Page 200 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Croatia

198  CRO A TIA AREA B Y AREA

i Kopački Rit Nature Park
Park prirode Kopački rit

This triangular piece of land is bordered by the final stretch
of the river Drava before it meets the Danube. The landscape
changes with the seasons and becomes flooded when the
Danube overflows. The area covers 177 sq km (68 sq miles)
and can turn into an immense wetland marsh. At other times
it is a vast grassland plain with pools and ponds. There are
also dry areas which support enormous willows and tall oak
trees. A nature reserve since 1967, it has a rich and varied
fauna and for many months of the year provides a sanctuary
for hundreds of different species of bird, both migratory and
domestic. A high embankment on the western side stops the White Storks
One of the park’s symbols, the
further spread of the flood waters. On top is a road which white stork is especially visible
allows cars to cross this part of the park. in the breeding season.

Park Entrance
The main
entrance to the
Kopački Rit Park
is in the village
of Bilje (see p193).
Kopačko
Lake
Osijek

Sakadaŝ Canal
0 kilometres 2
0 miles 2 Hulovski Canal
Sarvaška
Pond
Black Storks are rare;
only a few dozen pairs
of the bird inhabit
the park.

Drava

Drava

White-Tailed Eagle
The many birds of
prey maintain a
Lakes balance among the
Forty different species of fish live bird population. The
in the lakes and ponds which white-tailed eagle is the
form in the park. rarest eagle in Europe.
For hotels and restaurants in this region see p231 and pp247–8

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