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Current velocity and retention degree of detritus in moss mats as factors affecting the distribution of macroinvertebrates on the travertine barriers in karstic waters

Lotic habitats on travertine barriers are widespread biotopes in karstic water of the Dinarid area. Their main environmental determinants are the travertine substrates covered with moss or periphyton, high current velocity, oxygen concentration and calcite precipitation. Many recent macrozoobenthic studies have been focussed on ecological factors affecting the spatial distribution of benthic macroinvertebertes. RABENI and MINSHALL (1977), RACE (1980) and BASAGUREN et al. (1996) noted interactions of stream velocity and type of substrate that affect the distribution of benthic macrofauna. Competition and predator pressure have been identified to influence spatial distribution patterns by VODOPICH and COWELL (1984) and COOPER et al. (1990). For the spatial distribution and seasonal changes in the abundance and species composition of macrofauna, a very important factor is the distribution and accumulation of organic detritus. This study deals with the factors regulating the population density of macroinvertebrates in moss habitats on a travertine barrier. We hypothesized that in these habitats various current velocity conditions and selective retention of organic detritus in the moss mats are the main factors influencing the changes in population density of macroinvertebrates and their community and functional feeding composition.

macroinvertebrates; current velocity; travertine barrier; karstic waters

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