The
basic ecological feature of Kopacki rit is given by the
flood-dynamics so that the landscape of the whole region
depends on the flood intensity. The parts of the swamp land
and water, arranged mosaically, change its size, form and
function depending on the quantity of the risen water, namely
from the Danube River and less from the Drava River.In spite
of the monotonous flat-land sight, the micro-relief structure
of Kopacki rit is very complex. Very significant are the
lakes (large saggings permanently filled up with water),
as well as periodically flooded areas and waterways. The
largest lake is the Kopacevo Lake and the deepest one is
the Sakadas Lake. The channels are a link between the Danube
and the Drava and here is a network of the channels which
make water links within marshland.
Due to its state of preservation as the rare marshland ecosystem,
great biological diversity and exceptional scientific and
ecological values, Kopacki rit was protected in 1967 through
the status of the Managed Natural Reserve on the area of
17,730 ha. In 1976, the proper reserve area of 7,220 ha
received the status of the Special Zoological Reserve and
the wide area of 10,510 ha received the status of the Nature
Park. The international significance of Kopacki rit was
confirmed in 1993 by its registration in the list of internationally
significant marshlands in accordance with the Ramsar Convention.
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