The Nature Park “Old Tisa” near Biserno Ostrvo covers an area of 391 ha, of which 6% is under the second level of protection, while the rest is under the third level. The protected area includes three municipalities: Bečej, Novi Bečej, and Žabalj.
The Tisa meander is the longest in Vojvodina, stretching 24.5 km.
- Category of natural good under the legislation of the Republic of Serbia: Category III
- Category of natural good according to IUCN classification: Category V
The protected area is dominated by surface waters and reed beds, as well as meadows and riparian forests. The main goal of protection is the preservation of remaining habitats that provide refuge to numerous plant and animal species which could easily disappear from this region.
Flora
The most significant natural value of the Nature Park is the white water lily, listed among Serbia’s natural rarities.
The most represented group is aquatic plants, considered by some authors as relict species in this part of Europe: krocanj (Trapa natans), duckweed, water meal, frogbit.
For biodiversity conservation, the species zuka and frogbit are particularly important, as they are classified by IUCN as critically endangered and are listed on the Preliminary Red List of the Flora of Serbia.
Fish
The fish population is rich, with 23 species recorded, such as sunfish, carp, catfish, and ide.
The most endangered species are European bitterling, asp, catfish, pike, and asp, whose protection is regulated by law in accordance with the Bern Convention (1979) – an international treaty for the conservation of flora, fauna, and their habitats.
Amphibians, Reptiles, and Birds
The site is home to:
- 7 species of amphibians
- 3 species of reptiles
In total, 166 bird species have been registered, of which 87 are protected under the Regulation on the Protection of Natural Rarities of the Republic of Serbia.
Particularly important are rare or visiting species such as the pygmy cormorant, ferruginous duck, white-tailed eagle, and saker falcon.
On the CITES list, three extremely endangered species are included: white-tailed eagle, saker falcon, and barn owl.
Mammals
The fauna of mammals is also rich. The most endangered species are otter, badger, beech marten, and stoat, threatened both by human persecution and by the disappearance of habitats. These species represent an important link in the food chain and the functioning of ecosystems.
Protection and Management
The protection of “Old Tisa” was proclaimed by the decision of three municipalities, based on a study conducted by the Institute for Nature Conservation of Serbia.
Main goals of protection:
- regulating activities to minimize the threat to wildlife,
- monitoring populations of endangered species,
- creating a protection and improvement plan for the Nature Park,
- adapting management plans to protection regulations.
Landowners are obliged to ensure access along the riverbank for technical pathways (marking, ranger control, research, etc.).
Managing authority: JP “Komunalac” Bečej, which, through its experts and ranger service, supervises activities, provides information to visitors, organizes protection of rare species, and takes measures against invasive ones (e.g., manjov).
Rules of Conduct
Key regulations from the internal rulebook include:
- obtaining approval from the Managing Authority for various activities,
- piers may be built only from wood, up to 20 m², with permission,
- altering the terrain morphology is prohibited,
- sport fishing is forbidden in marked areas,
- rangers are responsible for document control,
- guides are provided for organized group visits,
- since 01.01.2011, only electric-powered boats are allowed,
- the use of outboard motors stronger than 2.9 kW is prohibited,
- dumping waste or any activity that pollutes the environment is strictly forbidden.
The second level of protection covers wider reed areas, which are habitats of natural rarities. These areas must allow uninterrupted natural processes such as nesting and spawning.
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