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The animal world in Plitvice Lakes National Park is incredibly rich, thanks to the exceptional level of preservation and the diversity of habitats. Due to its geographical position and pristine nature, Plitvice Lakes National Park provides a sanctuary for many animal species. This great diversity in Plitvice Lakes National Park ensures the development and survival of native animal species, many of which are considered endangered and rare worldwide.

Plitvice Lakes is more than a natural phenomenon, it is a true reserve of life, where forests and aquatic ecosystems provide an ideal environment for the development of various animal species. Habitat preservation is of utmost importance for the benefit of future generations and the preservation of Croatian natural heritage. The presence of large carnivores, as well as other globally protected endangered species, confirms the quality and conservation status of these habitats.

Croatia is one of the few European countries where three large carnivores still live: bears, wolves and lynxes. All three species also inhabit Plitvice Lakes National Park. The park covers an area of ​​just under 300 km2, with its reservoirs accounting for slightly less than 1% of the park’s total area. Plitvice Lakes National Park extends over a vast territory, and the visitor zone and the deep forest inhabited by large carnivores are not connected to each other: visitors cannot run into either of these animals. A special place in the park ecosystem is reserved for four large carnivores which are described later in the text.

Brown bear (Ursus arctos)

According to scientific classification, brown bears belong to the order Carnivora, family Ursidae and genus Ursus. The brown bear is a strictly protected species and the largest land carnivore. Bears are covered in thick brown fur and an undercoat. Thanks to their adaptive feeding habits, brown bears are not a threatened species – their opportunism plays an important part in their own survival. In winter, when food is scarce, the bear hibernates or becomes inactive, and in autumn it will prepare for hibernation by accumulating body fat (up to 30%) and building a den.

In Plitvice Lakes National Park, bears have been systematically monitored for many years, and it has been established that about 30 bears claim the park as part of their range. Like other wild animals, the brown bear has no concept of borders, it comes and goes in the park as it pleases. Because of the important role the brown bear plays in balancing the ecosystem, it has become a symbol of Plitvice Lakes National Park.

Gray wolf (Canis lupus)

The gray wolf is a carnivore from the order Carnivora, family Canidae, and genus Canis. It is a threatened species and has strictly protected species status in Croatia. The park is a natural wolf habitat due to the dense forests, mountainous areas and vast expanses that give these animals plenty of room to roam and hunt. Wolves feed mostly on wild game such as deer, wild boar and small mammals. In Plitvice Lakes National Park, wolves live in packs, and their presence is important to the entire ecosystem: They keep the prey population in balance.

Wolf research at the park involves capturing individual animals, processing data, taking blood samples for genetic analysis, and evaluating health. Captured wolves are then fitted with collars with GPS transmitters, allowing researchers to keep track of the entire pack for up to a year. After one year, the collar is automatically released through a drop-off system. Wolves are territorial animals and will defend their range, which is why it is practically impossible for the territories of different packs to overlap. Considering that the surface area of ​​the park is smaller than the area commonly used by wolf packs, it is clear that the park area is shared by several wolf packs, whose range also covers areas outside the park.

Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx)

The lynx is the largest carnivore of the family Felidae, subfamily Fellini, genus Felis, and subgenus Lynx. In Croatia, the lynx is a strictly protected species. The presence of links indicates a very well-preserved habitat. Lynx is a decent creeper and ambush hunter. Its spotted fur helps it blend in with its surroundings as it pursues its prey, adding to a successful hunt. Lynx feed on birds, amphibians and small mammals. A total of 26 individual animals have been recorded in Plitvice Lakes National Park, although their presence is not constant. Each year, the park area is used by 7 to 9 individual animals, depending on their migratory activities and territorial behavior.

Otter (Lutra lutra)

The preserved aquatic habitat provides the perfect home for the otter, a carnivore from the weasel family. The otter is a semi-aquatic animal, meaning it lives in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. It belongs to the order Carnivora and the family Mustelidae. Lutra lutra, also known as the Eurasian otter, is the only otter species that inhabits the European continent. There are many well-researched traces of this species, which is extinct or nearly extinct in many parts of the continent. It is not easy to see otters in the wild, but if you are lucky, you can see them swimming in the lake, usually in search of prey.

The otter is active during the night, and when it senses danger, it disappears into its den in dense vegetation or on the shore. It is the largest predator in aquatic ecosystems, feeding mostly on fish, but also on amphibians, crustaceans, birds, small mammals and aquatic insects. About 30 individual otters are present in Plitvice Lakes National Park. The presence of otters at different locations is tracked using camera traps. Otter research in the park includes collecting saliva and faecal samples and genetic analysis of individual otters. In addition, two otters were fitted with telemetry transmitters and their movements are tracked by GPS.

The presence of large carnivores, brown bear (Ursus arctos), gray wolf (Canis lupus), Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) and otter (Lutra lutra), all strictly protected species and globally threatened, confirms this. Quality and level of conservation of natural habitats. Forest habitats provide ideal conditions for brown bears, gray wolves, and Eurasian lynx to thrive, and native aquatic habitats are the perfect haven for otters. All these species prefer quiet and secluded areas with plenty of food, shelter and safe spaces to raise their young. The diversity and richness of habitats is key to maintaining the diversity and richness of fauna. Healthy habitats, where plants and mushrooms can enjoy ideal growth conditions and animals can find food and shelter, are one of the main characteristics of Plitvice Lakes National Park, making it a valuable sanctuary for many different species.