engleski

New data on distribution and threats to the populations of Caliaeschna microstigma (Schneider, 1845) at the north-western edge of its range

The distribution of Caliaeschna microstigma (Schneider, 1845) in Europe is small and restricted only to the Balkans. As in the last years its populations are declining, the species is classified as near threatened (NT) in the European and the Mediterranean Red Lists. It occures only in the Mediterranean region inhabiting springs, brooks and small rivers. These habitats are critically endangered by the human activities and climate change. In Bosnia & Herzegovina and Croatia the species reaches its north-western edge of distribution. As population trends of the species are still insufficiently known, the study on the distribution and threats to the populations of C. microstigma in the North-West Balkan region was conducted. The study covered localities in Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia and Montenegro and has revealed more detailed and wider distribution of the species. Its habitat preferences in the researched area were inspected as well. However, it was also recorded that these habitats are highly and primarly endangered by the plans of placing the additional hydro power plants and the water extraction projects. In Croatia the species is classified as critically endangered (CR) and strictly protected by the law, while in Bosnia & Herzegovina and Montenegro is still considerably underevaluated. Our work will contribute to the development of monitoring and protection plans and long term conservation of C. microstigma in the North- West Balkan countries.

Balkan peninsula / distribution / habitats

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