World Earth Day – Life Preserved by the Vis Archipelago - Eleonora's Falcon

World Earth Day reminds us that the natural value of a space is not only made up of the landscapes we see – the sea, rocks, islands, and coastlines – but also the species that choose that space as their home.

One of them is Eleonora's Falcon (Falco eleonorae), one of the rarest birds of prey in Croatia and one of the most striking inhabitants of the offshore rocks and cliffs of the Vis Archipelago. This exceptional species, known as hmanzáin the Komiža dialect, nests on the cliffs of Svetac, Biševo, Vis, Palagruža, and Jabuka.

The uniqueness of the Vis Archipelago lies not only in its geological origin but also in the richness of life that develops and thrives here. A total of 126 bird specieshave been recorded in the Vis Archipelago area, and among the targeted bird species of the Natura 2000 ecological network, Eleonora's Falcon particularly stands out.

In the Mediterranean, Eleonora's Falcon numbers around 12,000 individuals, while approximately 80 pairs nest in Croatia. The Vis Archipelago area is one of the most important regions for its survival in Croatia.

This is no coincidence. Steep cliffs, calmer island areas, and the preservation of offshore habitats make the Vis Archipelago an extremely important place for the nesting and conservation of this species. For the conservation of birds, their habitats, and other valuable species, the terrestrial area of the Vis Archipelago is included in the Natura 2000ecological network.

Eleonora's Falcon reminds us that protecting the planet is not an abstract idea. It is right here – in the cliffs that provide shelter, in the islands that preserve peace, and in a space that must remain sufficiently preserved and wild for life to survive within it.

Happy World Earth Day!