Article

The Tara Mountain is among the most important centers of Balkan and European ecosystem and species biodiversity. It is characterized by diversified and well-maintained communities of old deciduous and mixed coniferous forests (beech/fir/spruce). They represent a unique example of well-preserved forests in SE Europe with numerous endemic and relict species of indigenous flora and fauna. Specific geomorphologic, hydrologic, geologic, soil and climatic features are also present on Tara Mountain. Tara National Park is located in the West part of the Republic of Serbia (180 km southwestward from Belgrade), and encompasses the largest part of Tara Mt. (average altitude 1000-1200 m asl). NP Tara has an area of 19175 ha, and a protected buffer zone around it of 37584 ha. The first study to declare Tara Mt. a National Park was carried out in 1951, but NP Tara was not established until 1981. During 2004 NP Tara was nominated within the UNESCO-ROSTE program as one of the next MAB Biosphere Reserves. We have developed a Geographical Information System (GIS) that has proved to be an excellent tool for evaluating and protecting the natural resources of NP Tara.