Protected areas are locations which receive protection because of their recognised natural, ecological and/or cultural values. There are several kinds of protected areas which vary by level of protection. They are essential for conservation of natural world. They are areas set aside to maintain functioning natural ecosystems, to act as refuges for species and to maintain ecological processes that cannot survive otherwise
International Union for Conservation of Nature define protected areas as:
"A clearly defined geographical space, recognized, dedicated and managed, through legal or other effective means, to achieve the long-term conservation of nature with associated ecosystem services and cultural values."
Although Zagreb is large, urban centar with population near one million there are several protected areas within its boundaries. This geocache will lead you to three of the most beautifull protected areas in Zagreb. They are:
1. Ornithological Reserve Savica
2. Park Maksimir
3. Nature Park Medvednica
First Stage - Ornithological Reserve Savica
The first stage of this geocache will lead you to the Ornithological Reserve Savica. At the starting location you will find large, white information sign. There are two numbers on this sign representing hours: A and B. Multiply them and you will get number X which will help you to determine coordinates for the second stage.
X = A • B
Savica reserve is a small swamp area within City of Zagreb. It is a system of 12 small lakes and a home of numerous plant and animal species. It is especially important for migratory birds that use this reserve as a rest point in their migration. Other types of birds are also characteristics of these lakes and more than 160 different bird species are registered in this reserve. This ornithological reserve is a great place for enjoying the nature and wild life and it is just 15 minutes away from Zagreb tram system.
Second Stage - Park Maksimir
The second stage will lead you to Park Maksimir. Coordinates for the second stage:
N 45 49.(682-X) E 016 01.(600-X)
At the second stage location you will find a small information sign close to the ground. It describes tree that grows nearby. There are three words on this sign. Count the number of letters in each word and you will get numbers C, D and E. Multiply these three numbers and you will get number Y which will help you to determine coordinates for the final stage, where the actual geocache is hidden.
Y = C • D • E
Park Maksimir has a status of protected monument of park architecture. The goal of this protected park is protecting and preserving nature's origin, securing undisturbed natural processes and sustainable utilization of natural resources, as well as monitoring maintenance of conditions and measures of nature protection within the Park.
Park Maksimir, which was originally formed on the outskirts of Zagreb at the end of 18th and the first half of 19th century, today is completely surrounded with town settlements. In this new surrounding Park Maksimir still represents a shelter for many plant and animal species, despite its small area of only 316 ha. Its value for the protection of endangered species connected to old hollows is significant because of preserved hundred-year-old oak forests. In Park Maksimir more than one hundred bird species are recorded, of which specifically significant are hole-nesting birds. Interesting data is that population density of middle spotted woodpecker (Dendrocopos medius) in Park Maksimir, an endangered species in Europe, is one of the largest in the world. Other animal species connected to old forests are significant as well, like squirrels and some bat species, otherwise globally endangered animal species. Besides forests, in Park Maksimir we can find meadows, lakes and streams, which also represent important habitats for various plants and animal, and in that way contribute to its biodiversity.
Final Stage - Nature Park Medvednica
The final stage of this multi-cache will lead you to the Medvednica Nature Park. The actual physical cache container is hidden here. Coordinates for the final stage:
N 45 52.(Y+50) E 015 58.(Y-44)
The area of the Nature Park Medvednica is 228.26 square kilometers and about 63% is covered with forest. The highest peak is Sljeme (1035 m). The main characteristics of this nature park are forests of large biological value. There are numerous streams and springs withing the Park and there are diverse number of habitats in the Park.
The richness of natural world in the Park is best illustrated with the fact that within the Park there are 8 specail reserves of forest vegetation, 1 protected landscape, 3 natural monuments - rare specimens of trees, 1 geomorphological natural monument, and 2 park architecture monuments. There is a rich plant and animal life in the Park - there are 115 strictly protected and 153 protected plant species and 136 strictly protected and 33 protected animal species. Besides rich biodiversity, Medvednica is also characterized with rich geological diversity as well.
Check your final coordinates:
