Researchers have confirmed the nesting of the griffon vulture within the Slapovi Sopotnice
Nature Monument near Prijepolje. The discovery, made during a recent six-day monitoring camp, marks the first time this strictly protected species has been verified as a nesting resident in the area.
The confirmation came via the ornithological section of a multidisciplinary research effort involving approximately 20 students, professors, and researchers. While there were indications last year that griffon vultures had begun nesting in the region, the presence of a young bird found in the nest provided the definitive proof required for the discovery.
The Griffon Vulture and the Ornithological Discovery
This specific nest was previously unknown to researchers, making it a significant addition to the known ornithofauna of the protected area. The discovery elevates the status of the Slapovi Sopotnice
monument, as the griffon vulture is a strictly protected species.
Last year we had indications that griffon vultures had begun to nest in this area, but this year we definitively confirmed it by finding a young bird in the nest. According to our knowledge, this nest was not known until now, which represents an extremely significant discovery for the ornithofauna of this protected area. Nikola Veljković, research associate at the Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics in Novi Sad and coordinator of the ornithological section
The research was conducted as part of a six-day summer camp that utilized six expert sections to survey the region. The team included protected area rangers and young members of the “Kamena Gora” Hiking Club from Prijepolje.
Fourteen Years of Biodiversity Monitoring
The “Josif Pančić” Scientific Research Society of Biology and Ecology Students from Novi Sad has been returning to the Sopotnica area for 14 years. This long-term commitment has shifted the understanding of the site from a geological curiosity to a biological sanctuary.
Over this period, the society has documented a wide array of new species, including birds, insects, plants, fungi, bats, and mammals. These findings provide the necessary professional basis for improving the protection of the area.
We have been coming to Sopotnica for fourteen years and every year we achieve extraordinary results. We constantly discover new species of birds, insects, plants, fungi, bats and mammals. Precisely such research is of great importance, as it provides a professional basis for the preservation and improvement of the protection of this area. Jana Milovanović, president of the “Josif Pančić” Scientific Research Society of Biology and Ecology Students
Evolution of the “Slapovi Sopotnice” Protection Strategy
The “Kamena Gora” Hiking Club serves as the manager of the Nature Monument and has organized monitoring of natural values since 2014. Originally, the focus of these efforts was narrow, centering on the limestone waterfalls and hydrological features that led to the area’s initial protected status.
However, the scope of research evolved as the biological richness of the area became more apparent. The shift from morphological and hydrological study to a broader biodiversity focus has revealed that the site is one of the most significant protected natural assets regarding biological values.
When we started the monitoring, the focus was on the morphological and hydrological values for which this area was declared a nature monument. However, later research showed extremely rich biodiversity. That is why we wanted experts, professors and students of biology and ecology to research this area… Dragan Petrić, coordinator of the Slapovi Sopotnice
Nature Monument
Future Implications for the Protected Area
The confirmation of the griffon vulture’s nesting habits transforms the site from a scenic landscape into a critical refuge for rare and protected species. Because the griffon vulture is strictly protected, its presence may necessitate updated management strategies to ensure the nest remains undisturbed.
The data collected since 2014 serves as a baseline for ongoing conservation. Researchers intend to continue the study and preservation of these rare plant and animal species in the coming period to maintain the ecological integrity of the Sopotnica waterfalls region.
