The Chendroaiei Ponds are nival, periglacial lakes lying below the Rooster's Crest, at 1,043 m altitude, on the northern slope of the Gutâi Mountains.
The peat bog covers 2.7 ha, with two pools of open water at its centre, of high acidity – a pH of 4.13.
Its raised, dome-shaped surface, 4 m high, is formed mostly of arctic-type moss, on which cushions of bilberry, lingonberry, bog bilberry and cranberry have settled. The bog shelters a number of rare northern plant species, some of them true relicts, such as the sundews (Drosera rotundifolia and Drosera intermedia) – the carnivorous diet of these plants is a perfect adaptation to a nutrient-poor habitat.
This unique ecosystem is 95% water, its integrity held together by the layer of living plants and roots interwoven across the surface of the bog.
Unlike other ecosystems, dead plants in the bog do not decompose. The lack of oxygen in the still, unaerated water prevents the micro-organisms (bacteria and fungi) responsible for decomposition from developing. Instead, the dead plants turn into peat, piling up on the bottom as a peat deposit. Peat forms slowly: about 10 years are needed for 1 cm of peat. Today the peat layer is 8 m thick.
The bog is an important source of biodiversity. It shelters microscopic animals such as rotifers and protozoa, insect larvae and snails, as well as vertebrates such as newts, salamanders, occasionally lizards and vipers, and birds that come from the surrounding forests in search of food.
Access trails
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Breb – Morărenilor Lake – Chendroaiei Ponds – Măriuței road – Stone Table – Rooster's Crest Reserve red cross Download coordinates
Photo gallery
