SEA TURTLE
Sea turtles are the only reptiles present in the Mediterranean and Adriatic waters and only females come ashore to lay eggs, while males spend their life in the water.
The Adriatic is one of the two most important foraging grounds and winter habitats for the loggerhead sea turtle in the Mediterranean. The biggest threat to sea turtles comes from stationary nets and other fishing gears, such as hooks and lines, that usually kill them.
Did you know that Mali Lošinj has a sea turtle rescue center?
Yes, you have read that right! The Blue World Institute opened a sea turtle rescue center in Mali Lošinj on 19 July, 2013. The rescue center is located in the recreational area of the Hotel Vespera in Sunny Bay in Mali Lošinj as part of the network for the conservation of sea turtles in the Adriatic. The rescue center is a place where injured sea turtles found at different locations are brought to get help and recover until they are well enough to safety return to the sea.
The rescue center organizes releases of recovered sea turtles to the sea and some are being released with a satellite transmitter so that researchers can track them in the open sea and use the data to better protect them.
SHEEP
A domestic animal of the genus Ovis of the Bovidae family. Sheep descend from the wild mouflon. Sheep are quadrupedal herbivores and ruminants with bodies covered in wool. Sheep live in herds and are raised for meat, wool, milk and cheese. There are many breeds of sheep and on our islands, due to harsh conditions, only the native curly sheep is raised.
Cres Island – a home to 'Cres Sheep'
Throughout history sheep have been of great importance to Cres islanders and today represent one of the most important brands of the island’s rich homegrown cuisine. Traditionally, part of the traditional island life has always been processing wool and using it to knit clothes. In more recent times wool was bought from the Cres islanders and sent to textile mills. However, in the past 30 years wool and lamb leather trade has stopped and due to low profitability wool processing has been abandoned. Cres is home to about 15,000 sheep and each produces about 1 kg of wool that is left lying around dry-stone walls, in holes, bushes or on roads spoiling the scenery and polluting the environment.
In recent years the Ruta Association has been processing wool and using it to make island souvenirs. In our campsites Mrs. Vesna from the Ruta Association organizes wool felting workshops for children and adults. Workshops always have good attendance and beautiful handcrafted items like decorative flowers, brooches, etc. are made. This year in winter months in cooperation with the Ruta Association our camp staff participated in making keychains shaped as colorful felted wool pom poms that will be given to guests as complementary souvenirs.
Every year in July the Pramenka Association from Orlec on Cres organizes a sheep show. The event program includes men’s and women’s sheep shearing competitions and all visitors are able to enjoy Cres lamb specials.
Cres lamb is regarded one of the best and the secret to its special flavors is in that sheep roam freely and graze different plants. On Cres serving lamb dishes at festivities and celebrations has always been a tradition.
GOAT
The goat, same as the sheep, is a member of the Caprinae subfamily of the Bovidae family. The domestic goat originates from the wild goat. Goats are kept to provide meat, skins, milk (more than the sheep) and wool. They are often referred to as “poor man’s cow”.
Goats are raised on Cres and Lošinj islands. On Lošinj there is a big herd of goats, perhaps the biggest one in Istria. Sometimes they can be seen grazing near local roads and on pastures near the Providenca viewpoint and on other grazing areas on the island, same as sheep.
The Loznati Agricultural Cooperative is engaged in goat and sheep husbandry and runs a cheese factory processing about 500 liters of milk per day producing sour milk, Škripavac soft cheese, semi-hard cow’s and sheep’s milk cheese, curd cheese, Basa cheese, kaymak, homemade sour cream and milk.
FALLOW DEER
The common fallow deer is a mammal from the family Cervidae. The common fallow deer is native to the eastern Mediterranean. The main feature characterizing this type of deer are wide and shovel shaped antlers seen in bucks, while does do not have antlers. The common fallow deer is much smaller than other fallow deer and less alert and timid. Fallow deer are polygamous and bucks can mate with several doe at the same time. The mating season is mid-October when bucks can be heard roaring producing sounds unlike any other deer. Their mating calls can be heard for about a month (for 2 weeks intensively).
The Lošinj is mainly covered in pine trees, macchia and green pastures, especially around Punta Križa and the
Baldarin campsite and there you can come across an occasional sheep herd or a group of fallow deer. Sometimes they come all the way to the campsite and the pitches hoping to get a treat. Lošinj and Cres are abundant in wildlife, so keep in mind that you could cross paths with deer and other animals, especially while driving at night.
MEDITERRANEAN MONK SEAL
The Mediterranean monk seal is a seal belonging to the family Phocidae and very similar to the common seal. Males can reach 320 kg in weight and females weigh a bit less and are slightly shorter. It is probably the world’s rarest pinniped species and is certainly one of the most endangered mammals in the world. It lives in the Atlantic in the waters surrounding Madeira and the Canary Islands and along the shores and around the islands in the Mediterranean.
It has been known to live in the Adriatic Sea since time immemorial and is called by different names, such as Dalmatian monk seal, sea monk, sea man and Adriana. Over time the population of monk seal has decreased dramatically, in Roman time and during the Middle Ages mainly due to commercial fishing and in the 20th century due to fishermen who see them as competition and believe they are damaging their fishing nets.
It is estimated that the total population is now fewer than 600 individuals living across a wide area. In the Adriatic at the moment there is certainly no autochthonous population of the monk seal, but some members of the species occasionally swim to the Adriatic from the Ionian Sea. It has been on the list of protected animal species in Croatia since 1935.
First sighting of the monk seal in Kvarner and Kvarnerić was recorded in June 2005 when researchers from Blue World identified it in the photos taken near the island of Silba and later on recordings made by HTV on Male Srakane.
Blue World has been keeping record of every sighting of the monk seal in the northern Adriatic, more precisely in the waters from Pula and Cape Kamenjak to Rab and Lošinj islands.
COMMON BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN
The common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) is probably the most well-known and widespread species of the family Delphinidae.
The common bottlenose dolphin has a flexible and hydrodynamic body. It is grey in color, with shades ranging from dark grey on the upper side, lighter shades of gray on the sides and white on the underside. In summer when it is hot, its belly can become pink. Adults are between 1.9 and 4 m long and weigh between 100 and 500 kg. In the Adriatic common bottlenose dolphins usually reach the length of 3 m and weigh about 200 kg. Every few minutes they have to swim to the surface to take a breath of air. Their nose is the blowhole on the top of their heads and they have nasal plugs below the blowhole preventing water from entering the airways. When looking for fish common bottlenose dolphins stay underwater for 4 to 7 minutes. They mostly feed on small fish and squids and therefore are usually in direct competition with fishermen.
They are famous for their curiosity and this makes them prone to entanglement, particularly in gillnets, which is sadly a major cause of their premature death. Though there is currently no population estimate of bottlenose dolphins at a global scale, aerial surveys indicate that the number of common bottlenose dolphins in the Adriatic is about 10,000 individuals. Pollution, excessive fishing and loss of habitat are the factors causing decreases in dolphin population size and limiting their access to suitable habitat. They are highly intelligent and social animals and they are also on the world’s list of endangered species.
Though it might seem that there are many of them and they can often be spotted in Lošinj waters, common bottlenose dolphins are one of the endangered animals of the Adriatic Sea. For the purpose of managing their conservation Blue World has been formed and they have put into action three programs focusing on research, education and conservation. The programs focus on collecting data about the life of endangered marine organisms.
Lošinj’s common bottlenose dolphins are the most well-known Adriatic dolphins because they have been the subject of research for over three decades. They have been living in Kvarnerić their entire lives and researchers know each individual by name. The Lošinj’s school of common bottlenose dolphins is relatively small and the estimated number of individuals living here is about 200. The oldest Lošinj’s dolphins are Vivian, Tac and Mida and they are over 30 years old.
For 30 years every first weekend of July in Veli Lošinj has been reserved for Dolphin Day, a traditional event dedicated to raising public awareness of marine and dolphin conservation issues.
During your stay in our camp make sure you do not miss the Dolphin Watching Tour and to reserve your spot at the reception desk. The 4-hour day trip will be guided by the Blue World’s experienced skippers and seeing the dolphins it is practically guaranteed. Should it happen that you do not see them, you can come on the next trip for free. After the dolphin watching tour, we invite you to visit the Lošinj Education Center and learn more about these fascinating animals.
The second of the two Aquapark Čikat mascots is a dolphin called Čiki.
GECKO
The gecko – the symbol of Lošinj Island
Geckos are protected types of lizards living on Lošinj. There are two species of the gecko: house gecko and wall gecko. House gecko or tarentola is a nocturnal animal, pink-colored and covered in scales that remind of warts. Geckos are very agile and fast, active at night and are able to walk on vertical surfaces owing to their adhesive toe pads. These lizards, same as all lizards belonging to the infraorder Gekkota, do not have eyelids. They can change their color to blend with the environment and once they are indoors, they appear transparent. Killing them is illegal.
Due to superstitious beliefs that geckos are poisonous, their worst enemies are humans. However, they are completely harmless and very useful because as they feed on mosquitoes, spiders, flies and other insects. Geckoes are lizards from the infraorder Gekkota. On Sicily it is believed that geckoes are guardians of the home and can be found in homes of good-hearted people.
During your stay on Lošinj and night walks through its narrow streets you will certainly see geckos
STARFISH
Starfish (Asteroidea) are echinoderms, i.e., marine species living on the seafloor
Starfish are marine invertebrates and echinoderms and include about 2000 different species. Starfish have a flattened, star-shaped body with five or more radiating arms. On the stomach is a mouth and starfish move using tiny feet at the end of each arm.
Starfish live on the seafloor. They are able to move, but not quickly. Using hydraulic pressure, starfish move by pulling in the water to hundreds of tiny tube feet helping them adhere to the surface and detach from it. Their tube feet serve as gills and are part of the water vascular system starfish use for gas exchange as well.
Starfish are found in all seas across the globe and in the Adriatic most widespread species are Astropecten aranciacus, Coscinasterias tenuispina and Anseropoda placenta. Starfish are a prominent part of the Adriatic fauna and protected by law.
Most species of starfish have male and female individuals. They reproduce by releasing eggs and sperms into the water. The resulting larvae float in the water and then they come down to the seafloor and develop into starfish. In the Lošinj underwater there is about 20 species of starfish, with the most widely represented being Echinaster sepositus, Astropecten aranciacus, Coscinasterias tenuispina, Marthasterias glacialis, Anseropoda placenta, Ophidiaster ophidianus and Ophiuroidea.
Did you know that starfish have eyes?
Their eye spots are located at the ends of their arms, but their eyesight is very weak and it is believed that they see about 200 pixels, probably just enough to be able to roughly see the edges of the seafloor around them.
Here is some more information about starfish you certainly didn’t know:
- Starfish do not have a brain or blood.
- Starfish have a nervous system passing through their arms and their “blood” is filtered seawater;
- Starfish live in deep seas, but like to come to shallow waters and near the shore;
- Though starfish seem harmless, they are true predators feared by shells;
- When a starfish loses an arm, a new one soon grows to replace it;
- Some starfish can regrow their entire bodies from a piece of arm.
It is highly probable that you will come across starfish when you take a dive and as they are protected by law, we recommend you do not take them out of the sea.
GRIFFON VULTURE
The griffon vulture (lat. Gyps fulvus) is a legally protected species from the bird of prey family Accipitridae. Griffon vultures move in flocks and establish nesting colonies of as many as 150 pairs. Griffon vultures are also one of the largest bird species in the world and the largest one in Croatia with a wingspan of 240 to 280 cm and up to 110 cm high, weighing 7 to 12 kg.
They have a long lifespan and in captivity they can live up to 40 years, while in nature their lifespan is shorter. They are scavengers and feed on carcasses of large and middle-sized mammals and they never eat living prey. On Kvarner Islands griffon vultures mostly feed on carcasses of sheep found on island’s pastures. Therefore, one could day that in the ecosystem they are the “hygienic service”, because they are preventing the spread of infectious diseases. In Croatia griffon vultures nest only on the Kvarner Islands, on the island cliffs of Cres, Krk, Prvić and Plavnik and therefore this colony is called the Kvarner population. The Kvarner population today has about 100 pairs.
Even though griffon vultures live in other parts of the world and in Europe, for example in Spain, France, Italy, Serbia, Greece and Bulgaria, the Kvarner population is unique as here they breed at low elevations just meters above sea level, while other populations establish nesting colonies in high cliffs.
Juveniles, after taking their first flights soon migrate from Kvarner to other parts of Europe, even Africa and as they reach 4 or 5 years of age and become reproductively mature, they return to Kvarner to find a mate and nest. Their nests are 60 cm to 1 in diameter and they built them on rock shelves. Both parents build the nest and between December and January the female lays only one egg with 10 cm in diameter and both parents take care of it. Griffon vultures, same as some other members of the bird species, mate for life.
The griffon vulture named Oštro from the island of Cres travelled 18 thousand km during five years of wandering. Several thousands of them, mostly juveniles, winter in Africa flying there across the Gibraltar and the Bosporus. They fly south to Senegal, Mali and Niger, as well as Sudan and Ethiopia. Griffon vultures can reach the speed of 120 km/h, though they usually soar in the sky at 40-60 km/h in search of food without needing to flap their wings.
In Beli on Cres, in the building formerly used for the elementary school, is the Rescue Centre for Griffon Vultures. We strongly recommend you come and visit!
LAVANDER
The name of the plant Lavandula or lavender is derived from the Latin “lavare” which means “to wash”. There are 39 species of Lavandula L., a wild shrublike perennial plant with recognizable purple flowers. It is resilient, beautiful and has a lovely scent and flourishes everywhere on our coast, even in dry soils. Lavender is a popular plant often planted in gardens, because it attracts bees and butterflies and that helps with the pollination of other plants growing nearby. To grow successfully lavender needs lots of sun and well-drained soil.
Historically, lavender has often been used in soaps, laundry detergents and as a medicinal plant owing to its scent and essential oils. Its beneficial properties have made it popular in traditional medicine and it has been used in teas for soothing upset stomach and for treating common cold, muscle cramps and respiratory problems.
Lavender essential oil is still commonly used for treating headache, burns and all kinds of skin problems. Lavender oil is used in first aid kits. It has the effect of alcohol, but does not burn. It has been proven that lavender has a calming effect and may be used to reduce restlessness and anxiety. Lavender used to be placed into pillows or a cup of lavender tea was recommended before bedtime in treating insomnia. Lavender tea is known to help reduce bloating or stomach aches.
Lavender is widespread on our islands and the air on Lošinj is especially fragrant. A must-see Lošinj attraction is the Fragrant Garden (covering 3551 sq. m.) offering a firework of fragrances. The garden boasts over 250 wild fragrant plant species to all of which the Cres-Lošinj archipelago owes its wonderful scent. Also, in addition to a charming souvenir shop, the garden is a place where one can enjoy something from the island’s rich gastronomic offer and buy an authentic memento. The fragrant garden is the perfect spot to relax, so make sure you do not miss out on the chance to visit!
Jadranka Group hotels boast an exceptional wellness program with a variety of relaxing treatments using lavender skincare products. Picked just before the buds open, fresh or dried, in gastronomy lavender leaves are used as a spice for fish or lamb dishes.
The Velčić family from Cres has a lavender field in a secluded place not very far from the local road connecting the Merag ferry port and Cres. Their friends always give a hand to help them harvest about a thousand shrubs of lavender. Lavender is distilled in the distillery in Martinšćica run by the Kučić family and essential oil and hydrolat are produced. They also make the lavender macerate, dried flower sachets and bouquets. A product they are especially fond of is the “scented pendant” made out of wool felt flower and a bottle of essential oil, which they designed together with Vesna Jakić from the Ruta Association.
MYRTLE
Myrtle (Myrtus), is a genus of flowering plants in the family Myrtaceae having two species: common myrtle (Myrtus communis) native to the European Mediterranean, and Saharan myrtle (Myrtus nivellei) native to the northern part of Africa.
Myrtle berries are sweet with a sticky pulp. Young myrtle leaves are distilled (OPG Gverino Kučić Distillery in Martinšćica on Cres) to make the essential oil used in aromatherapy treatments offered in our wellness centers.
Myrtle is one of 50,000 plants flourishing in
Camp Čikat. These evergreen bushes grow in all parts of Lošinj. They have wonderful white flowers and grow small deep blue berries. Myrtle is a wild plant with edible fruit available in the fall when there are no herbaceous plants. Myrtle berries are used to make juice, compote or jam and they are an ideal for boosting energy in the winter. Its fruit is carbohydrate-rich and high in nutrients. Therefore, in harsh times the islanders used dried and ground myrtle berries as an alternative to grains and a small amount of corn was added to make bread dough. Myrtle is one of the island’s most popular spices and also a plant that can be used against the most widespread ‘popular’ disease of the 21st century – stress. Myrtle also protects liver from toxins and damage from medication.
During your stay, maybe you would like to try making your own myrtle berry liqueur? Just pick some myrtle berries and follow this recipe:
MIRTLE LIQUEUR
Ingredients: 50 dag ripe myrtle berries, 1 l alcohol (90%), 40 dcl water, 40 dag sugar or 50 dag honey. Preparation: Wash myrtle berries in water. Pour alcohol in a dark glass container, add berries and leave to macerate for 30 days. Add just as much alcohol to cover the berries. After 30 days drain through a sieve and crush the berries to extract the juice. Then use a fine mesh gauze or a cotton cloth to drain the liquid from solids. Mix the water and sugar and bring to boil for three minutes and leave to cool. Add syrup with alcohol, fill the bottles and cap them. (recipe by Adrijano Nikolić)