Szigetközi Tájvédelmi Körzet

The wildlife of the protected area

The most characteristic representatives of the fauna of the Szigetköz are the species occurring in the aquatic community. About 80 % of the domestic species are found in its fish fauna. The fast trout (Salmo trutta fario), originally living in clean mountain streams, as well as the protected species of marshes and wetlands: the meadow loach (Misgurnus fossilis), the marsh goby (Umbra krameri) or other freshwater fish: the barbel (Barbus barbus), the European catfish (Silurus glanis), the sturgeon (Acipenser ruthenus) and the tench (Tinca tinca). Almost all domestic species of amphibians can be observed here. Among them the common frog (Rana esculenta), the marsh frog (Rana arvalis), the fire-bellied toad (Bombina bombina) and the tree frog (Hyla arborea) are frequent. Reptiles live in smaller numbers, but their characteristic representative, the water skink, is common. The number of bird species can be put at 230. In larger colonies grey herons (Ardea cinerea) and night herons (Nycticorax nycticorax) breed. Among the highly protected species the brown kite (Milvus migrans), the pallid harrier (Circus pygargus) and the black stork (Ciconia nigra) nest. The spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia), the osprey (Pandion haliaëtus) and the white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) can also be observed. Especially in winter the representatives of the diving ducks swimming in large flocks can be seen: the scaup (Aythya marila), the long-tailed duck (Clangula hyemallis), the smew and the black scaup (Melanitta fusca, M. nigra). Among the protected mammals the ermine (Mustella erminea), the pine marten (Martes martes) and several species of bats are common. Occasionally a beaver (Castor fiber) also appears on the islands of the Danube. Among the large game animals the roe deer, the red deer and the wild boar are frequent.

Administration of the protected area

The Szigetköz Protected Landscape Area is currently subordinate to the administration of the Fertő–Hanság National Park. Its centre is located in the outskirts of the village of Lipót, in Gombócos [1].

Plans and studies have been prepared for the possible creation of the Szigetközi National Park. This would consist of the area of the present nature protection district.