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)

Biljana Lubarda — 2025-04-02

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

Vladimir Petković — 2025-04-17

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

Đorđije Milanović — 2025-08-25

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)

Elangovan Vignesh — 2025-11-19

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.

Report on some intriguing fungal species from sphagnum peatlands in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Nedim Jukić — 2025-12-26

From October 2022 to October 2024, a series of mycological field studies were conducted in peatlands in Bosnia and Herzegovina, focusing on two bogs – Đilda’s bog and Bijambare bog. As a result, several interesting and characteristic fungal species were recorded. This paper presents Phaeonematoloma myosotis, Arrhenia leucotricha, Arrhenia philonotis, Cortinarius flexipes, Geoglossum sphagnophilum, Monilinia baccarum, Elliottinia kerneri, and Sarcoleotia cinnamomea.

Wood density variation in Serbian Spruce: A comparative study of natural stands and plantations

Danijela Petrović — 2025-12-26

Serbian spruce (Picea omorika Pančić/Purkyně) is a Tertiary relict and an endemic species of the Balkan Peninsula, whose limited distribution range and pronounced ecological specificity make the study of its physical properties particularly important. The objective of this research was to determine the differences in wood density between Serbian spruce originating from plantations and from natural stands, as well as to analyze the variation of density in both axial and radial directions. The research was carried out at five locations in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Dubrava, Srebrenica, Gostilja, Stolac 1, and Stolac 2), using a total of 3,117 specimens. Wood density was determined in the oven-dry, air-dry, and green states, as well as by its nominal value. The average oven-dry wood density was 0.421 g/cm³ in plantations and 0.487 g/cm³ in natural stands. An increase in density with tree height was observed in natural stands, which contrasts with the typical trend in spruce and suggests an adaptive mechanism of the trees to static and dynamic loads. Radially, the density increased from pith to bark, consistent with the higher proportion of latewood. Significant correlations were established between wood density, ring width, and the proportion of latewood. The obtained results indicate that Serbian spruce can represent a sustainable alternative to Norway spruce in technical and industrial applications.

Analysis of the business performance of PFE „Šume Republike Srpske“ JSC Sokolac in the period from 2013 to 2022

Stojanka Bilić — 2025-12-31

Forestry in the Republic of Srpska plays a significant economic, ecological, and social role within the framework of sustainable management of natural resources. Based on the fact that forests cover more than half of the territory of the Republic of Srpska, the subject of this paper is the analysis of the economic and financial performance of the Public Forestry Enterprise „Šume Republike Srpske” JSC Sokolac in the period 2013–2022. The aim of the research was to assess the level of cost-effectiveness, liquidity, indebtedness, and profitability of the enterprise, as well as to identify the main factors influencing business efficiency. The research is based on the analysis of production and financial plans and their implementation reports, using a combination of descriptive, comparative, and analytical methods. Special attention was given to the analysis of the structure of revenues and expenditures, as well as to indicators of cost-effectiveness and profitability that reflect the financial condition and development potential of the enterprise.

The results indicate that the Public Forestry Enterprise „Šume Republike Srpske” JSC Sokolac operated stably but with limited profitability and increasing operating costs. The largest share of revenue is generated from the sale of forest assortments, while additional sources of income, such as the sale of non-wood forest products and the implementation of biological investments, remain underdeveloped. The analysis of expenditures shows that labor costs and wood assortment extraction costs have a dominant share in total expenses, highlighting the need for greater rationalization and efficiency.

A contribution to the knowledge of soils in natural stands of Serbian spruce

Jugoslav Brujić — 2025-12-31

The paper presents the results of pedological research in stands of Serbian spruce (Picea omorika /Pač./Purkyne) affected by fires and parts that were not burned, as well as other treatments applied in the Franklinia project (2021-2023). The aim of the research in this work is to present the physical and chemical properties of the treated parts of the stands and the pedological classification of the profile. The research analyzed 8 pedological profiles, 7 of which were also analyzed in the laboratory. Pedological profiles were opened in the localities of Tesla, Gostilja, Veliki Stolac, Studenac and Trenice. Five analyzed profiles belong to the type of colluvium, and 1 profile each belongs to the types of chert on limestone, chalcocambisol and eutric cambisol. The depth of analyzed colluvium profiles ranges from 30 to 40 cm. As a rule, these are very skeletal soils (10-75%). The textural composition of the analyzed profiles ranges from powdery loams with colluvium and Mollic leptosols, through sandy-clay loams with Leptic Cambisol (Eutric), to clay loams with eutric cambisols. The humus content of all analyzed profiles is high. Soil reactions in water range from neutral to moderately alkaline. The availability of easily accessible forms of phosphorus and potassium is low to medium. The potential of the researched soils for the growth and development of spruce stands is limited, mostly due to skeletal structure.

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

Zoran Govedar — 2025-04-17

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

Đorđije Milanović — 2025-09-14

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.

Fires during 2021–2024 in the largest natural stands of Serbian Spruce in the Republic of Srpska and their consequences

Milan Mataruga — 2025-12-26

The authors analyze the condition of three populations of Serbian’s spruce (Picea omorika / Pančić/Purk.): Gostilja, Veliki Stolac, and Grad - after the catastrophic wildfires in 2021 and 2024. They use descriptions of these sites from 2020 as the baseline. The assessment was conducted through field surveys of all burned areas, drone overflights and image analysis, as well as the establishment of 20 × 20 m sample plots in burned and unburned/partially burned areas. Based on three years of observations, the authors conclude:
• The fire damage at all sites is extensive and immeasurable.

Picea omorika is highly sensitive, leading to rapid dieback both immediately and in the years following the fire.
Tree mortality has been recorded even in unburned areas adjacent to the fire-affected sites.
Large-scale wildfires predominantly devastate refugia with a higher presence of Picea omorika.
The number and spatial distribution of surviving trees have been determined and mapped. Given the ecological importance and endangered status of Picea omorika, the authors propose a series of short-term and long-term actions for these sites:
Monitoring changes in ecological conditions and vegetation succession on burned areas.
Developing and implementing a protection plan for each individual population of Picea omorika.
Preventive measures to mitigate fire risk and enable rapid response in case of new wildfires.
Further research on the effects of fire on the regeneration and development of natural Picea omorika populations.