Kučaj-Beljanica mountain massif is the plateau which is intersected by ravines and canyon valleys. Rich water resources are evidenced by more than 30 karst springs, waterfalls, and subterranean rivers. It is the habitat of many rare and endangered plant species, 22 of which are strictly protected, and 31 on the Red List of flora of Serbia. It has also been determined the presence of five species of amphibians, six species of reptiles and about 130 species of birds, thus making it an “Internationally Important Bird Area”. The fauna of mammals includes about 70 species, over 70% of the total mammalian fauna in Serbia. Bats and large mammals are a special value of this area. The area of Kučaj Mountains is part of the international Emerald network, which includes areas of particular relevance in terms of protection and conservation of wild plant and animal species and their habitats. The Institute for Nature Conservation of Serbia has valued Nature park “Kučaj-Beljanica” as natural resource of outstanding significance and the protection category I.
Special Nature Reserve “Peštersko polje” (Pešter field) is one of the largest preserved highland peat bog complexes in the Balkans. Due to the specific climatic, landscape, relief, hydrographic and other conditions, there had been formed a unique complex of marsh, swamp and peat bog habitats in which has been recorded the flora and fauna including numerous protected, rare and endangered species, some of which are found only in Serbia (Bythinella pesterica). According to its significance, Peštersko polje is designated as “Internationally Important Bird Area”, “Internationally Important Plant Area” and a “Prime Butterfly Area”. It has also been included in the “List of Wetlands of International Importance” and the Emerald eco network. Special Nature Reserve “Peštersko polje” is in 2015. declared as protected area of outstanding significance of category I, international and national.
