Dinara Nature Park, Nature park in Split-Dalmatia and Šibenik-Knin Counties, Croatia
Dinara Nature Park is a conservation area spanning a karst landscape marked by sheer cliffs, mountain meadows, and the upper reaches of the Cetina River. The terrain varies from open highland plateaus to forested slopes, with numerous springs feeding the region's water systems.
The name derives from the Dindari, an Illyrian people who grazed livestock on these slopes in ancient times. The park's formal establishment in 2021 marked a transition from traditional use to modern conservation while maintaining the pastoral heritage of the region.
Shepherding traditions shape how people live and work across these highlands, with herds moving up and down the slopes depending on the season. This practice has remained largely unchanged for centuries and continues to define the character of the region.
The terrain is largely undeveloped and requires proper preparation and suitable gear for safe exploration. Visitors should gather information about local conditions beforehand and consider hiring experienced guides to navigate the mountain paths safely.
The park shelters more than a thousand plant species, including seventy-five species found nowhere else, alongside the rare Dinaric vole that makes these mountains its home. This biological richness results from the mountain's elevation and isolation, creating distinct ecological zones.
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