DUBOVAČKI RIT - Dubovac

DUBOVAČKI RIT is the natural resource of exceptional importance, for which the legal formal protection has not been provided yet. However, according to up to the present determined values, the proposals have been formed to proclaim the protection.

During the last decade, by forming of Djerdap accumulation lake in the Lower Danube region many coastal wetlands were submerged, losing all former characteristics. In this way, in a relatively small area (about 130 ha), between the villages of Dubovac, the rim of Deliblatska peščara (Deliblato Sands) and high banks of the Danube, ere created the conditions for the survival of wetland vegetation and characteristic fauna, particularly wading birds. Thus, in nineteen- eighties Dubovači rit became a specific oasis of wetland vegetation, significant hatchery of the Danube fish and one of the largest nesting of many endangered wading birds.

The entire area of Dubovsački rit is characterized by a series of botanical and zoological elements of the autochthon nature, which as an indirect consequence of a human activity became even more evident.

It is determined that about 55 species of birds nestle in the area of Dubovački rit. The most common types are, Eurasian Bittern, Little Bittern, Heron, Egret, Whiskered tern, Osprey, Black-crowned Night Heron, White Stork Glossy Ibis, Ferruginous Pochard, Western Marsh Harrier, Black Tern, Purple Heron and they are endangered on European level. Moreover, on the banks of the Danube, from the 1082nd till 1.085th kilometer there is one of the largest sand-martin colonies in Europe, with 15,000 pairs. This is the he largest colony of small white and gray heron in this area. The presence of these two types of heron itself is the sufficient reason to rank Dubovački rit into wetlands of international importance. Dubovački rit is the only safe nesting for 150 pairs of little cormorants in Yugoslavia, the most endangered species on our planet.

The primary function and purpose of Dubovački rit, as an extraordinary reserve, should be the provision of disturbance-free conditions for survival of biological wetlands communities, especially advantageous conditions for spawning of the Danube fish and breeding of wading birds and river trees, the ancient inhabitants of the Pannonian Plain. Another important function of Dubovački rit is that it is important from the point of ensuring of disturbance-free conditions for rest and migratory birds nourishment, most of which are from a group called aquatic wildfowl birds in the autumn-winter period.

Dubovački rit is of the great ecological, educational and tourist importance, which gives excellent opportunities for its further development. In this regard, particular specificity and significance is the possibility of scientific tourism, especially bird watching, which has recently been in progress. All natural values of Dubovački rit are of representative and unique significance, which is particularly attractive for the development of specific types of uses and successful protection of valuable genetic fund.