The mean annual air temperature in the period from 2011 to 2023 increased by 1.0 to 1.4 °C, according to an analysis of measurements in Gospić, Gračac, and at Zavižan. Potential evapotranspiration for this period also showed a statistically significant increase compared to the reference series.
Velebit has been enriched with new red deer; we monitored another section of the mountain, set up new wildlife observation hides, and surpassed the milestone of one thousand children participating in our workshops—2025 was a year of action and progress for Rewilding Velebit. Here are some of the most significant activities carried out this year.
It is recommended to improve forestry legislation by adopting a regulation on tree protection during forest harvesting operations and the compensation for damage to trees caused during timber skidding.
The selection of trees for sanitary felling (or sanitary logging) in the Republic of Croatia encompasses all dry trees and trees with a crown defoliation degree above 60%. It is recommended that the criterion be changed, and that a criterion of 80% crown defoliation be applied for sanitary felling.
Traffic accidents are a major cause of human-induced wildlife mortality, but this negative human impact on nature can be significantly reduced, for the good of both people and animals. The road prisms we have been installing on roads in Velebit and its foothills for two years are highly effective in reducing the number of accidents, as well as in mitigating habitat fragmentation.
We’re walking a path we’ve never walked before—we’ve recorded the first rewilding song and created the first rewilding music video for it. It’s time to sing about rewilding!
We received some wonderful shots from visitors to our social media pages who entered our contest. We’re happy to present the selected works.
Almost 10% of the total amount of carbon dioxide sequestered annually in Croatian forests is stored in the Velebit mountains. It could be even more—it would be enough to change the economic management practices for thickets and shrubs, according to our expert associates.
Zavratnica Cove and the town of Jablanac have gained a new digital dimension – anyone can now check sea quality online in real-time, thanks to satellite imagery and AI-based analysis.
The Emperor Fir tree is the largest common fir tree in Europe, standing at 42.5 meters tall with a circumference of 5.42 meters. Its health was deteriorating due to dry and rotten branches, while a parasitic plant threatened its long-term vitality. Sanitation work has been carried out to preserve it, ensuring its health for generations to come.