INTRODUCTION

Heterogeneous habitats on Medvednica (forests, underwood, meadows, cleared land, mountain streams etc.), as well as elevation stratification, provide home for diverse fauna.

However, expansion of suburban areas of Zagreb, settlements and communication, changed those habitats significantly. Many species that used to live here are gone. In ancient history bear used to live on Medvednica, which is supported by the name of the mountain (medvjed = bear), as well as stream Medvešćak, than Medvedgrad and Medvedski breg near Čučerje. The last remaining lynx was shot in 1883 near Stubica. Many animal species have significantly declined in number, such as martens and wild cats which are rare, while otters that used to live in streams disappeared from Medvednica's biotope.

RECENT FAUNA

Recent animal life on Medvednica mostly consists of middle European elements, and it represents only a small part of rich Pleistocene fauna.

INVERTEBRATE
VERTEBRATE

PROTECTED ANIMAL SPECIES ON MEDVEDNICA

DILUVIAL FAUNA