engleski

Aquatic Macroinvertebrates of the Sava River

The objective of this chapter is to present the data on aquatic macroinvertebrate communities along the Sava River, based on investigation performed during 2011 and 2012 at 12 sampling sites within the sector between Vrhovo (Slovenia) and Belgrade (confluence to the Danube). During our study 227 macroinvertebrate taxa were recorded in the Sava River. Based on previous studies on macroinvertebrate fauna and exclusion of the upmost river segment from this study (Alpine and sub-Alpine segment at the Sava springs), we expect this number to exceed 300 species. The data on the distribution of aquatic macroinvertebrates revealed five different segments - Alpine, sub-Alpine, Upper Sava plain, Middle Sava and Lower Sava. Physical habitat degradation, pollution and pressure caused by biological invasions were found to be the main threats for aquatic macroinvertebrate fauna diversity. Compared to previous comprehensive study of the Sava River course performed in 1975, a significant increase in non-indigenous taxa was observed. We highlight the need for systematic and comprehensive monitoring of the Sava River in order to acquire robust data required for accurate assessment of environmental status of the river and effective river management.

Aquatic macroinvertebrates, Sava River, community structure, species richness

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