Glasnik Šumarskog fakulteta Univerziteta u Banjoj Luci

Contribution to the knowledge on the vascular flora of the potentially protected area Duga njiva (Republika Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina)

2025-04-09T10:31:15+00:00

Field research in Duga Njiva was conducted during the growing season of 2023. A total of 372 species and subspecies of vascular plants were found. Compositae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, and Poaceae are among the most present families. The percentage supremacy of hemicryptophytes was determined in the biological spectrum of the flora of Duga Njiva. Phytogeographical analysis confirmed the dominance of European-Caucasian, Central European, and Eurasian floristic elements. The presence of six strictly protected and protected species was confirmed in the research area, as follows: Cephalanthera damasonium, Cephalanthera longifolia, Ilex aquifolium, Platanthera bifolia, Ruscus aculeatus, and Ruscus hypoglossum.

Optimization of the skid roads network

2025-04-17T11:47:29+00:00

Optimization of the skid roads network is a critical aspect of planning forest harvesting operations, as timber transport (including extraction and long-distance road transport) represents the most expensive stage of timber production. This task entails a well-structured spatial distribution of skid roads, essential for timber extraction using tractors, skidders, forwarders, or animal assistance. A high-quality spatial distribution of skid roads enables efficient timber utilization. The primary indicator of the spatial distribution of skid roads is relative forest accessibility, with optimization efforts aimed at increasing this indicator within compartments above 90%. Achieving such optimization level relies on employing spatial and statistical analysis techniques on vector and raster data concerning terrain stand conditions, and the current state of secondary forest road infrastructure, facilitated by GIS tools. These methods allow for precise evaluation and planning enhancing both efficiency and cost-effectiveness in timber transport. The research results show a significant increase in the total length of tractor roads, from 3,311.15 m to 4,152.15 m, with a corresponding density increase from 84.55 to 106.33 m/ha based on forest compartment area of 39.16.ha. The average skidding distance ranges from 95 m to 111 m for the existing and upgraded skid road networks. The relative forest accessibility is 81% for the existing skid roads network, while for the upgraded skid roads network is around 97%. The primary goal of the research is achieved.

Natural localities of Serbian spruce in Serbia

2025-10-14T13:57:43+00:00

In the second half of the 20th century, the distribution area of Pančić’s spruce in Serbia was researched by many authors (Fukarek, 1950, 1967; Fukarek & Fukarek, 1989; Kolarović, 1951; Čolić, 1953, 1966, 1986), with the last discovered and described locality in the Mileševka gorge (Matović, 1983; Tošić, 1983). In numerous works with primarily different research objectives, the authors often refer to the aforementioned references when describing natural distribution of this species. Today, it can be stated that the last inventory was done more than 70 years ago, which do not accurately reflect the actual situation in the field.
The research was carried out in three phases: 1. the preparatory phase (spatial georeferencing all known sites on topographic maps); 2. field research (working at each locality by entering the most typified developed parts of the stands, recording the coordinates of sampled and boundary trees, measuring diameter and height, describing the community and conditions, and conducting drone overflights); and 3. the final phase (drawing boundaries of all populations, calculating areas, counting trees). For each locality, the authors present: a literature review and earlier descriptions, the name of the locality (based on topography, previous descriptions of the locality, and information gathered from local residents), a description of habitat conditions, the area and centroid of the population, and the position of each individual tree, the number of trees, and the state of regeneration. Each population is represented as a polygon on military topographic maps, each tree marked with an “x,” and all georeferenced data in electronic form as an appendix to this paper.
After study of literature data and field research carried out in last 5 years we can say that Serbian spruce has been recorded at 53 localities in Serbia. Today it forms populations at 26 localities covering an area of 89.56 hectares, with individual trees found at 8 localities, while no spruce trees were found at 19 localities. Based on these results, there are slightly over 8,800 adult Serbian spruce trees in populations in Serbia, at elevations ranging from 770 to 1,320 meters. Based on the number of trees and the actual condition, all described populations are divided into three groups:
The first group consists of the most stable and numerous stands, which are in favorable conservation status with more than 250 trees per population: Bilo; Ljuti breg; Kik; Crvene stene; Vrano osoje in Veliki kraj; Topli do, Čunčarsko točilo, and under Adžina bukva on Mt. Zvijezda; Karaula Štula in the canyon of Brusnički potok.The second group includes also stable stands with 60-250 spruce trees, forming more or less compact stands. This includes: Petina stena under Badanj in Veliki kraj, Zakopine above Obla glava on Mt. Zvijezda, Marjanovića vodenice in Brusnički potok, Povratič, Studenac, Vranjak, Zmajevački potok, and Trenice on Mt. Tara. The third group consists of populations with fewer than 50 living spruce trees, with a high proportion of dead trees. These include: under Čairi and Jelin do in Veliki kraj, Pejino točilo and Bilješke stene on Mt. Zvijezda, under Golo drvo, Kremići, Povratič on Crni vrh, under Pasja stena on Mt. Tara, and Sastavci in the Mileševka canyon. Due to successful regeneration in the populations in Povratič and the Mileševka canyon, they have a future, but it is advisable to establish further monitoring of their condition and regeneration dynamics. Currently, the most threatened stands are those on Bilješke stene, as well as at Čairi and in Pejino Točilo, where intense tree drying is present. The locality under Golo drvo and Kremići also lacks prospects, as the stands are closed and completely overgrown with competitive vegetation.Individual spruce trees outside compact areas in Serbia have been recorded at 8 separate localities, of which 5 were previously mentioned in the literature (Trešnjica under Omar, Brezak in Pluževine, Đurđevo brdo, under Kolo on Aluška Mountains, and Crveni potok), while three localities are mentioned for the first time (Njivice under Galinik, Milakova ravan, and under Mrka Kosa).
At the remaining 19 localities, where groups or individual spruce trees are mentioned in the literature, their presence has not been confirmed at 13: Gorica, Galinik, Klačnica, Kameno brdo, Janjač, Pasjača, Gorušički rid, Mala kosa in Osoje, Jabučica, Vis-Sklopovi-Srednji Kik, Lazići, and Pološnica. Due to insufficient precision in the references for six localities: Galinska reka, Predov krst, Burine and Brdo on Đurđevo brdo, Njivice, above Kamenjača, and under Omar on Aluške planine, a question mark has been left.
The obtained results represent an important foundation for further research on spruce, as well as for monitoring changes and dynamics in the coming period.

The cost of crossing: An initial attempt to uncover wildlife vehicular mortality in Doddabetta, Nilgiris (India)

2025-11-19T12:25:21+00:00

Roads pose a significant threat to wildlife, particularly in biodiversity-rich regions such as the Nilgiris (India). This preliminary study documents patterns of wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVC) in the Doddabetta region, focusing on taxonomic diversity, seasonal variation, and species-specific vulnerability. A total of 80 individuals from 19 species were recorded as roadkill across 60 randomly selected days, with reptiles especially the endemic Salea horsfieldii showing the highest incidence. The data suggest a strong correlation between roadkill events and seasonal activity patterns, particularly during breeding periods. Contributing factors include high vehicle speeds, roadside garbage that attracts prey species, and inadequate driver awareness. The study underscores the urgent need for mitigation measures such as wildlife crossings, dynamic signage, and impact assessments of existing and proposed roads. As the findings are based on limited, randomly timed surveys, we recommend future research with systematic seasonal monitoring during both day and night to better understand the broader ecological implications. This study provides baseline data for developing conservation strategies in high-risk zones like Doddabetta.

Forestry education in the Republic of Srpska at the beginning of the 21st century

2025-04-17T12:03:04+00:00

Education is a fundamental strength of prosperity of every society, and investing in education is a pledge for the future with the aim of achieving social progress and the well-being of the community. Forestry education has a biotechnical character due to the multifunctionality of forestry. The social importance of education in forestry in Republika Srpska stems from the importance of forests (the function of forests), the ownership structure of forests and forest management entities, the importance of the forestry economy and related sectors. The modern age is characterized by the expansion of education due to the emergence of new technologies and materials, the accelerated flow of information and the inevitable globalization and integration. Two levels of forestry education (secondary and higher education) are represented in Republika Srpska. Higher education is carried out according to the principles of the Bologna Declaration (1999), which aims to promote competitiveness and employment in the European labor market. The consistent implementation of the Bologna Declaration in higher education practice in the field of forestry implies a sufficient number of quality teachers and associates and material and technical conditions. The main problem of education is the decreasing number of students and the low interest in forestry education, which is largely due to changes in the demographic structure of Republika Srpska. In order to develop forestry education, there is a need to increase interest in the forestry profession with the development of awareness of the importance of forest ecosystems and forestry at all levels of education. Curricula should be tailored to acquire knowledge of the contemporary achievements of science and its application in practice. Lifelong learning and a dual education system, especially in secondary schools, are an imperative of the forestry education process. Education should be tailored to the needs of the economy and long-term and economically needed scientific research should be a major development component of the forestry sector.

First record of Astragalus muelleri Steud. & Hochst. in Bosnia and Herzegovina

2025-10-14T13:57:42+00:00

This paper presents the records of Astragalus muelleri Steud. & Hochst., new species for the flora of Bosnia and Herzegovina, found at two localities on the rocky, sub-Mediterranean pastures of the slopes of Žaba Mt in the municipality of Neum. Collected specimens belong to subsp. muelleri, which has considered endemic to western Balkans (Croatia and Montenegro) so far. With these records, the flora of Bosnia and Herzegovina is richer in one endemic Balkan taxon.