Balancing tourism and nature conservation poses a significant challenge in managing protected natural areas. However, effective planning of visitor zones can facilitate undisturbed natural processes despite high visitor numbers at sites like Stojčevac.
During fieldwork on Monday, 10 June, a significant event was observed in Stojčevac. Following the partial removal of non-native fish, there was rapid restoration of the amphibian community within the water body. This marked the first year where small newts (Lissotriton vulgaris), alpine newts (Ichthyosaura alpestris), larvae of spotted salamanders (Salamandra salamandra), and tree frogs (Hyla arborea) were documented in the large lake. The presence of dozens of individuals of each species is highly promising for the future of this ecosystem. Previously, the lake was inhabited only by marsh frogs (Pelophylax ridibundus) and common toads (Bufo bufo), whose tadpoles are more tolerant to fish presence. Although gudgeons (Gobio obtusirostris) remain and pose significant challenges, no other fish species were found, underscoring the need to eradicate this non-native, invasive species to safeguard local biodiversity. This achievement represents a significant stride in preserving the biodiversity of the Nature Monument “Vrelo Bosne”.
These field studies were conducted in collaboration with herpetologist Adnan Zimić from the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina and students from the Faculty of Science and Mathematics at the University of Sarajevo.