The volunteer program "Biodiversity Explorer" confirms the richness of the natural features of the Krka NP

The volunteer program "Biodiversity Explorer" confirms the richness of the natural features of the Krka NP
During summer field research as part of the "Biodiversity Explorer" programme, new species of bees, mushrooms, dragonflies, and plants were recorded, confirming the exceptional richness of the Park nature

During two field trips as part of the "Biodiversity Explorer" volunteer programme in the Krka National Park, undertaken from July 16 to 22  and from 5 to 12 September 5 to 12, 2025, research was conducted at a total of sixteen locations within the Park. During these two weeks, the young volunteers recorded an exceptional natural diversity in the Park: they confirmed the presence of already known species, but also discovered some that were completely new to the Krka area.

In July alone, twenty-five new species were found, and the September outing also resulted in a number of valuable finds: at least fifteen new genera of bees were recorded for the Park, the most interesting of which are bees of the genera Colletes, Megachille, Epeolus, Xylocopa, Ceratina, Hylaeus, and Anthidiellum. We must also not forget our “red lady”, a parasitic bee of the genus Pasites, which was recorded in the field in July.

Of particular value is the discovery of more than ten genera of microscopic aquatic fungi, known as Ingold's hyphomycetes. Among them, species from the genera Tricladium and Tetracladium stand out. This is are group of fungi that are still very poorly researched in Croatia. They live in fast, clear, and clean waters, where they feed by decomposing plant material such as fallen leaves. Their spores are an important source of food for insect larvae and crustaceans such as daphnia. Therefore, they represent an important link in the food network of aquatic ecosystems. These fungi were discovered in the field in September when the research team used a methodology that had been utilized in Croatia for the first time.

An attractive species of dragonfly, Trithemis annulata, whose males have a striking pink/purple-colored body, has been recorded and photographed on the island of Visovac. This is also a new species that has only recently appeared in the Krka River area.

Two plant species new to the Park were also discovered. The first of these is the onion species Allium moschatum, a delicate plant from the Amaryllidaceae family. This species blooms in autumn and often goes unnoticed precisely because of its late flowering. In addition, a rare hybrid Pistacia × saportae was also recorded, which was created through the cross breeding two of our indigenous pistachio species: Pistacia lentiscus and Pistacia terebinthus.