In 1951 Mariborski otok was protected as a natural heritage, and today it has the condition of natural geomorphological and botanical monument. At the same time it is an important habitat for animal species, especially birds. Access to the island is possible thanks to a picturesque path that leads along the left bank of the Drava past the bay of Koblarjev. 

The formation of the island was due to natural circumstances such as the rapids on the Drava River, where the hydroelectric dam near Maribor Island. There are typical forest species such as birds, especially in winter, it becomes a refuge for waterfowl. Registered, there are 75 species, of which 31 species nest.