Jovsi
Jovsi is an extensive natural plain divided into wetlands and covering an area of 4.6 square kilometers (1.8 sq mi)[1] in the Municipality of Brežice in Slovenia. It lies west of the lower course of the Sotla River below the Kapele Hills (Slovene: Kapelske gorice).[2] It is bounded by the road from Župelevec to Dobova to the west and the Sotla River to the east.
The name Jovsi is derived from German Jauchsee 'fetid lake'.[3] Until the Sotla River was regulated, the area was regularly inundated by floodwaters from the river.[4]
Jovsi is a flood-zone wetland of exceptional natural interest, distinguished by its great diversity of flora and fauna.[3] About 80 species of birds nest here, which has provided ornithologists with the opportunity to collect extensive data.[3] Certain important European species are regularly or intermittently found in Jovsi: the white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), European roller (Coracias garrulus), black stork (Ciconia nigra), white stork (Ciconia ciconia), common snipe (Gallinago gallinago), corn crake (Crex crex), and lesser grey shrike (Lanius minor).[1]
Because of its importance for nature conservation, the area is protected as a nature park.
References
- Kladnik, Drago, & Bibijana Mihevc (eds.). 2006. Posavje in Posotelje A-Ž. Ljubljana: ZRC, p. 72.
- Zavarovana območja narave: Jovsi. Zavod Republike Slovenije za varstvo narave.
- Naravni park Jovsi. 2011. Krajevna skupnost Kapele.
- Savnik, Roman, ed. 1976. Krajevni leksikon Slovenije, vol. 3. Ljubljana: Državna založba Slovenije, pp. 35, 36, 47.