Investigation of the habitat type 3170*, Mediterranean temporary ponds
During 2023, the BIOM Association conducted an investigation of the habitat type 3170*, Mediterranean temporary ponds, in the area of EM HR2000918 in the broader area of the Krka National Park
Mediterranean temporary ponds have been recognized as an important and threatened habitat at the level of the European Union and are described as a priority habitat type of the ecological network. They develop in the Mediterranean climate, which is characterized by precipitation during the colder part of the year and summer droughts. This is why these ponds dry up in the summer and are a habitat for species that are adapted to extreme differences in humidity, from flooded to completely dry. Plant communities characteristic of this habitat can also develop on the edges, or higher parts, of permanent ponds, which are flooded in the rainy season, and dry after a longer period of drought.
Throughout history, they were utilized as watering holes for livestock all year round, except during summer droughts. Livestock maintained them by brushing against them, grazing, trampling, and removing mud on their hair and legs, and the population itself occasionally would clean them. With the abandonment of extensive animal husbandry as well as the anthropogenic influence, the ponds began to grow over, become buried, and disappear.
A field survey of the Natura2000 area HR2000918 in the broader area of the Krka National Park recorded 37 ponds, 14 of which still retained a preserved habitat of temporary Mediterranean ponds. Most of them are in some stage of becoming overgrown, either with aquatic or woody vegetation, while one had been destroyed by cementing, and one was filled with waste stone.
It is important to restore and preserve this extremely important habitat, therefore the Krka National Park plans to begin the restoration of the pond according to proposed guidelines in order to preserve not only the habitats themselves, but also their characteristic flora and fauna.
Research
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Investigation of the condition and composition of the macrozoobentos of the tufa barriers of the Krka River
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
Monitoring the status of the target fish species Canostrini's Goby (Pomatoschistus canestrinii) and the Dalmatian barbelgudgeon (Aulopyge huegelii)
Monitoring the status of the target fish species Canostrini's Goby (Pomatoschistus canestrinii) and the Dalmatian barbelgudgeon (Aulopyge huegelii)
Research into the state of freshwater prawns in the estuary of the Krka River
Estuary ecosystems, such as the Krka River estuary, are biologically highly productive systems with net primary production rates among the highest in the world
Investigation of the morphology of the tufa barriers at Manojlovac waterfall in the Krka NP through the use of remote sensing research
The project "Investigation of the tufa barrier of Manojlovac waterfall using remote sensing" is focused on the development, application, and evaluation of modern remote sensing methods in the documentation, analysis, and monitoring of the state of the tufa barriers