Jovsi
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/11/Jovsi_%2833781337068%29.jpg/220px-Jovsi_%2833781337068%29.jpg)
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.
Theories derive the name Jovsi from Slovene jelša 'alder'[3] (a common wetland tree) or from German Jauchsee 'fetid lake'.[4][5] Until the Sotla River was regulated, the area was regularly inundated by floodwaters from the river.[6]
Jovsi is a flood-zone wetland of exceptional natural interest, distinguished by its great diversity of flora and fauna.[4] About 80 species of birds nest here, which has provided ornithologists with the opportunity to collect extensive data.[4] 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
[edit]- ^ a b 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". Archived from the original on 2008-06-08. Retrieved 2016-07-20.
- ^ Teppey, J. (September 1, 1988). "Z ribami bi največ zaslužili". Dolenjski list. No. 35. p. 6. Retrieved November 16, 2022.
- ^ a b c Naravni park Jovsi. 2011. Krajevna skupnost Kapele.
- ^ Podgoršek, Vlado (July 14, 1993). "Šaš, ločje, rogoza med Sotlo in Savo". Delo. p. 7. Retrieved November 16, 2022.
- ^ Savnik, Roman (1976). Krajevni leksikon Slovenije, vol. 3. Ljubljana: Državna založba Slovenije. pp. 35, 36, 47.