| Gradac | |
|---|---|
 | |
 | |
| Location | |
| Country | Serbia |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Mouth | |
• location | Kolubara |
• coordinates | 44°16′01″N19°53′39″E / 44.2669°N 19.8943°E /44.2669; 19.8943 |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Kolubara→Sava→Danube→Black Sea |
TheGradac (Serbian:Градац, Gradac,pronounced[ɡrǎːdats]) is a river in westernSerbia, a tributary of theKolubara. It cuts a canyon in south–north direction with a length of 22.7 km. Its measured water course has a length of about 28 km and a total drop of 187 m. The source of the river Gradac is situated at the foot of thePovlen mountain.
The Gradac river gorge, with its source tributaries, the special characteristics and the degree of preservation, is one of the less well known natural values ofSerbia. However, it is very highly rated among exponents of nature protection. It lies south ofValjevo and influent in theKolubara directly, of which it is aright tributary. The river gorge is the habitat of a number of rare plant and animal species. In the river live brooktrout,chub,barbel, andcrabs. The biggest attraction of Gradac river are undoubtedly theotters. Along the river lay a number of resorts and beaches includingLivadica,Ploce,Kriva Vrbe andSareno platno. Along the river are severalwatermills andfish ponds located. The railroad fromBelgrade toBar passes through the Gradac river gorge.[1]
Gradac is a home to a variety of animals from poisonous snakes to otters. Here are a few that live in or about the river.
You can also come across turtles and frogs.[citation needed]
The gorge of the river has more than 70 karst caves.[2] TheDegurić cave is, according to the latest research[by whom?], the longest and, with its characteristics, the most beautiful cave in the region of the Valjevo karst. In the caves, traces ofpalaeolithic, andMiddle Ages ancient times have been discovered.[citation needed]
