Forest Nature Reserves
The first protected natural properties in our country - forest nature reserves are particularly valuable and preserved forests which make up the rich genetical archive of Serbia. Presented reserves mark the 50 years jubilee of protection and good governance practice, which led to the preservation of the woody species fund and entire biodiversity. These woody species represent the national and world natural heritage due to their ecological characteristics and rarity.
The Special Nature Reserve "Jarešnik" is located in the southeastern part of Serbia in Pčinja district. It is the only site of the Crimean Pine - Pinus nigra spp. pallasiana (Lamb) Holmb, and the only reserve of pure Black Pine Forest of primeval type in Serbia. The Crimean Pine (Pinus nigra Arn. Var. pallasiana) is occurring in the Crimea, Asia Minor, Greece, Bulgaria, Macedonia, and is recorded in Serbia on the south slopes of the mountain Crnook near Bosilegrad. It is a tree of coastal areas with low demands related to soil moisture. It can grow up to 30 m, and the age of the oldest trees is around 250 years.
Special Nature Reserve "Jasenova glava" is located in the region of Boljevac municipality and is a part of South Kučaj Forest Complex. The basic value of the reserve is the Yew (Taxus baccata) which, together with the Beech, represent the building species of this relict community. The reserve’s value is completed with the presence of endemorelict Mountain Maple (Acer heldreichii). The Yew (Taxus baccata) is an evergreen tree, 20 metres tall. It is a tertiary relict and natural rarity. Because of its importance, occurring and endangered level, it is a strictly protected species listed in the Red Data List of Flora in Serbia. The Mountain Maple (Acer heldreichii) is a tertiary relict and endemic to the Balkan Peninsula. It grows up to 20 m, on an altitude from 1.200 to 1.500 m, usually as a scarce accompanying species in forest communities. Due to its rarity, it is a strictly protected species. The Beech (Fagus moesiaca) is the most spread and main woody species in Serbia. It builds pure communities and forms the largest woody mass of our forests. The Beech areal covers the hills and mountains of Central, Western and South Eastern Europe. In Serbia, the Beech is spread in all altitudes. In reserves, it can graw up to 40 m, while it can reach over 1 m in diameter.
