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.

Jovsi

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.