Episode 137

Evo nas, dragi prijatelji!

We hope you are ready for a fun time, because we definitely are.

Some Croatian words are challenging to pronounce and also a bit silly sounding.

And yes, we are learning a bunch of those words today!

Lesson

Fun words - zabavne riječi

peanuts - kikiriki

corn - kukuruz

pickle - krastavac

turn signal - žmigavac

turtle - kornjača

surprise - iznenađenje

Dirty or filthy - prljav

Super Slatko Report

In this edition of the SSR, DJ Moe will give us a more detailed and nuanced description of Plitvice Lakes National Park. We’ll learn more about the flora, fauna and geology, so stick around for a treat!

Plitvice Lakes National Park, located in the heart of Croatia, is one of the country's most well known and visited natural wonders. Known for its cascading lakes, vibrant flora, and rich wildlife, the park attracts millions of visitors each year. Covering over 300 square kilometers (116 Square miles), the park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned not only for its stunning beauty but also for its unique geological formations and biodiversity, The park is a paradise for nature enthusiasts, offering a beautiful glimpse into the complex interactions between water, rock, plants, and animals that have shaped the landscape.

Starting from the ground up, the geological formations of Plitvice Lakes are a defining feature of the park. The region is known for its  limestone and dolomite rock, which play a crucial role in shaping its iconic waterfalls and lakes. The limestone is porous and easily eroded by water, a process that leads to the creation of karst landscapes—terrain formed by the dissolution of soluble rocks. Over thousands of years, rivers and streams have carved out valleys, caves, and sinkholes, creating the intricate network of lakes and waterfalls that we see today. The interaction between the limestone and water leads to the formation of tufa, a porous rock that builds up around the edges of waterfalls, continually altering the landscape.

What is Tufa made of exactly? its mostly a type of limestone that precipitates from calcium-rich waters and is a distinctive geological feature of Plitvice Lakes. It forms as water flows over the limestone bedrock, dissolving calcium carbonate, which later precipitates and solidifies around moss, algae, and other organic matter. This natural process has resulted in the formation of the park’s travertine barriers, which serve as dams that separate the various lakes. These barriers are constantly changing and evolving, as tufa continues to build up over time, creating new waterfalls and altering the flow of water. This dynamic system of tufa formation is one of the reasons why Plitvice Lakes remains such a unique and evolving natural wonder. You can also find other Tufa build up around the world in such places as, Val di Noto in Sicily, Tuscany’s Val d’Esla; and in the US, Nevadas Pyramid Lake and Califonias Mono Lake.

Aside from the Tufa, Plitvice Lakes National Park is also home to a diverse range of plant species, many of which thrive due to the park’s unique combination of water, rock, and forest environments. The park is covered with dense beech, fir, and spruce forests, which are typical of Central European temperate zones. However, within the park’s varied landscape, microclimates have allowed the growth of a remarkable array of plant species, some of which can’t be found anywhere else. Among the more unique species found in the park is the *Lilium carniolicum*, also known as the Carniolan lily, a bright orange-red flower that is native to the region. Another special plant is the black hellebore (*Helleborus niger*), a rare species that blooms in winter, providing a striking contrast to the snow-covered forest floor.

But what about the lakes themselves, do they  host any plants? Yes they do, but the plants found there are of an entirely different set of plant species, adapted to the constantly changing water levels and mineral-rich waters. Water lilies, for example, float on the surface of the park's lakes, adding splashes of color against the turquoise waters. These aquatic plants play an important role in maintaining the health of the ecosystem by oxygenating the water and providing habitat for fish and amphibians. In addition, various species of moss are vital to the formation of tufa barriers as mentioned earlier, as their presence facilitates the precipitation of calcium carbonate, allowing the landscape to continuously grow and change.

Plitvice Lakes National Park also has a rich diversity of habitats that supports an impressive range of wildlife. The dense forests are home to large mammals such as brown bears, wolves, and lynxes: Oh My! which roam freely through the park’s more remote areas. These apex predators play a vital role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem by controlling the populations of herbivores like deer and wild boar. Smaller mammals, such as martens (Kuna), otters, and red foxes, also inhabit the park, taking advantage of the park’s varied terrain and abundant food sources.

But if you fancy the feathered type of animals then this is the Plitvice Lakes National Park has you covered. Birdwatchers are particularly drawn to Plitvice Lakes due to the variety of bird species that call the park home. Over 160 species of birds have been recorded, including rare and endangered species like the golden eagle and the Eurasian eagle-owl. The park's wetlands, lakes, and forests provide nesting sites for waterfowl, raptors, and songbirds alike. Species such as the grey heron and kingfisher can often be spotted near the lakes, while the surrounding forests echo with the calls of woodpeckers and warblers. This rich avian diversity makes Plitvice Lakes an important sanctuary for both resident and migratory bird species.

If you thought that Plitvice Lakes National Park was all about its water features, I hope that this Super Slatko Report has helped you understand that Plitvice is more than just waterfalls. Pltivice National Park is a remarkable synergy of geological, botanical, and zoological diversity. It’s constantly changing landscape, shaped by water and rock, is a testament to the power of natural processes. The park’s unique combination of karst geology, tufa formation, and diverse plant life provides the foundation for a thriving ecosystem that supports a wide range of wildlife. Whether it’s the towering waterfalls, vibrant plant species, or its wildlife, Plitvice Lakes offers a natural experience that continues to captivate and inspire visitors from around the world.

And that’s it for the Super Slatko Report.

Thank you Anita for the amazing Photos!