Floodplain

Life in the floodplains is inextricably linked to the natural flooding cycles. Depending
on the quantity of water flowing in and out of the Park, the mosaic of intertwining
stretches of water and land changes like a kaleidoscope, both in terms of
appearance and function.
The bodies of water in the Park include lakes, for example Kopačko Lake, which is
the largest, and Sakadaš Lake, which is the deepest, and numerous other water
bodies such as ponds (Bijelo Lake, Sarvaš Pond, Semenča).
Lakes and ponds are interconnected by a network of natural canals (Vemeljski
Dunavac, Hulovski Canal, Renovski Canal, Čonakut and other canals), which
connect the lakes and ponds with one another or with the Danube or Drava.

The relief of Kopački Rit is the result of the force of water, which works its way across
the floodplains, creating ponds (lower elevations) and sandbars (higher elevations).
The long and narrow sandbars extend for hundreds of meters, side by side, and their
curvature is what gives the area its unique appearance.
The entire floodplain of Kopački Rit takes on the appearance of a delta and, what is
truly unique, the mighty Danube, assisted by the river Drava, forms what is known as
an inner delta, a phenomenon that makes this area world-famous.
Kopački Rit is a habitat that provides optimal living conditions and enables the
survival of numerous species. Systematic research is currently being done at Kopački
Rit, including the monitoring of the state of biodiversity. So far, more than 2,300
species have been recorded in the area, many of which are endangered in Europe
and globally.