A SWAMP IN SRPSKA IS HOME TO A 450-MILLION-YEAR-OLD FISH

In Velino Selo, near the confluence of the Drina and Sava rivers, lies the Gromiželj Swamp Special Nature Reserve – an exceptionally valuable, mysterious and fascinating area, known as an oasis of silence, legends and rare plant and animal species.

PHOTO: Upoznaj Srpsku

The swamp is elliptical in shape and lies on a Sava river terrace, connected to an old channel of the Drina River. The protected area covers 831 hectares, although the construction of an irrigation system in the Semberija region significantly reduced the size of the wetland.

The most important part of the swamp is Laketića Vir, which reaches a maximum depth of 3.75 metres. The site is located at an altitude of around 80 metres above sea level and is believed never to have completely dried up. Its bottom is covered by a thick layer of living mud.

The plant and animal life represent the greatest value of this unique area. In addition to typical wetland vegetation, the reserve is home to species such as marsh nettle, water caltrop, marsh fern and yellow water lily.

The local fauna includes numerous typical wetland species, as well as European pond turtles, marsh harriers, black storks, purple herons and little egrets, according to the “Upoznaj Srpsku” website.

However, the site became particularly well known following the discovery of the European mudminnow (Umbra krameri), locally known as “mrguda” or “crnka”. The fish was discovered by Žarko Vikić, who took the specimen to renowned biologist Professor Dr Milenko Ćurčić for identification. The professor immediately recognised the significance of the discovery.

The European mudminnow is a small fish, typically measuring between five and 10 centimetres in length. The species is considered extremely ancient, with an evolutionary history dating back hundreds of millions of years. It was once believed to have disappeared from this part of Europe.

Today, the European mudminnow is considered a rare, endemic and highly endangered species, included on lists of threatened species. It has also been recorded in the Zasavica Special Nature Reserve near Sremska Mitrovica, Serbia.

Gromiželj is now regarded as one of the largest habitats of this remarkable species in Europe, making the remote wetland near the Drina and Sava rivers an important destination for nature lovers, researchers and visitors interested in the unique natural heritage of the Republic of Srpska.