Flora and Fauna
The lakes Palic and Ludas have a rich animal and plant diversity. The shallow lakes are surrounded by reedbelts, salt marshes and agricultural fields. Together with the Subotica sand area as well as the protected steppes and heath regions, they form complex of habitats and basis for many animal and plant species.
Birds
The name of Ludas Lake derives from the hungarian word lúd (= goose). Its naming reflects the high diversity of bird species for which Ludas Lake is known. Over 230 species have been documented in the region over the years. These include many native swamp and marching birds that have found a home in the waterfront and reed belts surrounding the lakes. However the water surfaces as well as the "bird islands" in the midst of the lakes serve also for migrating birds as resting and gathering points on their journey where they can recover.
Fish
All in all 19 species of fish can be found in the two lakes. Very common fish species in the lakes are the invasive gable, the tench and the common sunfish. As economically significant, the silver carp and the marble carp.
Amphibians and Reptiles
Numerous amphibians use the wet, flooded meadows and the lake for oviposition in spring. One third of all reptile species living in Serbia are present in and around the lakes. Small amphibians and reptiles are important links in the food chain and therefore make their contribution to the increased variety of bird species.
Mammals
For many mammals such as rabbits, deers or otters, the lakes as well as the fertile fields and meadows around them are the basis for livelihoods and offer protective habitats and retreats, especially for small animals. The largest but not free-living mammals found around the lakes are two Hungarian steppe cattle herds. They are part of the revitalization project which tries bring back the natural vegetation types of the region.
Plants
The wet and sandy location around the lakes is habitat for some rare and partially protected plant species. Particularly common and important for the ecological balance of the lakes are plants that are on the red list of endangered species. These are, for example the hairlike pondweed (Potamogeton trichoides), the Silene multiflora and the seaside arrowgrass (Triglochin maritima).
