In the time frame from November 2004 and all to the May 2009 at Goričko activities under the project LIFE – NATURA took place. The project’s purpose was the preservation of otter. Goričko is an area with most vital population of otter in Slovenia. In that time frame otters were monitored, followed, and their movement and behaviour was watched, without disturbing the animals. With the project they wanted to address the greatest threats to the otter population. On one hand they carried out measures for improving the situations in their habitat and to increase the safety on otter’s paths, on the other hand they raised awareness and educate different groups of public. For that purpose exactly, the information center Aqualutra with the park and didactic path in the valley of Mala Krka below Križevci at Goričko, is meant for.

What has been done in the context of this project?
– Regular monitoring of the otters at Goričko
– Identifying the features of otter population with genetic analyses of DNK
– Researching the spread of otter’s  prey species
– Organized the workshops for participants
– Improved water habitats with ecoremediation
– Organized European conference of IUCN group for Eurasian otter
– Erected the warning traffic signs
– Enclosed some ponds with electric fence
– All was documented with photos and video

Ecoremediations and observatory of animals in project LIFE at Goričko
With ecoremediations they improved aquatic and riparian habitat not only for otter, but also for fishes, crayfish, amphibians and other water animals. They erected the wastewater treatment devices on Ledava, they renewed stream-bed with reservoir and fish track in Kuzma, in Peskovski stream they renewed wooden thresholds, side bumpers and willow patties. With this they ensured bigger biodiversity of freshwater ecosystem and more authentic landscape image.

Križevci
Village Križevci is located within the Goričko Nature Park, on its north-east part in the municipality Gornji Petrovci. The settlement is combined of five hamlets, spread on ridges and three valleys, which in Dol flow into Mala Krka. The name of the village Križevci comes from the chapel of St. Cross. [_Read more_]