Flora and fauna of Kis-Balaton
Geomorphically but mainly from a geological perspective this marshy, boggy region is less spectacular. But its formulation is tightly linked to the history of Lake Balaton; it sank as the most western partial basin thereof in the Pleistocene period, then it was nearly fully filled up with the alluvium of Zala River.

The sedge-marshes of Kis-Balaton vary with open water surfaces, bog fields, bulrushes, bog bulrushes, willow and alder bosks and willow bushes. Its botanical rarities include the world’s smallest flowering plant: Wolffia arrhiza; Urtica kioviensis that only occurs in extensive marshland and is quite rare and protected and numerous orchid species. Furthermore, moonwort (Botrychium lunaria), marsh pennywort (Hydrocotyle vulgaris) and sweet-flag (Acorus calamus) represent an outstanding treasure. The decay of watery/wet areas among the natural habitats in the World is a threatening phenomenon from the perspective of nature preservation. The water world of Kis-Balaton fortunately preserved this type of habitat, as well as its fauna that is typical of it and is known all across Europe.

From an ornithological aspect, Kis-Balaton is an outstanding area from both a national and international perspective. It is a bird habitat of international significance that is subject to the scope of the Ramsar Treaty. As a result of the habitat’s nature, primarily the avifauna of waters, water-shores is extremely rich but, mainly in the period of passing, many species visit the neighboring forest spots, bushes and fields. The number of bird species observed so far is 232, whereof 110 species nest in the area as well. Among the species under extensive protection 27 species can be observed regularly. Among them it is worth mentioning Egretta garzetta, harrier (Circus pygargus), Aythya nyroca, stock-owl (Asio flammeus) and our biggest predator bird species, the eagle (Halliaetus albicilla). Among mammals, otters (Lutra lutra) live here in significant numbers. Additional rare or protected animals are the northern or rat-headed gopher (Microtus oeconomus), shrew species, Microtus agrestis, badger (Meles meles), marten (Mustela martes), ermine (Mustela erminea) etc. The area is an important feeding place of bats as well. Kis-Balaton has a rich reptilian and amphibian fauna. Among protected fish species e.g. mud-minnow (Umbra krameri) and thunder-fish (Misgurnus fossilis) appear here in large masses. Its arthropod fauna is also rich, consisting of the “common” marsh species. The national park’s area richest in dragonfly species is located here: researchers have discovered 41 species, including 13 protected ones.

Kis-Balaton’s area under extensive protection may only be visited with a specific entry permit and a professional guide ensured by the management. Visitors not requiring professional guiding may visit a different location where they can use demonstration sites and a learning path.