Protection of Red Squirrels in Croatia

Squirrels are small rodents often seen in our parks and forests. Although it may seem that their numbers are constantly increasing, the truth is that these animals are threatened and protected by law in Croatia.

Until recently, the squirrel was listed in the Red Book of Mammals in the Republic of Croatia as an endangered species requiring special protection. However, according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the red squirrel is now categorized as a species of least concern. Despite this, their population is declining, especially in urban and suburban areas.

Squirrels are protected by the Nature Protection Act, which aims to preserve and protect natural values. They are protected from hunting and destruction, and the law also prohibits disturbing and disrupting their habitats. This means that all actions that could endanger the survival of squirrels and their natural environment are legally prohibited.

Additionally, there is a specific law that deals with the protection of wild animals – the Hunting Act. This law prescribes the methods by which certain types of wild animals, including squirrels, can be hunted. The law prohibits hunting squirrels except in cases where a special permit is granted for population control reasons.

The laws protecting squirrels and other wild animals are an important step in preserving Croatia's natural values. However, their implementation often presents a challenge. It is necessary to educate the public about the importance of protecting squirrels and other wildlife and to ensure the effective enforcement of these laws.

Ultimately, we are all responsible for preserving natural values, including the protection of squirrels. These charming and curious animals deserve our attention and care to ensure their long-term survival and to preserve the natural wealth that surrounds us.

Protection of the Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris):

https://narodne-novine.nn.hr/clanci/sluzbeni/1995_05_31_607.html

Regulations on the Declaration of Wild Species as Protected and Strictly Protected, based on Article 27, Paragraph 1 of the Nature Protection Act (»Narodne novine«, broj 70/05).

https://narodne-novine.nn.hr/clanci/sluzbeni/dodatni/129014.htm – dodatak III

https://narodne-novine.nn.hr/clanci/sluzbeni/2006_01_7_157.html

These legal measures are aimed at the conservation and protection of red squirrels, whose habitats are threatened by various human activities such as deforestation, construction, and agriculture. The protection of red squirrels is essential to preserve these important species and maintain the balance of the ecosystems in which they live.

Given that red squirrels are considered a vulnerable species, it is important to respect legal regulations and provide the protection they deserve to ensure their survival and conservation.