Current view: Text account
Site description (2018 baseline):
Site location and context
Petrovačka poljes is an informal name for six separate karst poljes that are closely connected with each other in geographic and biogeographic way, yet they are separated by unique geomorphology features. The poljes of this complex are: Dugo polje, Petrovačko polje, Medeno polje, Vedro polje, Bjelajsko polje and Rudo polje.
This group of poljes are surrounded by relatively high mountain ridges of Grmeč, Srnetica, Klekovača and Osječenica.
Due to the geological structure of the basis (carbonat rocks – limestones and dolomites) all the poljes except Petrovačko polje are dry poljes and don’t flood. Petrovačko polje’s flood surface is 3,54 km2. Occasionally part of central Medeno polje and part of Bjelajsko polje flood as well. This complex of poljes is hydro geographically a part of the river Una basin.
Karstic phenomena has not been explored, while culturally these poljes are important due to the presence of middle-age necropolis and tombs.
Ornithological and other research in this area is scarce, yet the bird lists of the six poljes are close to 100 species.
As the rest of poljes also this group of poljes is a stop-over site on the migratory way from Africa to Europe and vice versa. Important migrants are Common Crane Grus grus, Lapwing Vanellus vanellus and Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis. Significant breeding birds are Montague’s Harrier Circus pygargus, Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor, Grey Partridge Perdix perdix, bee-eater Merops apiaster and others.
Other taxa have been investigated only partly and includes 8 dragonfly species on Bjelajsko polje, 13 on Petrovačko polje. 34 plant species have been recorded on Medeno polje, 59 on Petrovačko, 44 on Bjelajsko and 48 on Dugo polje. All this is a little section of much actually much richer flora of the area.
Medeno and Petrovačko poljes are mainly used for cereals production, to lesser extent for grazing, while on Bjelajsko, Rudno and Dugo poljes the situation is opposite.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
There are no special threats to the birds in this area.
Site access / Land-owner requests
Petrovac poljes are situated in NE part of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The largest city in this area, Bosanski Petrovac is located in the central part of the poljes complex. Poljes can be reached through East and West via regional road from Bihać to Banja Luka/Jajce and from the South from direction of Livno/ Drvar.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Petrovac poljes (Bosnia and Herzegovina). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/petrovac-poljes-iba-bosnia-and-herzegovina on 26/12/2024.
