«Ecology analysis and inventory of Veternica cave fauna in Nature Park Medvednica» (Croatian biospeleologic society, Roman Ozimec, B.Sc. et al). The final result will give guidelines for writing a Book of rules for Veternica cave usage for tourist and economic purpose, by which we want to achieve desired sustainable management of Veternica. This is a three year project.

The report for the first year of research gave us general geographic data on Medvednica, general data on Veternica (position and approach, geology, morphology, archeology and paleontology of cave), and history of the cave. Environmental factors are described in detail: light, water, air, lithosphere and pedology substratum, accumulation of organic matter, accumulation of waste, as well as negative anthropogenic influence. Stated are methods and research techniques, and results comprised a list and detailed analysis of discovered fauna. In the end a proposal is given for further research, protection, education and promotion. Appendix consists of bibliography, a list of speleologic objects on Medvednica, overview of biospeleologic researches of other speleologic objects on Medvednica with overview of fauna, and a list of underground Amphipoda on Medvednica.

«Research of bat ecology in Veternica cave and a suggestion for their permanent monitoring » (Croatian biospeleologic society, Daniela Hamidović, B.Sc.). Veternica cave is one of the key bat habitats in the area of northwest Croatia . Since the cave is used for tourist visits, and since all bat species are protected under Law on nature protection, it is necessary to research fauna and ecology of bats that live here, and propose protection measures and permanent monitoring for the purpose of sustainable management of the cave.

Until now 14 bat species have been recorded, of which colonies of species Rhinolophus ferrumequinum hibernate during winter in the cave, and colonies of Rhinolophus euryale spend summers' here as well (breeding), together with Miniopterus schreibersii . Based on monitoring of microclimate parameters at 5 stations in the cave (temperature and relative moisture) in 2003 negative influence from visitors on bat activities hasn't been noticed. Project is planned as a two-year, summer and winter colonies are researched.

For the purpose of inventory of natural and artificial speleologic objects' fauna , and doing biospeleologic cadastre a two-year project of research of underground fauna at the location of “Nature Park Medvednica” was ordered (Croatian biospeleologic society, Roman Ozimec, B.Sc., Jana Bedek, B.Sc.).

In 2003 a review of performed field researches was done, with dates and present researches, a review of explored objects with dates of rounds, measurements of basic environmental parameters were performed, with Gauss-Krieger coordinates (x, y, z), fauna was collected, and preliminary determination, as well as preliminary environment analysis of objects was done. Plans of all objects were scanned in digital form.

Damage condition of forest ecosystems in the area on NP Medvednica (Institute of forestry Jastrebarsko, I. Seletković and N. Potočić). For the purpose of collecting data on forest condition and its reaction to stress factors on the regional, national and international level.

The purpose of research is showing vitality of certain more important species of forest trees (beech, common oak, fir, etc.) in the area of Nature Park Medvednica through assessing the level of damage of tree tops and chemical analysis of floral material (leaves and fir needles).

Research will be performed on 20 - 25 trial planes, distributed in a way to enclose the best way possible different habitat conditions and characteristics of the Park (zonal vegetation according to elevation, contrast expositions, temperature inversions, large share of private forests, etc.)

FOREST MANAGEMENT IN HARMONY WITH NATURE

In 2005 Public institution received a donation from the Kingdome of the Netherlands as a part of Matra program for the project "Forest management in harmony with nature". Among other things, this project plans inventory of Communities of birds, diurnal and nocturnal with recommendations for forest management and inventory of forest bat fauna in NP Medvednica.

The goal of "Forest management in harmony with nature" project is establishment of partner and expert cooperation between two sectors - forestry and nature protection sectors on the subject of forest management, increase of public awareness on ways of forest management in protected area, and the need to implement management in harmony with nature for the purpose of preservation of biodiversity.

RESEARCH OF THE CRAYFISH POPULATIONS

From the March 2006 bilateral project of Austrian and Croatian scientist titled "Linking strategies in freshwater crayfish conservation between Austria and Croatia" is going on streams of the Nature Park Medvednica with the approval and help of the authority of the Nature Park Medvednica and in the area of the region Tyrol, Austria. Project aims to address biology and ecology, including the reproductive cycle, of the stone crayfish, Austropotamobius torrentium which is one of the four native European crayfish living in Croatian as well as in Austrian freshwaters. The joint work of Croatian and Austrian scientists would help to improve knowledge on this species, especially on its population structure and reproduction biology which are fundamental aspects for year recruitment in the native population. Research of the crayfish populations at the protected area of the Nature Park Medvednica aims to give better insight of habitat conditions and integrity of the stone crayfish populations in that area. The gained knowledge would be of great importance in future management and conservation plans in Nature Park Medvednica.