Nature protection and biodiversity - State and impacts (Serbia)

Indicator of state

Figure 1: State of selected woodland bird species (Source: Institute for Nature Protection of Serbia)

Indicator of trend

Figure 2: Forest area in Central Serbia (Sources: Srbijasume, SEPA). Getting better or worse?

One of the important indicators of the state of a forest ecosystem is the number of woodland birds. Studies of selected woodland bird species between 1990 and 2003 show that most, 14, of the species were stable, four had an increasing population and only four had falling populations. Monitoring shows that 80 % of these species were in good condition. It is very important to note that populations of three tits (Parus sp.) were stable or growing.

The forest area in Serbia was much bigger at the beginning of 19th century – the central part of Serbia was even called Sumadija – Forestland. However in the past 50 years the forest area has almost doubled and the quality of trees has greatly improved over the past 20 years. The state of forest health monitored by ICP Forest shows that with exception of Norway spruce (Picea abies), all important wood species are stable with less defoliation in the past five years.

These indicators show that the forest ecosystem is in a better state than in most European countries.

Further national information
 • http://www.sepa.gov.rs
 • http://www.sepa.gov.rs/download/Izvestaj_2007_Web.pdf
 • http://www.srbijasume.rs