former Yugoslav countries have successfully joined forces, together with hunters from the neighbouring countries, including Austria, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria and Italy. For almost 5 years this extraordinary group of different backgrounds has successfully worked on practical questions of management and, consequently, conservation of game, under the motto Wildlife does not know borders. It was only in October 2006 that we could celebrate the 110 th birthday of the Hunting Association of Serbia and we profoundly thank the Serbian hosts for their overwhelming hospitality! This occasion of our 54 th General Assembly will go into history as World Forum for Conservation through Sustainable Hunting combining experts and opinion leaders from all over the CIC-world and thus will be a milestone to demonstrate how the Addis Ababa Principles and Guidelines for the Sustainable Use of Biodiversity are implemented. I am certain that all of you will enjoy the traditional Serbian hospitality and I wish that many of you will take this opportunity to visit the beautiful countryside for an unforgettable experience in fascinating Serbia. 5

54 th CIC General Assembly Belgrade, Serbia 2007

Passion for Wildlife Means Caring for People Dear Friends, it will be a great pleasure and honor for me, on behalf of generations of Serbian hunters, to welcome the dear guests and CIC members from all parts of the world, who will come to Belgrade and Serbia to exchange views on the benefits of hunting. If there is anything on this planet which is shared by all nations, then that is hunting. Many of you will cover thousands of miles in the search for the answer to the question as to how caring about wildlife contributes to better understanding between people. This will be a great opportunity to meet many dear and familiar faces, to make new friends and to feel the closeness of a family, whose centre is the CIC. We have one sky, one sun and one Mr. Zoran Živojinović President of Serbian Hunting Association planet earth. We share it and it is the framework of our lives. Serbian hunters began to write their history of organized hunting at the end of the 19 th century. It was then that they laid the foundations of the current Hunting Association of Serbia, which in the second century of its existence continues to live and work successfully. Throughout all this time, Serbian hunters have remained constant in their deep respect for nature and her rules. Always diligent, Serbian hunters handed down their love and concern for wildlife, its habitat and sustainable use, from generation to generation. Because of such a relationship with the world of flora and fauna, the bear, the wolf, the lynx, the otter and the griffon vulture, species which became extinct in some parts of the world a long time ago, continue to live wild in this area. I consider it a great privilege to have been granted the opportunity to represent almost 100,000 Serbian hunters and to play host to the admirers and protectors of nature and her resources, whom I hope will feel as comfortable in Serbia as they do at home. I hope that we will achieve success in our work together and write another page of world hunting in a positive atmosphere. 7

54 th CIC General Assembly Belgrade, Serbia 2007 Programme of the General Assembly 2-5 May 2007, Hyatt Regency and Parliament of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia 1 May 2007, Tuesday 08.30 Registration Pre-congress day 09.00 16.30 Symposium Coexistence of Large Carnivores and Humans: Threat or Benefit? 17.00 19.30 Council meeting 2 May 2007, Wednesday 08.00 9.00 Registration Morning 10.00 11.30 Official Opening Ceremony (to be held in the Parliament of Serbia) 11.30 13.00 Opening Session (to be held in the Parliament of Serbia) 13.30 14.30 Lunch * 14.30 15.30 Big Game Commission 15.30 16.30 Commission Traditional Hunting Afternoon 16.30 18.00 Working Group Agri-Environmetal Measures 18.00 19.00 Small Game Commission 19.00 19.45 Working Group Hunting Dogs Evening 20.00 Dinner 3 May 2007, Thursday Morning 08.00 09.00 Wildlife Photography Commission 09.00 10.00 Falconry Commission 10.00 12.00 Migratory Bird Commission 12.00 13.00 Tropical Game Commission (1) 13.00 14.00 Lunch * 08.00 12.00 Trophy Hunting, Hunting Trophies and Trophy Recording (1) 14.00 15.00 Tropical Game Commission (2): Sustainable Hunting Tourism Programme 15.00 16.00 Commission Hunting in Art, Culture and Museums Afternoon 16.00 17.00 Sustainable Use Commission (1) 17.00 18.30 Young Opinion 18.30 19.30 Commission Exhibitions and Trophies Evening 20.00 Dinner 4 May 2007, Friday 09.00 13.00 Films (alternative programme) 08.00 10.00 Trophy Hunting, Hunting 09.00 11.00 Executive Committee Meeting Trophies and Trophy Recording (2) Morning 11.00 12.00 Central and South East Europe Coordination Forum 11.00 12.00 Sustainable Use Commission (2) 12.00 13.00 Lunch * Afternoon 15.00 18.00 Closing Session, Official Closing Ceremony (to be held in the Parliament of Serbia) Evening 20.00 Gala Dinner * 5 May 2007, Saturday Morning 08.30 Excursion along the Danube by boat * 13.00 Lunch * Evening 19.00 Return to Belgrade * costs included in the registration fee

Passion for Wildlife Means Caring for People Session I Presentations 08.30 Arrival of participants 09.00 Introduction Coexistence of Large Carnivores and Humans: Threat or Benefit? CIC Symposium, Hyatt Regency Hotel, 1 May 2007, Belgrade, Serbia 09.10 Large carnivores as added value economic, biological, cultural aspects 09.30 Public perception of large carnivores: A German survey before and after Bruno 09.50 CIC position on large carnivores in Europe (political view) 10.10 Conservation status of large carnivores in Europe 10.30 Man-eaters, Witchcraft and Poison: Carnivore Problems Unsolved in East Africa 10.40 Monitoring as basis for management: stakeholders and examples 11.00 Coffee break Session II Regional Working Groups (3) Management plans, best practice examples, 11.30 role of hunters and stakeholders, visions, solutions and scenarios 14.00 Lunch break Session III Plenary Zoran Zivojinovic, HAS CIC Serbian Delegation Dieter Schramm, CIC President Dr Miroljub Milenkovic Institute for Biological Researches Sinisa Stankovic, Belgrade Hilmar von Münchausen German Wildlife Foundation Vidar Holthe CIC Big Game Commission Dr. Valeria Salvatori Large Carnivore Initiative for Europe Institute for Applied Ecology, Rome Dr. Rolf Baldus CIC Tropical Game Commission Dr. Juan Carlos Blanco Large Carnivore Initiative for Europe various presentations from different regions (Northern, Western, Central and Eastern, Southern Europe) and discussion forum 15.00 Future of large carnivores in Europe the role of people and hunters Tamás Marghescu IUCN Regional Office for Europe 15.00 Panel Discussion Moderator: Tamás Marghescu 16.00 Closing Remarks Zoran Zivojinovic, HAS CIC Serbian Delegation 16.15 Presentation of movies, posters Deadline for Registration: 31 March 2007 Language of the symposium: English (with German and French interpretation) Objectives of the Symposium: provide a state-of-art of large carnivore conservation (European focus) to the global hunting community, raise awareness on successes and failures in large carnivore conservation and management: what to learn from best-practices? help understanding the role of hunters as core-stakeholders in large carnivore conservation, and education on the needs of large carnivores. Contacts for more information: Mr. Aleksandar Ceranic Advisor for Wildlife Management Hunting Association of Serbia Phone: +381 11 3442 497 Fax: +381 11 3442 477 e-mail: lovacss@tehnicom.net www.lovacki-savez-srbije.com Mr. Kristóf Hecker Conservation Assistant CIC Administrative Office Phone: +36 23 45 38 30 Fax: +36 23 45 38 32 e-mail: k.hecker@cic-wildlife.org www.cic-wildlife.org 9

10 54 th CIC General Assembly Belgrade, Serbia 2007

Passion for Wildlife Means Caring for People Problems of Man s Co-existence with Large Carnivores Conservation and sustainable regulation of large carnivores In the past, humans everywhere always persecuted large carnivores, not only to protect their domestic animals but also to practise unbridled sporting trophy hunting on them. There were hunters who killed hundreds of tigers in India and countless lions, leopards and cheetahs in Africa. Yet other negative anthropogenic influences, such as habitat destruction, poaching, genetic isolation of micro populations etc. have even more serious implications for the existence of large carnivores. The constantly growing number of humans brings forest erosion; grassland is used for the constantly growing number of domestic animals, driving out ungulates living in the wild which used to be the carnivores staple food; these predators then prey on herds belonging to the local population and are trapped and killed uncontrolled. With such depleted populations, the legal hunting of tigers is absolutely out of the question these days and they should be protected even more intensively against poachers, who make good business with their illegal booty. However, a well controlled and sustainable hunting of lions considerably contributes to the conservation of the populations, provided that it takes place selectively and is limited to old males only. If the local population is able to profit from trophy hunting which, after all, is practised much less frequently than illegal killing (often by poisoning, too) lions, leopards etc. assume a value for it and it will then also hunt large carnivores less intensively. Sustainable trophy hunting of this kind will therefore have positive effects on the preservation of large carnivores. Naturally, only safe and permanently stabilised populations that can cope with the hunt without endangerment can be hunted. In the northern hemisphere, large carnivores have somewhat brighter prospects. Even though there are highly endangered species here, too (Siberian tiger, Snow leopard, Pyrenees bear), measures to step up their conservation are ongoing. The polar bear can even be hunted to an extremely limited extent; only global warming could make its survival difficult. The dispersal area of the brown bear, wolf and lynx has increased and their populations have grown. For example, there have not been as many large carnivores in the Western Carpathians as there are today for 200 years, while the predation pressure of these three species has a very strong, because synergetic, effect. Things are even going well for the American brown bear and the puma, too, is hunted, although there are too few details about the size of its population. However, this is the problem in the case of all species of large carnivores and improved monitoring is called for. This encouraging development was enabled not only due to highly intensive protective measures, but other factors have also contributed, such as, for example, the many research findings concerning the role of predators in the ecosystem, intensive education and media programmes, compensation for damages to domestic animals, reintroduction measures (principally in the case of the lynx) etc. Action plans to preserve large carnivores in Europe have been drawn up and are implemented in national projects by individual countries. Despite this, humanity s problems with co-existing with large carnivores in cultivated landscapes are increasing in Europe. The biggest problems are caused by the brown bear, because it also occasionally attacks people. In small and relatively poor Slovakia we are host to approximately 600 brown bears, which attack at least 6 people each year and even injure and mutilate some of them in the face so severely that they remain disfigured for life. Additionally, in Slovakia every year they kill approximately 200 sheep and 10 cows, destroy 240 beehives and damage many fruit trees, wreck feed supplies for game, etc. Despite this, their presence is accepted and the damage tolerated. The countries in the Alpine region declare that the brown bear should colonise the entire Alps. However if, after 170 years, one of them returns to big, rich Germany and kills a few sheep, 11

are wanted in a country, this will not happen without problems; these problems must be tolerated and attempts should be made to reduce the risks. Only in very thinly populated extended forested landscapes, such as, for example, some parts of Croatia, is it possible to get by with this large carnivore practically without problems. Scientists and nature conservationists from countries where large carnivores no longer live repeatedly come to Slovakia, Romania, etc., to teach us how we are supposed to protect, preserve and above all not regulate (hunt) them. However, this is actually a disservice to large carnivores. After all, they reproduce at a very high rate: the brown bear s population in Slovakia, for example, grew in the summer by about 20% of the winter population and this is also the case in Croatia and other countries. Naturally, not all of the young will survive, but if the population is to remain stable at least 10% of the population must be removed. Otherwise, clashes with humans will increase along with the damage, the bears will synanthropise more and as has been noted in Slovakia cannibalism (principally infanticide) also increases. At the same time, not only young bears up to 100 kg, as prescribed in Slovakia, should be shot, but interventions must also be made to a limited extent in adult animals of reproductive age as is the case with other game species too. The hunting of bears is most effective in the spring and if it ends on about 15th April, there is no need to fear that a lactating female bear will be shot. If nature conservationists forbid it for unfathomable reasons, as is the case, for example, in Slovakia, this only clears the field for poaching. Population growth is also extremely high in wolves and according to our findings the proportion of young in the autumn is at least 40% and more, even though normally only the alpha female wolf gives birth to young. If regulation is not allowed, they take many wild game species and are then killed illegally, which is much worse. This is also the case with the lynx. Its reproduction rate is very high too, as was observed extremely conclusively during resettlement programmes in Slovenia and 12

it is executed on the spot, even though it has attacked nobody. Now, one cannot preach one thing and do another. If bears the Bohemian Forest, for example. Its regulation was not permitted in the Czech Republic despite justified claims from the hunting community. The result was that the hunting community took justice into its own hands and illegally reduced the excess lynx population by approximately one third. Naturally, officially regulated and controlled hunting would have been much better. In these circumstances tensions between hunters and nature conservationists increase. On the one hand there are fundamentalists who believe that predators would regulate themselves, but this can no longer function in a cultivated landscape that has been highly altered by humans. However, there are archaic thinkers among hunters, too, who see in carnivores merely their competitors and view their illegal killing merely as a trivial crime or even an act of heroism. It is a matter of great urgency to mediate between the contrasts between the two sides and promote productive and effective cooperation to the benefit of predators above all. In this context, national and international hunting organisations should become much more active and also feature in the media much more prominently. After all, nature conservationists and hunters alike share a common goal preservation of all game species, therefore of large carnivores too, even if the methods to reach this goal do not always have to be the same. Although in Slovakia, for example, hoofed game species as well as large carnivores were limited and controlled and intensively hunted during the last third of the preceding century, the populations of both groups of game rose constantly. This is a good and exemplary model for dealing with large carnivores. Prof. Pavel Hell Expert of CIC Slovak Delegation Middle European Institute of Wild Animal Ecology, Vienna Brno Nitra 13

54 th CIC General Assembly Belgrade, Serbia 2007 Understanding Hunting, Understanding People Nature does not recognize the concept of borders established by man. Scientific engagement in hunting and wildlife conservation enable and demand universal international cooperation. CIC gathers people from different meridians, cultures, religions, customs and traditions, people of different race and colour, people who originate from different environments who speak different languages along the same lines. The place where we are holding the 54 th CIC Assembly to a great extent determines the Assembly s motto. Belgrade lies in the centre of South-Eastern Europe, half way between the East and the West, the ancient crossroads, the synthesis of cultures and the residence of many nations, representing the harmony of the East and West. Serbia is a country of numerous cultural monuments, a region of accumulated traces and remains of great civilisations such as the Celts, the Thracians, the Illyrians, the Byzantine, the Romans, the Slavs, the Turks and the Serbs. This is the exotic part of Europe, a product of historical inheritance, bestowed with the beauty and diversity of nature. For the future and prosperity of the nations of South-Eastern Europe the fulfilment of certain conditions is imminent, and before anything else understanding, tolerance, cooperation and nurturing the beauty of diversity, which will merge and connect the Balkan region into a multidenominational, multiethnic and multinational, economically connected society. This region sees its future in essential accession to the European Union, for the benefit not only of the developed world, but above all, a better life for the citizens of this region. This is also one of the messages of the CIC s 54 th General Assembly, and hunting, the same as other fields, can be the catalyst of those processes. Hunting thus becomes the initiator of positive reactions and streams, awaking what is noble and humane in man, reconciling the relations between often opposing subjects, states and nations and certainly contributes to the development of trust between people. The members of CIC deal with the wider aspects attached to hunting, such as conservation of the eco system, i.e. the biotop, endangered species, game population, but also the preservation of the tradition and customs of entire hunting nations by spreading the awareness on the diversity and beauty of lifestyles rooted in the countryside. This eternal reality is life itself in all its forms. It is at the same time the fluid, which flows through people s souls thus connecting them. The act of hunting is an unforgettable experience, which brings people closer and connects them. The hunt is a great story, always unfinished, about life itself. Hunters listen to the flow of life, and positive energy and good intentions permeate the hunter. 14

Passion for Wildlife Means Caring for People Today, more than ever before, many species of wildlife need scientifically based help from the human society, which means appropriate, well organised and efficient help. Because of that, we, hunters support a common policy in the conservation of those resources, and rightfully expect the understanding, support and participation of the governments and administrations of the concerned countries. CIC strives to conserve hunting grounds, game and wildlife, but also hunting itself. CIC s jagged, diverse and rich sphere of activity, numerous expert Commissions and Working Groups as well as its continuous several-decade long existence and work, undoubtedly make a small, but precious contribution to reach an understanding between nations. The network of knowledge, which flows through our modern means of communication, encircles our entire planet. We are witnesses to the sudden evolution demonstrated by the international integration. All this presents us with the opportunity and conditions for the establishment of a special meditative sphere which permeates and encircles many activities, but which primarily follows and protects the biosphere, flora, animals and people, the air, the earth, our soil and waters, following movements and changes and on the common efforts human society offers a solution for conservation, maintaining development and rehabilitation. Gathered around this axis, we CIC hunters, with a very clearly defined role of hunting, have the opportunity to increase the capacities of tolerance, love, mutual respect and understanding. We place our hopes in those changes that will have a positive influence on the evolution of the soul as the driving force in annulling destructive and aggressive aspirations. It is left to us, at the occasion of the 54th CIC Assembly, to continue to believe in that and to support all those principles. The hunter is a cosmopolite. Hunting issues are universal on any meridian and the hunter easily finds a common language by building contacts and friendships with people of similar preoccupations and interests. Hunting is a mediator, which can bind and connect people, which instils enthusiasm and stimulates resolve by constantly pointing out the need for much greater care of wild animals, and undoubtedly in doing so results in greater understanding among people. Aleksandar Pantelic Secretary General of the Serbian Hunting Association (CIC Expert, Member of the Big Game Commission) 15

54 th CIC General Assembly Belgrade, Serbia 2007 Father, give us your blessing! As you know this holy monastery was like a deserted hunting ground for wild animals. When our lord and despot, Stefan Nemanja, who lorded over all Serbian lands, came to this place and hunted here, he chose to build this monastery on this deserted spot for the repose and growth of the monastic order. St. Sava: The life of Saint Simeon 16

Passion for Wildlife Means Caring for People Serbia is the most important routes situated in the centre of the Balkan peninsula, on which connect Europe and Asia and spreads over 88,362 square kilometres. It is in the Central European time zone (one hour before Greenwich meantime). It has a moderate continental climate with a gradual transition between the four seasons. Serbia is one of the crossroads of Europe and an important geo-political territory. The international roads and railroads which traverse its river valleys constitute the shortest link between western and central Europe from one side and the Near East, Asia and Africa from the other. The rivers in Serbia belong to the Black, Adriatic and Aegean sea river basins. Three of them are navigable: the Danube, the Sava and the Tisa. The longest river is the Danube, which flows through Serbia for 558 kilometres of its total 2,857 kilometre course. The Danube basin has always been important to Serbia. In September 1992, when the Rhine-Main-Danube canal was opened, the Black Sea and the harbours in the Far and Near East became much closer to Europe. The Belgrade Bar railroad is the connection with the Adriatic Sea and Montenegro. The northern part of Serbia, Vojvodina, is caracterised mostly by plains, while the central and southern parts are hilly and mountainous. 55% of Serbia is cultivable land while 27% is under forest. 15 mountain peaks reach a height of over 2,000 meters with Djeravica on Prokletije (2,656m) as the highest. The length of the Serbian border is more than 2.000 kilometres. Serbia borders with Bulgaria in the east, with Rumania in the north-east, with Hungary in the north, with Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina in the west and with Montenegro, Albania and Macedonia in the south. The ethnic structure of the citizens in the Republic of Serbia is very heterogeneous. The majority of citizens are Serbs while a further 37 nationalities are resident in Serbia. All citizens have equal rights and enjoy full national equality. The official language is Serbian and the alphabet Cyrillic but the Latin alphabet is also widely used. National minorities have the legal right to use their own language and alphabet for official purposes in the areas where they reside. Serbian citizens are mostly Orthodox Christian, and the Serbian Orthodox Church, autocephalous since 1219, has played an important role in the development and preservation of the Serbian national identity. In addition to the Serbian Orthodox Church, there are other religious communities in Serbia: Islamic, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish and others. Serbia is a country full of surprising contrasts, which welcomes visitors warmly and generously. 17

54 th CIC General Assembly Belgrade, Serbia 2007 Serbia bears witness to nature s generosity, bestowed with harmony in the diversity of natural beauty as well as the wealth of heterogeneity of plant and animal species. Over 1,200 natural properties have been granted some sort of protection in accordance with international classification, from the natural rarities, natural monuments and reservations to the national parks as our particular national treasure. Fruska Gora was the first to be declared a national park as far back as 1960 because of its authentic and heterogeneous vegetation. As much as 90% of its surface area is covered by forests of oak, beech and linden. What makes Fruska Gora exceptional are the 17 Orthodox monasteries which include Staro and Novo Hopovo, Mala and Velika Remeta, Sisatovac, Krusedol, Srpska Ravanica, Jazak, Vrdnik and Grgeteg. Apart from Fruska Gora, another four areas in Serbia have also been granted the status of National Parks: Djerdap, Tara, Kopaonik and Sar Mountain. The main natural phenomenon of the Djerdap National Park is the Djerdap Gorge, the biggest penetrable gorge in Europe, and an important refuge for the living world. Over 1,100 plant species grow in the National Park. The variety of residents and societies is also reflected in the fauna, which like the flora, bear the mark of the ancient. Here you can find brown bears (Ursus 18

Passion for Wildlife Means Caring for People arctos), lynx (Lynx lynx), wolves (Canis lupus), jackals (Canis aureus), golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos), eagle owls (Bubo bubo), black storks (Ciconia nigra) and many other species. The very favourable living conditions were the reason for the constant presence of man, which is witnessed by numerous archaeological finds and historical-cultural monuments such as the Lepenski Vir settlement, archaeological finds such as Dijana, Golubacki Grad, the remains of Trajan s road, Trajan s table, Roman limes, various fortresses and the preserved examples of Slavic architecture. The most characteristic species of the Tara National Park a unique refuge of the best preserved authentic forest vegetation in Europe is Pancic s spruce (Picea omorica), the queen of all European endemics. The deep gorges and preserved vegetation present the ideal habitat for many animal species from which Pancic s grasshopper (Pyrgomorphella serbica) stands out, considered to be Tara s local endemic. Tara s slopes are the periodical or permanent residence for over 100 species of bird, such as the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), the griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus), the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), the eagle owl (Bubo bubo) and the capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus). 24 species of mammals live in this area, out of which 17 are protected as a natural rarity. Brown bear (Ursus arctos), chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra), roe dear (Capreolus capreolus), wild cat (Felis silvestris) and otter (Lutra lutra) are particularly precious. 19

54 th CIC General Assembly Belgrade, Serbia 2007 The biggest mountain in Serbia, Kopaonik, has also been designated a national park because of its natural, cultural and historical potential. Kopaonik has been known since ancient times for iron ore mining and is these days home to a unique museum of mining in Serbia but also remains an important tourist centre. There are numerous remains of medieval towns close to the National Park such as Maglic and Stari Ras. Beneath Kopaonik lies Petrova Church, the oldest Orthodox church in Serbia, dating back to the 12 th century. The Serbian Valley of the Kings, as the Ibar river valley is called, is home to the most beautiful monasteries from medieval Serbia such as Zica, Studenica, Gradac, Pavlica, Djurdjevi Stupovi, Sopocani... To the far south of Serbia lies the Sar Mountain National Park, spreading over 39,000 hectares. Sar Mountain unites around 2,000 plant species and 20 local Sar endimits, among which the most famous are Ramonda (Ramonda nathaliae), the Macedonian pine (Pinus peuce), the Bosnian pine (Pinus heldreichii) and the Mugo pine (Pinus mugo). Sar Mountain is the home of the carnivorous plant, the Butterworth (Pinguicula balcanica) and the Boreal carnation (Dianthus scardicus). With 147 kinds of butterflies, Sar Mountain is the richest area in Europe, and with over 200 species of birds it is the habitat of 60% of Serbia s ornitho fauna. Only here and on 20

Passion for Wildlife Means Caring for People Stara Mountain and Prokletije echoes the song of the capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus), which is classified as a natural rarity in Serbia and is a permanently protected species of hunting game. On the vast expanse of Sar Mountain you can find endemic and ancient species of small rodents such as Dinaric s field vole (Dynaromus bogdanovi), and game like the chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) as well as predators like the pine marten (Martes martes), the beech marten (Martes foina) and the otter (Lutra lutra) but also the wild cat (Felis silvestris), the lynx (Lynx lynx) and the brown bear (Ursus arctos). With numerous glacial lakes and various forms of glacial relief, Sar Mountain presents a veritable museum of glacial relief under the open sky. The wealth of cultural and historical inheritance of this area is embodied in 34 medieval churches and monasteries such as the St. Petar Koriski monastery from the 13 th century, the Gracanica monastery from the 14 th century, the monastery of St. Archangel near Prizren from the 15 th century, the Visoki Decani monastery, the most famous seat of the Serbian Patriarchy in Pec. The Sar Mountain National Park is on the territory of the Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija which has been a UN protectorate since 1999. 21

54 th CIC General Assembly Belgrade, Serbia 2007 National parks, however, represent only part of the protected wildlife in Serbia. In addition to them, there are also valorised smaller areas with the aim of protecting the habitats of certain plant and animal species. Those areas hold the status of special wildlife reservations in accordance with the Ramsar Convention, such as: Obedska Bara, Carska Bara, Ludasko Lake, and Slano Kopovo. The greatest ornithological value of Carska Bara is that it is the temporary or permanent refuge for 250 bird species, out of which a considerable number are endangered at European level. The status of protection has also been granted to the gorges of the rivers Tresnjica and Uvac, one of the last domiciles of the griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus) which is included in natural rarities as the last species of the old world vulture that has survived in Serbia until the present day. The griffon vulture is the biggest bird in orthofauna in Serbia and it finds its place on the vertebrates red list. The status of protection is also shared by the region of the Great Bustard Pastures in northern Banat, where a population of around thirty great bustards (Otis tarda), one of the most endangered birds in Europe and our country, are registered. 22

Passion for Wildlife Means Caring for People Geomorphologic processes from a million years ago can be discerned in the dunes of yellow and grey sand of the special wildlife reservation of Deliblatska Pescara (sands). In addition to the many hydrographical elements, 900 plant and animal species have also survived, some of them very rare and endemic. In its central area, on only one micro locality, the Rochel (Paeonia banatica Rochel), an endemic ancient species protected as a natural rarity, opens up its red or pink petals. While for some species time was a factor in their extinction, on the other hand, time and erosion created Djavolja varos, an area of rare beauty and mystery on the slopes of Radan Mountain. A unique geomorphological phenomenon, this unusual cluster of earth cones with andesite caps and springs of highly mineralized water was declared a natural monument and listed in the UNESCO world natural heritage list. The Resava cave in the area around Despotovac is a genuine pearl among natural monuments. The Resava cave is an underground karst formation with a multitude of unique crystal decorations, massive columns of stalagmites and stalactites with yellow and snow white surfaces, red coral growths on the walls of the cave canals and almost transparent stalactites. The basic motto of the conservation programme in Serbia is that it shall remain a country of rich natural diversity with all of its inhabitants caring for nature. 23

Located on the mouth of the rivers Sava and Danube, Belgrade is an ancient settlement. The members of the Celtic tribe established Singidunum in the third century BC. Belgrade is the capital of Serbia. With around 1.6 million inhabitants, the city is of great importance for traffic. Apart from being at a significant road-railroad junction, Belgrade also has an important international river, maritime and air terminal and a telecommunications centre. 30% of the Serbian gross domestic product is produced in Belgrade. 24

Belgrade Belgrade Belgrade is also the capital of Serbian culture. The city is home to the biggest concentration of institutions from the fields of science and art of national importance such as the Serbian Academy of Science and Art, the Serbian Royal Academy, the National Library, the National Museum and the National Theatre. The city is also the home of Belgrade University, established in 1808 and the University of Art. Belgrade is proud of its night life. It is a city which never sleeps. Its streets and restaurant terraces are full of people throughout the entire day. 25

54 th CIC General Assembly Belgrade, Serbia 2007 An estimation of the number and the possible harvest of game mammal species Status Estimated population Harvest Red deer Cervus elaphus LZ 5,000 1,000 Fallow deer Cervus dama LZ 3,000 600 White-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus LZ 100 10 Roe deer Capreolus capreolus LZ 120,000 10,000 Mouflon Ovis musimon LZ 1,000 200 Chamois Rupicapra rupicapra LZ 600 30 Wild boar Sus scrofa LZ 30,000 15,000 Brown hare Lepus europaeus LZ 600,000 90,000 Badger Meles meles LZ 8,000 1,000 Lynx Linx linx TZL 100 - European wildcat Felis silvestris LZ 6,000 300 Beech marten Martes foina LZ 15,000 3,000 Pine marten Martes martes LZ 5,000 - Muskrat Ondatra zibethica LZ 8,000 2,000 Brown Bear Ursus arctos LZ 100 - Wolf Canis lupus VRZ 800 200 Jackal Canis aureu VRZ 2,000 600 Racoon dog Nyctereutes procyonoides VRZ 800 40 Fox Vulpes vulpes VRZ 60,000 20,000 Polecat Mustela putorius VRZ n.d n.d. Otter Lutra lutra TZL 2,000 - Weasel Mustela nivalis TZL 2,000 - (TZL) permanent ban on culling; (LZ) Species protected by closed seasons; (VRZ) Not in the protected category; (n.d.) no data The data does not include any information about AP Kosovo and Metohija. 26

Passion for Wildlife Means Caring for People Biodiversity in Serbia Serbia s mountainous regions with the Balkan s high mountains is one of the six European centres and one of the 158 centres of biodiversity in the world. The specific geographical position at the point where Central European and Mediterranean influences meet, the tumultuous geo-tectonic dynamics and diversity of geological, geomorphologic, hydrologic, climatic and pedological characteristics have made Serbia a region with exceptionally diverse genetic species and ecosystems. Four protected natural habitats are listed in the Ramsar list of wetlands of international importance: 1. The Ludas Lake special nature reserve (since 1977) 2. The Obedska Bara nature reserve (since 1977) 3. The Stari Begej Carska bara nature reserve (since 1996) 4. The Slano Kopovo nature reserve (since 2004) The total wealth of mammal fauna in Serbia amounts to 94 species. This is 67% of known European mammal fauna. The Republic of Serbia, through the Bureau for the Conservation of Nature as the reference institution, is a member of some significant international organizations for nature conservation: The World Conservation Union - IUCN, the Europarc Federation and the European Association for the Conservation of the Geological Heritage ProGEO. The Republic of Serbia, through the Hunters Association of Serbia, is a member of the CIC the International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation and FACE the Federation of Associations for Hunting & Conservation of the E.U. In Serbia, the following species are protected as natural rarities: the weasel (Mustela nivalis), the stoat (Mustela erminea), the European mink (Mustela lutreola), the steppe polecat (Mustela eversmanni), the marbled polecat (Vormela peregusna), the otter (Lutra lutra) and the lynx (Lynx lynx). All wild animal species are on the preliminary Red List for Serbia (1991) except for the jackal (Canis aureus), the red fox (Vulpes vulpes), the racoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides), the western polecat (Mustela putorius) and some other introduced species. 27

54 th CIC General Assembly Belgrade, Serbia 2007 An estimation of the number and the possible harvest of game bird species Status Estimated population Harvest Pheasant Phasianus spp. LZ 500,000 150,000 Grey partridge Perdix perdix LZ 300,000 15,000 Rock partridge Alectoris graeca LZ 5,000 250 Hazel grouse Bonasa bonasia LZ 2,000 - Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus TZL 30 - Black grouse Lyrurus tetrix TZL 10 - White-fronted goose Anser albifrons LZ 20,000 3,000 Bean goose Anser fabalis LZ 6,000 1,000 Common pochard Aythia ferina LZ 100,000 15,000 Mallard Anas platyrhynchos LZ 400,000 60,000 Wigeon Anas penelope LZ 2,000 200 Teal Anas crecca LZ 20,000 5,000 Garganey Anas querquedula LZ 2,000 200 Coot Fulica atra LZ 300,000 50,000 Common snipe Gallinago gallinago LZ n.d. n.d. Woodcock Scolopax rusticola LZ 10,000 2,000 Wood pigeon Columba palumbus LZ 500,000 80,000 Quail Coturnix coturnix LZ 600,000 80,000 Dove Streptopelia turtur LZ 300,000 15,000 Collared dove Streptopelia decaocto LZ n.d. n.d. Jay Garrulus glandarius LZ 600,000 6,000 Hooded crow Corvus cornix VRZ 900,000 30,000 Magpie Pica pica VRZ 1,200,000 45,000 (TZL) permanent ban on culling; (LZ) Species protected by closed seasons; (VRZ) Not in the protected category; (n.d.) no data The data does not include any information about AP Kosovo and Metohija 28

Passion for Wildlife Means Caring for People Special interest is devoted to species with a strong tendency towards territorial expansion and those species which are being reintroduced into this area. Expanding species include: the racoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonides), the Carpathian lynx (Lynx lynx carpathicus), and the jackal (Canis aureus). The European beaver (Castor fiber) is in the focus of a reintroduction program, so regular sightings and permanent population is expected in the forthcoming period. The American mink (Mustela vison) is a species which was introduced by chance as it escaped to our large rivers from fur farms. Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus), the imperial eagle (Aquila heliaca), the white-tailed sea eagle (Haliaeëtus albicilla), the booted eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus), the saker falcon (Falco cherrug), the red kite (Milvus milvus), Montagu s harrier (Circus pygargus), the black stork (Ciconia nigra), the greylag goose (Anser anser), the capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) and the great bustard (Otis tarda). There are a total of 35 internationally significant bird habitats (IBA regions) in Serbia occupying a territory of 7.670 km 2. There are seven species of even-toed ungulates (Artiodactyla) in Serbia of which four are native: the red deer (Cervus elaphus), the roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), the chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) and the wild boar (Sus scrofa) and three have been introduced: the fallow deer (Dama dama), the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and the mouflon (Ovis musimon). Serbia s total wealth of bird fauna amounts to over 380 species, and the number of species spending their reproductive period here is over 260. The standardisation and simplification of areas by composition and habitat structure, the use of harmful biocides, the redistribution of arable areas, the removal of boundaries and favourable nesting, feeding and concealing habitats for wildlife and the lack of winter hideouts are the most significant reasons for the loss of species of hunting game in Serbia. The aforementioned changes have resulted in increased numbers of buzzards, hawks, martens, foxes, wolves and other species. Hunters devote particular attention and activity to the protection of each pair and the nesting grounds of the following species: the griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus), the 29

54 th CIC General Assembly Belgrade, Serbia 2007 Brown Bear (Ursus arctos) The largest mammal present in Serbia. Based on field research and bag statistics, the population in our country is about 100* specimen. According to the Law on Hunting, they are protected by closed seasons and, in accordance with a special decision of the competent Ministry, since March 2002 they have been protected by a closed season throughout the year. Basic endangering factors include the disappearance and division of habitats, illegal killing and caging. Lynx (Lynx lynx) The largest feline representative in Serbia. One species with two subspecies are present: the Balkan lynx (Lynx lynx martinoi) and the Carpathian lynx (Lynx lynx carpathicus). Members of the Balkan population are present in Southwestern Serbia. Members of the Carpathian population are present in Western Serbia, Eastern Serbia and Southeastern Banat. The Balkan population is estimated at 20* specimen. The Carpathian population is increasing and is estimated at 80 specimen. According to the Law on Hunting, it is a permanently protected species and belongs to natural rarities. Basic endangering factors include disappearance, degradation and division of habitats, illegal killing and road accidents. 30

Passion for Wildlife Means Caring for People Jackal (Canis aureus) A species with a strong tendency towards territorial expansion belonging to the so-called expanding species. The jackal s territory corresponds to the assumption that on a wider area they avoid overlapping with that of the wolf, i.e. in areas where territories overlap, altitude zoning is expressed. The jackal takes over territories at lower altitudes, especially in riverbeds. The population is estimated at over 2000* specimen. According to the Law on Hunting, they are not a protected species. The current status indicates relatively good conditions for the conservation and survival of the population. Harm to cattle and game still cannot be described as alarming. Wolf (Canis lupus) Widely present in Serbia. Population in Serbia estimated to about 800* specimen. The population trend is rated as stable. According to the Law on Hunting they are not a protected species. In accordance with a special decision of the competent Ministry since March 2002 they have been protected in the Deliblatska pescara and Vrsac mountain region. Basic endangering factors include the disappearance and division of habitats and their harassment as well as illegal poisoning due to significant harm to cattle and game. *The evaluation was made without data for A.P. Kosovo and Metohija, which has been a UN protectorate since 1999 and for which data is not available. 31

54 th CIC General Assembly Belgrade, Serbia 2007 Non hunting period and hunting seasons - Mammals IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII I II III Red Deer m f Fallow Deer m f White-Tailed Deer m f Roe Deer m f Chamois m f Mouflon m f Wild Boar m f juv Brown Bear Pine Marten Beech Marten in the AP Vojvodina Badger in the AP Vojvodina Muskrat Red Squirrel in seed stand Edible Dormouse in seed stand Brown Hare h Weasel pheasant farm up to 500m Wolf in the AP Vojvodina European Wildcat in the AP Vojvodina Jackal Red Fox Raccoon Dog Polecat m f juv h Non hunting period male female juvenilia hunting hares exclusively 32

Passion for Wildlife Means Caring for People Non hunting period and hunting seasons - Birds IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII I II III Heron fish farms Greylag Goose White Fronted Goose Bean Goose in the AP Vojvodina Mallard Teal Common Pochard Garganey Wigeon Hen Hawk in the AP Vojvodina Hazel Grouse Rock Partridge Grey Partridge Quail Pheasant fiding range 50-300 ha Coot Woodcock mountain areas Common Snipe Wood Pigeon Rock Dove Stock Dove Collared Dove in the AP Kosovo and Metohija Dove in the AP Kosovo and Metohija Jay Crow in the AP Kosovo and Metohija Hooded Crow Magpie Non hunting period 33

54 th CIC General Assembly Belgrade, Serbia 2007 Official Excursion (Included in the registration fee) Full day tour by boat along the Danube, 10hours on May 5 th, starting from the hotels by bus: Hotel Balkan at 08.10 Hotel In at 08.20 Hotel Hyatt at 08.30 In perfect harmony with nature, the banks of the Danube bear witness to a string of prehistoric settlements, Roman and Medieval border fortifications, churches, cities rich of famous vineyards. Visit to the port of Smederevo and Viminacium (ancient Roman city and military camp). Danube, the second longest European waterway brings together East and West as it majestically flows through Serbia. Smederevo, medieval fortresses situated 71 km from Belgrade. Viminacium, first the camp of the Roman legion VII. CLAUDIA dating from the 1 st century A.D. and then the capital of the Roman province of Moesia Superior. The site, which covers 450 hectares, includes a Roman aqueduct (one of only four and the first to be discovered in the Balkans), a significant legion camp, temples, a theatre and hippodrome, and living quarters. Attila the Hun severely damaged the city in 441, but the city remained in Roman (or Byzantine) hands at least intermittently until the eleventh century when it was permanently lost to the Empire. 34

Passion for Wildlife Means Caring for People Optional Excursions (Registration upon arrival) Naive Painting, 5 hours on May 2 nd from the Hyatt Regency Hotel at 14.30 Price: 16,00 EUR per person* visit to the centre of in Kovačica, welcome drink in Gallery Babka visit to the artist studio of painter Pavel Hajka visit to the artist studio of painter Zuzana Vereski visit to the workshop of master for production of violins, Emil Nemeček collection of paintings, artistic things and souvenirs. Belgrade Evening tour, 3 to 4 hours on May 2 nd and 3 rd starting from the Hyatt Regency Hotel at 19.00 Price: 15,00 EUR per person* An evening tour of Belgrade, visiting the pedestrian zone of the city center with its numerous cafes, as well as the bohemian part of the city dating from the second half of the 19 th century. City tour by bus, 3-4 hours on May 3 nd starting from the hotel Hyatt Regency at 10.00 Price: 12,00 EUR per person* Belgrade has always had a special strategic significance at the confluence of the Sava and the Danube rivers. This tour includes a visit to the Orthodox Cathedral, the Mansion of Princess Ljubica, Republic Square, Town hall, St. Mark Church, the Belgrade Fair Grounds, and Topcider park, where was the residence of Serbian rulers in 19 th century. The Royal Compound (The Royal and The White Palace), 2 hours on May 4 th starting from the Hyatt Regency Hotel at 10.00 Price: 15,00 EUR per person* The Royal Palace was originally built as a summerhouse for the king Aleksandar I Karadjordjevic on Dedinje hill, in Serbian-Byzantine style. The Whithe Palace was built as the residence for the King s three sons. After the World War II The Royal Palace became the official residence of the President Josip Broz Tito. At the beginning of the 21 st century, the palace was returned to the Karadjordjevic royal family. Day and time to be precised upon arrival depending on the Royal protocol duties. *Prices may vary based upon a number of participants For reservation, prices and additional information please contact the agency Glob Metropoliten Tours, e-mail: glob@metropoliten.com 35