Milic Curovic

Structure, spatio-temporal dynamics and disturbance regime of the mixed beech–silver fir–Norway spruce old-growth forest of Biogradska Gora (Montenegro)

The structure and the spatio-temporal dynamics of the mixed beech–silver fir–Norway spruce old-growth forest of Biogradska Gora (Montenegro) have been analysed at different spatial scales: at the landscape scale, using a high-resolution SPOT5 satellite image and at the stand level with an intensive field survey. This remote-sensing approach has been used to obtain a land cover map in order to define the main vegetation types and to detect the large canopy gaps (>150 m2). The structural characteristics have been delineated in a 50-ha study area in which a regular 120-m grid was superimposed over a 1:10,000 raster map and 30 sampling points have been obtained. The forest is characterized by a high volume of living trees (1029.6 m3 ha− 1) and coarse woody debris (420.4 m3 ha− 1) and by small-scale disturbances (individual trees to small groups) with a low incidence of intermediate disturbances (18 forest canopy gaps>150 m2 over 1230 ha). The two approaches have proved useful to delineate the spatio-temporal dynamics. The Biogradska Gora forest dynamics are dominated by very small-scale processes, which are partially autogenic and partially caused by allogenic factors. The influence of large-scale or intermediate disturbances has shown to be negligible.

Geomorphology of the Durmitor Mountains and surrounding plateau Jezerska Površ (Montenegro)

The geomorphological map of the northeastern Durmitor Mountains and the plateau Jezerska Površ (1:10,000, 47 km², Montenegro, Dinaric Alps) was prepared from an intensive fieldwork campaign and remote sensing analysis, and was compiled within a GIS. The basic components of the legend are (i) processes/genesis, (ii) materials, (iii) morphometry/morphography, (iv) hydrography, (v) vegetation and (vi) anthropogenic features. The geomorphological setting of the area consists of Mesozoic limestones which are physically deformed by Quaternary glacial and periglacial activity and chemically affected during interglacials. Glacial deposits on the plateau of three middle-to-late Pleistocene glacial phases are intersected by a well-developed network of palaeo meltwater channels. In the mountains, Holocene glacier retreat left behind a series of well-preserved recessional moraines. The map serves as a valuable tool for Quaternary research in the Durmitor Mountains, and also in other mountains of the Western Balkans.

Soil erosion in the Zim Potok watershed, Polimlje river basin, Montenegro.

The negative impact of sediments on the environment and water resources is widely acknowledged with many watercourses in Montenegro and in the South Eastern European Region. To reduce sediment exports from the big river basins discharging to the accumulations, it is essential to identify the sources: critical sub basins and the quantity of its sediment yield and runoff. The off-site impacts of runoff and eroded soil, eutrophication of water bodies, loss of reservoir capacity, muddy flooding of roads and communities, are increasingly recognised. Establishing the correlation between on-site erosion rates with offsite impacts is complicated because of the limited data on soil erosion processes in Montenegro and the dynamic nature of this process over space and time. The use of computer-graphic methods allowed the quantification of the environmental effects of soil erosion. We used modelling of sediment yield and runoff for calculation of soil erosion intensity for a Zim Potok watershed of Polimlje, Montenegro. Ecological factors, which are the basis for the calculation of soil erosion intensity, are included in the IntErO simulation model, with the Erosion potential analytical method of Gavrilovic embedded in the algorithm of this computer-graphic method. Our results shown that the calculated maximal outflow from the river basin may be 144 ms for the 100 years return time flood. The sediment yield was calculated as 689 m3yr, specific 155 m3kmyr. The important results of this study are the determination of erosion processes in the study watershed and new particular information about the recent state of runoff and sediment yield in formats that can facilitate its efficient management and protection, illustrating the possibility of sediment yield modelling with such

Major characteristics of mixed fir and beech virgin forests in the National park Biogradska Gora in Montenegro

In order to manage forest ecosystems at a sufficiently high biodiversity level it is necessary to study the ecological, structural and production characteristics of virgin forests. The research was directed towards identifying the characteristics of mixed fir and beech forests (Abieti-Fagetum s. lat.) in the area of the strict reserve of the National Park Biogradska Gora in Montenegro. Basic characteristics of these forests were researched in the process of definition of forest types. In this manner, it is for the first time that a realistic base for typological management of forests and forest ecosystems with similar ecological and structural characteristics was provided for the specific sites.

Culture and Silviculture: Origins and Evolution of Silviculture in Southeast Europe

SUMMARY Silvicultural practices are generally developed to meet societal objectives given the constraints of the site. This simple premise is a foundation of modern silviculture. However, silviculture may vary for other reasons related to cultural factors. This paper reviews the differences in silviculture in the twelve countries that comprise southeastern Europe, an area that includes a variety of cultures, and a complex history. The silviculture generally follows three models: coppice systems that are largely unregulated, even-aged stands that include former coppice stands and other reforested sites, and systems to develop and maintain complex stand structures. Plantation management is not common. Cultural and historic drivers have affected the development of silviculture in this region. Additional drivers include forest access, the importance of wood for fuel, and proximity to central Europe. It is anticipated that European Union membership of countries in the region will lead to greater regional and international exchange and cooperation in the future.

Habitat conditions for wildlife management in the Dinaric regions of Croatia and Montenegro

Hunting is an important socio-economic activity, particularly in rural areas. Characteristics and quality of habitat are important in the sustainable management of game animals and wildlife conservation. Three hunting grounds were analysed and their habitat composition was compared with regard to abundance of main game animal species. Hunting ground VIII/2 “Bjelolasica” is located in Gorski kotar region; XVII/6 “Maglaj-Cista” in the inland of middle Dalmatia; and hunting ground “Dragišnica” is located in northern part of Montenegro.