Abstract
Bitovnja Mountain represents a unique silicate massif characterized by distinctive pastures and rich natural resources, located at the border of northern Herzegovina. Vegetation research has indicated that the extensive mountain ecosystems support a total of 415 plant species, with the majority occurring in mountain ridges and heathlands. Due to its accessible slopes, gentle topography, moderate climate, and proximity to rural settlements, it is often referred to as a “tame mountain”. Many plant species in this area provide various benefits to humans, and the local population continues to preserve and nurture the tradition of harvesting wild blueberries and cranberries. A review of the available literature has confirmed that numerous plant species from this region are used for medicinal, nutritional, and household purposes. A total of 184 plant species have been identified as useful plants in the Bitovnja area. Although the use of these resources remains sporadic, the presence of such a high number of useful plant species on the mountain suggests significant potential for conservation and sustainable management of these natural assets. Furthermore, it is worth noting that 29 plant species in the area hold conservation status, 10 of which are considered useful. Unfortunately, multiple anthropogenic pressures require monitoring and mitigation. The current state of the ecosystem indicates that these pressures may significantly impact the regional flora, emphasizing the need for well-defined conservation and sustainable resource management strategies.
Keywords: Bitovnja mountain, plant species, useful, conservation, sustainable use