Natural monument of Tajan
 Tajan Mountain is
surrounded with the towns of Zenica, Zavidovici, Zepce, Kakanj and Vares. It is
positioned 1297 meters above the sea level and is rich with natural scenery such
as canyons, caves, lakes, natural stone bridges, flora, fauna and
paleontological findings. Due to these resources, on February 26 2008 the
Assembly of Zenicčko-dobojski canton proclaimed Tajan Mountain a natural park,
in accordance with the federal nature conservation law. (see
map)
We bring several natural phenomena of Tajan worth seeing that has been
discovered so far.
CANYONS
 Masice canyon is one
of the most beautiful canyons in this part of BiH. It was made by tectonics
water cutting into the Triassic limestone which split limestone into two parts,
Masica and Srednja stijena. It greatest depth is 350 meters. During the period
of increased precipitation, when underground channels cannot accept al the
water, Suvodol stream flows through the canyon.
Tajasnica canyon is almost completely unexplored. Duboka Tajasnica stream flows
through the canyon, plunging from the peaks of Tajan down the numerous cascades.
Suha canyon is filled with speleological objects that are interesting as
archaeological and paleontological sights alike. The canyon is specific as the
water stops flowing through during the summer months and droughts. This is why
the stream is called Suha (dry).
SPELEOLOGICAL OBJECTS (more than 100 registered so far)
ATOM cave is
located at the north-eastern slopes of Tajan mountain. Exploring it will last
for a long time to come due to its size and inaccessibility. So far, the depth
of over 1 km and height of 170 meters have been recorded. It has the potential
to be one of the deepest cave in BiH. Further explorations are ongoing.
 Lukina pećina (Luka’s cave) is located at the foot of Srednja
stijena. It is 200 meters deep with extensive stalactites and stalagmites along.
It is also interesting because of findings of bones, fossilized nest and remains
of extinct species of the cave bear (Ursus spelaeus) dating back to 15000 ago.
The cave is suitable for both adventure and educational tourism. 
Omladinska jama (Youth’s cave) is located at Rapta mountain plateau. It is 114
meters deep, with the lower gallery 70 meters deep and 30 meters high. The
entire gallery is filled with cave ornaments of all types.
Pećina u Srednjoj stijeni (Cave in Srednja Stijena) is located near Luka’s cave
and was discovered in May 2004. It has large galleries of unusual beauty and
numerous cave ornaments. It can be accessed One can walk upright its entire
length and there are several halls with ceilings up to 15 m high. In Srednja
stijena, which has extensive cave ornamentation (stalactites and stalagmites),
there is a particularly interesting one which greatly resembles mother holding a
child in her arms (photo above). It has attracted attention and visitors from
BiH and abroad alike.
LAKES
„Mašica“ lake was formed in 1985, after a large landslide partitioned Masica
stream. The lake is located about 500 meters from the lower entrance to Masica
canyon. Its dimension is 100x25 meters and is rich in river trout and crabs.
STONE BRIDGES WITH CAVES
Stone bridges of Suha and Mašica represent limestone phenomena. It is
interesting that there are caves underneath each bridge.
These are the only two natural stone bridges with caves in BiH.
FLORA AND FAUNA
FLORA
Several endemic plant species of Dinara system grow in the area of Tajan. Most
significant species growing only in the area of Tajan is Gregesenova mlječika
(Euphorbia gregersenii fam. Euphorbiaceae). The species is protected and is on
the international red list of endangered plant species (1997 IUCN Red list of
threatened plants).
Gregesenova mlječika (Euphorbia gregersenii fam. Euphorbiaceae.)
Other interesting species include ivy (Hedera helix), located at the entrance to
Luka’s cave, more than 30 cm in diameter and endemic species of Bosnian lily
(Lilium bosniacum).
Bosnian lily (Lilium bosniacum)"
The area of Tajan mountain is also rich with medicinal herbs, mushrooms and
berries. Some of the species include: thyme, boletus, rujnica (Lactarius
deliciosus), lisičarka (Cantharellus cibarius), sunčanica (Macrolepiota
procera), blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries etc.
FAUNA
Tajan is also rich with wild animal species as the area is uninhabited and
covered with forest. Black bears, wolves, foxes, roes, rabbits, wild cat, wild boars, martens,
pigeons, grouse etc. all inhabit this area. There are also cave species of
insects, spiders and reptiles which live in numerous underground cavities.
Bat
Caves are ideal as the winter habitat for black bears and bats which are
endangered in Europe (most endangered mammal species). The streams are rich with
the river trout and crabs. 
Triturus Alpestris
In Ukrasna pećina, in Suha creek, a new animal species was found and
called Cyphonethes tajanus. The world is thus richer for another species
in the time when ecological irresponsibility puts many species at risk of being
extinct. 
Cyphonethes tajanus
The family which this species belongs to is known
as very ancient and has great number of cave species, most of which can be found
at the Balkan Peninsula.
Besides the already existing endemic and rare species, Tajan is thus richer for
another endemic species.
PALENTOLOGICAL FINDINGS
So far the excavations have discovered remains of the following species that
went extinct during the last Ice age, about 15000 years ago:
Cave bear (Ursus
spelaeus) 
Red deer (Cervus elaphus)
Cave hyena (cave hyaena)
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