During 2024 and 2025, an extensive scientific study of the composition and condition of macrozoobenthos (benthic invertebrates) was conducted on all seven tufa barriers of the Krka River.
The research was conducted by scientists from the University of Zagreb, Faculty of Science, in cooperation with the Krka National Park.
The results obtained show a high diversity and relatively stable state of the macrozoobenthos. A total of 155 macrozoobenthos taxa were recorded, and spatial and seasonal differences in communities were also indicated, with some localities (such as Roški slap and Skradinski buk) showing both greater diversity and uniformity of the community composition, while others (Bilušića buk and Manojlovački slap) exhibit lesser diversity and a more pronounced dominance of individual species.
The ecological status at most sites was assessed as very good (OEK ≥ 0.8), with the exception of Rošnjak and Manojlovački waterfall, where slightly lower values were recorded, which might indicate local environmental pressure or specific microhabitat conditions. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA analysis) showed that the most important physicochemical water indicators for the composition and structure of macrozoobenthos are temperature, ammonium ion concentration, oxygen saturation, and bicarbonate concentration.
Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that the Krka River waterfalls represent an important habitat for the conservation of freshwater ecosystem biodiversity. Regular monitoring of biological and physical-chemical indicators, along with the implementation of conservation guidelines, is crucial for maintaining a high level of ecological quality in these unique natural sites.
Research
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