NCI 2024
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    Mammals Birds Amphibians Reptiles Myxini – Hagfishes Petromyz' – Lampreys Sharks & rays Animals Holocep' – Chimaeras Ray-finned fishes Dipneusti – Lungfish Gastropoda – Snails & slugs Coelac' – Coelacanths Insecta – Insects / bugs Arachnida – Spiders & scorpions Malacostraca – Malacostracans Diplopoda – Millipedes Bivalvia – Marine molluscs Cephalopoda – Squids & octopuses Chilopoda – Centipedes Pycnogonida – Sea spiders Merostomata – Horseshoe crabs More Classes
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    Serbia’s environment is characterized by its diverse and captivating landscapes, offering a wealth of natural beauty and ecological richness. The fertile plains of Vojvodina, situated in the northern part of the country, boast expansive fields and meadows that support thriving agricultural activities. Moving eastward, limestone ranges and basins dominate the landscape, showcasing stunning geological formations and unique ecosystems.

    In the southeast, ancient mountains and hills unfold, adorned with dense forests, cascading waterfalls, and picturesque valleys. These varied landscapes provide habitat for a myriad of plant and animal species, contributing to Serbia’s status as a biodiversity hotspot in the region. Additionally, Serbia’s natural landscapes offer ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and eco-tourism, attracting visitors from around the world to explore its pristine wilderness and scenic wonders.

    Score Rank Change
    Total Score – NCI 2024 57.14 69 N/A
    Land Management 49 122 N/A
    Protected Areas (Terrestrial) 39 135 N/A
    Ecological Representativeness of Terrestrial Protected Areas 38 128 N/A
    Connectedness of Terrestrial Protected Areas 41 137 N/A
    Protected Areas (Marine)
    Pristine Habitat (Converted Land) 77 157 N/A
    Sustainable Nitrogen Management (Soil Pollution) 87 2 N/A
    Sustainable Pesticide Use 11 133 N/A
    Threats to Biodiversity 76 23 N/A
    Threatened Species (Terrestrial) 88 85 N/A
    Threatened Species (Marine)
    Threatened Species’ Coverage by Protected Areas 92 85 N/A
    Species Coverage by Marine Protected Areas
    Species with Declining Populations (Terrestrial) 32 76 N/A
    Species with Declining Populations (Marine)
    Depleted Fisheries
    Fishery Pressure in the High Seas
    Invasive Species Pressure 91 113 N/A
    Capacity and Governance 60 119 N/A
    Total Management Cost 99 51 N/A
    Conservation Culturomics 38 120 N/A
    Conservation Legislation 23 165 N/A
    Ratification of CBD 100 1 N/A
    Ratification of CITES 100 1 N/A
    Political Stability and Absence of Violence 50 63 N/A
    Control of Corruption 40 108 N/A
    Government Effectiveness 52 68 N/A
    Future Trends 44 78 N/A
    Climate Change Mitigation 44 78 N/A

    Four pillars elaborated:

    Land Management

     Serbia is home to a diverse array of protected areas covering approximately 5% of its landmass, safeguarding its rich natural heritage. These reserves encompass a breathtaking array of landscapes, from pristine forests and majestic mountains to winding rivers and unique geological formations. Governed by the Law on the Protection of Nature, Serbia’s protected areas are classified into various categories, including national parks, nature parks, monuments of nature, strict nature reserves, special nature reserves, and habitat/species protection areas. Serbia’s commitment to conservation extends to international collaborations such as Natura 2000, a network of protected areas spanning the European Union, highlighting the country’s dedication to preserving biodiversity on a global scale.

    Threats to Biodiversity

     Over the past 3 to 4 years, biodiversity has faced significant pressures, primarily stemming from various sources. These include fires within protected areas, disrupting forest ecosystems and altering their ecological balance. Agricultural activities, characterized by excessive use of artificial fertilizers and pesticides, unregulated discharge of liquid manure from livestock farms, and land management practices in steppe and saline habitats, contribute to habitat degradation and diffuse pollution across agricultural lands.

    Furthermore, the construction of hydroelectric power plants and intensive extraction of sand and gravel from riverbeds lead to morphological and hydrological changes in watercourses, destruction of riparian vegetation, and increased flood risks. River regulation projects and flood control measures further disrupt natural river dynamics and disconnect floodplain habitats. Additionally, efforts to reclaim wetlands and convert them into agricultural land pose a threat to priority habitats and associated species, jeopardizing their conservation status.

    Capacity and Governance

     In Serbia, biodiversity protection is governed by the Law on Nature Conservation and relevant by-laws, aiming to safeguard species, habitats, and ecosystems. Protected areas cover 6.38% of the country’s territory, totaling 564,063 hectares (5,641 km²). The Decree on Ecological Network oversees the protection and management of ecological areas and corridors, including those of international significance like Emerald and Natura 2000. Currently, 1,760 wild species are strictly protected, with an additional 853 species under legal protection. Furthermore, a National Agri-Environment Programme is being developed to promote sustainable farming practices among farmers, offering financial incentives and technical support.

    Future Trends

     Serbia is in the process of formulating a fresh National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, slated for the timeframe of 2021-2030. This strategic blueprint aims to advance beyond the successes of its precursor, tackling evolving issues like climate change and the degradation of habitats. By incorporating lessons learned and adapting to contemporary challenges, Serbia seeks to bolster its efforts in safeguarding biodiversity and ensuring the sustainability of its ecosystems for the future.


    Biodiversity

    Serbia’s forests cover about one-third of the country and are primarily composed of oak, beech, and pine trees. These forests are vital habitats for various wildlife, including red deer, wild boar, and the European wildcat. The diverse undergrowth supports numerous plant species, fungi, and insects, contributing to the overall ecological richness. The mountainous regions, particularly the Dinaric Alps, Carpathian Mountains, and Balkan Mountains, provide habitats for species such as brown bears, wolves, lynxes, and chamois. These areas are also rich in birdlife, including species like the golden eagle, peregrine falcon, and various owls. The mountains host diverse plant communities, with many endemic and rare species thriving in the different altitudinal zones.

    The extensive river systems, including the Danube, Sava, and Tisza rivers and numerous lakes and wetlands, are crucial for Serbia’s biodiversity. These aquatic environments support a variety of fish, amphibians, and bird species. The Danube River, in particular, is a vital migratory route for many fish and bird species, and its floodplains are rich in biodiversity, hosting species such as the white-tailed eagle, black stork, and various waterfowl.

    In the table below are the number of known species in several main groups, how many of these species are Threatened with extinction, and how many of them are Endemic (unique to Serbia only):


    Species
    (World rank)    		 Threatened % Threatened Endemic % Endemic
    Mammals 91 (#122) 6 6.6%
    Birds 310 (#119) 14 4.5%
    Reptiles 27 (#148) 1 3.7%
    Amphibians 23 (#89) 10 43.5%
    Fishes 94 (#184) 9 9.6%
    Plants 3,089 (#113) 600 19.4% 171 5.5%

    Go To 2024 National Nature Conservation Index Main Page

    Serbia

    A canvas of rich biodiversity painted across lush landscapes

    Score:

    57.14 / 100

    Rank:

    69 / 180