The Pashtrik Mountain, a potential protected landscape area

Abstract

The Pashtrik Mountain is one of the biodiversity centres in Kosovo and in the Balkans too, but so far there has not been a proper study with the aim to designate this area as a protected area. The natural values of this area changed dramatically during the last decade, especially in terms of biodiversity. With the aim to evaluate the current situation of the biodiversity, its flora, fauna, and plant communities were investigated. Its biodiversity values were assessed based on the review of the available relevant literature sources as well as the field research conducted during the period 2012– 2014. The study results show that the Pashtrik Mountain is rich in biodiversity values associated with a high diversity of ecosystems, landscape and other natural values. On the other hand, due to the lack of a protection status and appropriate biodiversity conservation programs, many of the species are threatened and some of them are critically endangered. Taking into consideration the natural values, the biodiversity and landscape of the area based on the provisions of the Law for Nature Conservation of Kosovo (Law No. 02/L18) Pashtrik should be declared as “Protected Landscape” that belongs to the category V protected areas according to IUCN, with an area of 25,060.00 hectares. Within the proposed protected area, a territory of 282 hectares should be declared as Strict Nature Reserve (1st category of protected areas of IUCN), since it is an area inhabited by the population of the steno-endemic plant species <i>Cynoglossum krasniqii</i> T. Wrab. Furthermore, the area needs the development of its spatial and management plan covering all aspects of vegetation, biodiversity, water, energy, waste, building and infrastructure in consultation and participation of all stakeholders, addressing related problems, such as illegal logging, constructions, transport, waste management, etc.