Article
Ivona Kerkez Janković 1,*, Dragica Vilotić 2, Mirjana Šijačić-Nikolić 1
(1) University of Belgrade, Faculty of Forestry, Belgrade 11000, Serbia
(2) Retired Professor, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Forestry, Belgrade 11000, Serbia
*Correspondence: ivona.kerkez@sfb.bg.ac.rs
Citation: Kerkez Janković I, Vilotić D, Šijačić-Nikolić M, 2026, Identification and Conservation of Woody Species in the Titel Loess Plateau (Serbia), Environment & Science 1(2) 19–39, https://doi.org/10.66278/ANQZ1477
Received: 29 December 2025; Revised: 11 April 2026; Accepted: 14 July 2026; Published: 29 July 2026
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Abstract: Systematic identification, field recording, and mapping of woody species were carried out in this study, applying modern methodological approaches and establishing a digital database. The obtained results provided a comprehensive overview of the status of woody species within the area under the category I protection regime of the Special Nature Reserve (SNR) “Titel Hill”. The protected area supports 44 woody species, most of which are found in gullies and in a narrow belt along the edges of the loess plateau. In the tree-layer vegetation, 25 species occur, 41 in the shrub layer and 19 in the ground vegetation layer. Overall, 30% of woody species are of alien origin. Conservation methods, both in situ and ex situ, were defined for target tree species: downy oak, steppe almond, manna ash, smoke tree, field elm, and European white elm. These species are sensitive to habitat degradation, climate change, and biotic pressures, and therefore require inclusion in conservation processes. The proposed conservation activities are oriented toward preserving natural populations within their native habitats, as well as toward the production and use of purposefully propagated planting material of autochthonous origin. This research provides a significant foundation for future scientific studies and for practical management and conservation planning of the Titel Hill SNR.
Keywords: in situ; ex situ; target species; nature protection; conservation; special nature reserve