Jp Nacionalni Park Tara (Serbia)

Nacionalni Park Tara J.P. Bajina Basta is located in Bajina Basta, a city in the far West of Serbia. The park was declared a National park in 1981 and has a total area of 24,991.82 hectares. It is part of the internal Dinarides and Serbian Vlach mountains. Mt Tara, the main mountain in the park, has a mean altitude of 1,000-1,200 meters above sea level, with the highest peak being Kozji rid at 1,591 meters. The area of Mt Tara is known for its rich and diverse forest ecosystems, including mixed forests of European Spruce, Silver Fir, and European Beech. It is also home to many relict and endemic forest species and plant communities. The park is recognized as an Important Plant Area (IPA), important Bird Area (IBA), and prime Butterfly Area (PBA). It has been nominated by UNESCO MAB Committee as a potential biosphere reserve. Mt Tara is inhabited by over 50 species of mammals, 140 species of birds, 23 species of amphibians and reptiles, and 19 species of fish. It is particularly known for having the largest population of brown bears in Serbia. The park also contains numerous archaeological sites and monuments, including the Rača Monastery and the necropolis with tombstones in Rastiste and Perucac, which are nominated for the UNESCO World Heritage List.