Initial investigation of Habitat type 3260 – Water courses with vegetation of Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho-Batrachion in the Krka NP

Initial investigation of Habitat type 3260 – Water courses with vegetation of Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho-Batrachion in the Krka NP
Habitat type 3260 is characterized by watercourses with clear and moderately fast water and aquatic vegetation, including species of the genera Ranunculus, Callitriche, and Myriophyllum, among others

As part of the project "Initial investigation of habitat type 3260 – Water courses with Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho-Batrachion vegetation", carried out during the summer of 2024, the presence and conservation status of this important Natura 2000 habitat was investigated.

The research was conducted by OIKON d.o.o. – The Institute for Applied Ecology. The research confirmed the presence of this habitat in the central part of the Krka National Park – upstream of the Roški slap waterfall. Field research recorded this habitat type at a total of 17 micro-localities, located mainly along the left bank of the river. Although the number of these findings is significant, the habitat findings are of small areas.

Investigations of the area around the Brljan and Visovac lakes did not result in positive findings of this target habitat type. In order to ensure the long-term protection and sustainability of habitats, management guidelines have been developed that describe in more detail the methods and note the locations of regular monitoring of the habitat type, as well as the criteria for assessing the structure and functions of the habitat type.

The results of this research will serve as the basis for future activities to maintain habitat type 3260, and their implementation will ensure the preservation of the natural heritage and biodiversity of the Krka River for present and future generations.