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Warta Mouth Overview

Warta Mouth National Park, known locally as Park Narodowy Ujście Warty, is Poland’s youngest national park, established on June 19, 2001.

Situated in the Lubusz Voivodeship, near the Polish-German border, the park encompasses approximately 80.38 square kilometers (31.03 square miles) of diverse wetland habitats. It is located at the confluence of the Warta and Oder rivers, with its headquarters in the village of Chyrzyno, close to Kostrzyn nad Odrą.

The park’s terrain is characterized by expansive floodplains, marshes, and meadows that experience significant seasonal flooding, with water levels fluctuating up to 3.5 meters annually. This dynamic hydrology creates a mosaic of habitats, including oxbow lakes, river channels, ditches, and small reservoirs.

The landscape is predominantly open, dotted with willows and crisscrossed by a dense network of waterways. The northern part of the park, known as the Northern Polder, is rich in canals and separated from the Warta River by a levee, while the southern section includes the former Słońsk Nature Reserve.

Warta Mouth National Park is renowned for its exceptional avian diversity, making it one of the most important waterfowl habitats in Central Europe. To date, approximately 280 bird species have been recorded within the park, with over 170 species breeding there. Notable species include the tundra bean goose, greater white-fronted goose, and greylag goose.

During migration periods, the park serves as a critical stopover, with geese populations sometimes exceeding 100,000 individuals. Other significant bird species observed in the park are cranes, various species of ducks, and raptors such as the white-tailed eagle. In addition to its avian inhabitants, the park supports a variety of mammals, including European otters and beavers, which thrive in its aquatic environments.

Visitors to the park can explore several nature trails that offer opportunities for birdwatching and experiencing the unique wetland ecosystem. The “Ptasim Szlakiem” (Along the Birds’ Trail) is a 2.2-kilometer path that provides access to prime birdwatching areas, featuring observation platforms and hides.

The park also offers cycling routes and educational paths, such as the “Natural Sensory Garden” near the park’s administration office in Chyrzyno, which is partially accessible to wheelchair users and designed to engage visitors’ senses through interactive exhibits.

The primary conservation challenge facing Warta Mouth National Park is the encroachment of larger plant species into the delicate meadow and pasture ecosystems. This vegetative succession can degrade habitats critical for ground-nesting birds.

To mitigate this, park authorities implement active management strategies, including mowing and controlled grazing, to maintain the open landscapes essential for these species. The park’s inclusion in the Ramsar Convention since 1984 underscores its global significance as a wetland of international importance, highlighting ongoing efforts to preserve its unique biodiversity.

In summary, Warta Mouth National Park offers a dynamic and vital refuge for a multitude of bird species and other wildlife within its expansive wetland habitats. Its diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity make it a significant site for conservation and a compelling destination for nature enthusiasts.

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Park Map
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Warta Mouth National Park Highlights

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Warta Mouth National Park, located in western Poland, is a haven for diverse wildlife, particularly wetland and aquatic species. The park’s marshes, floodplains, and river channels create an ideal habitat for various mammals, amphibians, and fish.

European Beaver (Castor fiber)
This industrious rodent is a key species in shaping the park’s wetland ecosystem. Beavers create dams and lodges along the waterways, influencing water levels and providing habitats for other species.

Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra)
A secretive predator, the otter thrives in the park’s river and wetland areas. It preys on fish, amphibians, and crustaceans, playing a crucial role in maintaining aquatic balance.

Wild Boar (Sus scrofa)
Roaming the park’s woodlands and wet meadows, wild boars are adaptable foragers that feed on roots, acorns, and small animals. Their presence supports biodiversity by disturbing soil and spreading seeds.

Red Deer (Cervus elaphus)
One of the park’s largest land mammals, red deer inhabit its floodplain forests. These majestic herbivores are particularly active during the autumn rutting season.

Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus)
Smaller than red deer, roe deer are commonly seen grazing in meadows and near forest edges. Their agility and cautious nature help them evade predators.

European Bison (Bison bonasus)
Although not as commonly sighted, occasional movements of bison near the park’s boundaries add to the region’s biodiversity. This species has been successfully reintroduced in Poland.

Common Frog (Rana temporaria)
This amphibian thrives in the park’s wetlands, breeding in shallow waters. It plays a vital role in controlling insect populations and serving as prey for birds and mammals.

Grass Snake (Natrix natrix)
A non-venomous snake, it is frequently found near water, hunting amphibians and fish. Despite its harmless nature, it mimics venomous species to deter predators.

Pike (Esox lucius)
A top predator in the park’s river systems, this fish is known for its ambush hunting techniques. Its presence helps regulate fish populations in the Warta River.

European Pond Turtle (Emys orbicularis)
A rare sight in the park, this freshwater turtle inhabits slow-moving waters. It is an indicator of healthy wetland ecosystems and faces threats from habitat loss.

Birds

Warta Mouth National Park is one of Europe’s most important bird habitats, particularly for waterfowl and migratory species. The park’s wetlands, reed beds, and open waters attract thousands of birds throughout the year.

White Stork (Ciconia ciconia)
A symbol of Poland, this large bird nests on trees and man-made structures. It feeds on amphibians, insects, and small mammals in the park’s meadows and wetlands.

Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus)
A majestic winter visitor, this large white swan is recognized by its loud, trumpet-like call. It forages in shallow waters, feeding on aquatic plants and invertebrates.

Common Crane (Grus grus)
A key migratory species, the common crane breeds in the park’s marshes and performs spectacular courtship dances in spring.

Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia)
This striking white wader, with a distinctive spoon-shaped bill, sweeps its beak through shallow waters to catch fish and invertebrates.

Great Egret (Ardea alba)
A large and elegant bird, the great egret is often seen wading through the wetlands in search of fish, amphibians, and small rodents.

Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata)
Recognized by its long, down-curved bill and haunting call, the curlew is a declining species that finds refuge in the park’s wetlands.

Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus)
With its striking black-and-white plumage and distinctive crest, the lapwing is often spotted performing aerial displays over wet meadows.

White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla)
Europe’s largest bird of prey, the white-tailed eagle, patrols the park’s rivers and lakes, hunting fish and waterfowl.

Greylag Goose (Anser anser)
A common breeding and migratory species, these geese gather in large flocks, foraging on vegetation in the wetlands and nearby fields.

Black Tern (Chlidonias niger)
This agile and acrobatic tern breeds in the park, hovering over water to catch insects and small fish, making it a key indicator of healthy wetlands.

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