Pia Teufl, Wolfram Graf

Plecoptera and Trichoptera species in the Upper Neretva Catchment (Bosnia and Herzegovina) – new data from 2023 supplement the high diversity recorded a year before

Introduction

Plecoptera and trichoptera species in the upper neretva catchment (bosnia and herzegovina) – new data from 2023 supplement the high diversity recorded a year before. Explore 2023 data on Plecoptera & Trichoptera species in Bosnia's Upper Neretva Catchment. Discover high aquatic biodiversity, crucial for environmental monitoring & conservation efforts.

Abstract

The Balkan Peninsula is considered to be a biodiversity hotspot, hosting a particularly high number of endemic species. Despite increased faunistic research in recent decades many areas remain poorly investigated, particularly regarding the aquatic entomofauna. The order Plecoptera, for instance, is strongly associated with cold, well-oxygenated mountain rivers and is known for its high sensitivity to environmental change. Consequently, stoneflies serve as valuable bioindicators in environmental monitoring. Similarly, the order Trichoptera includes many species with high habitat specificity, which are vulnerable to habitat degradation. A comprehensive understanding of the region's species inventory is essential, not only to deepen the knowledge about the distribution and habitat preferences of endemic and rare species, but also to assess what is at stake in case of significant environmental changes, such as those caused by hydropower development. To address these gaps in our knowledge, faunistic surveys focusing on Plecoptera and Trichoptera were conducted in 2022 and 2023 along the upper reaches of the Neretva River and its tributaries Krupac, Ljuta, and Jezernica as well as smaller, unnamed brooks within the catchment. Here we report the results from 2023 and compare them to the data published in 2022; both surveys conducted as part of the Neretva Science Week. We aim to contribute to the broader understanding of species diversity, distribution, and abundance of Plecoptera and Trichoptera in this area.

Review

This paper presents a valuable update on the faunistic diversity of Plecoptera and Trichoptera within the Upper Neretva Catchment, a critical region recognized for its high biodiversity and endemism on the Balkan Peninsula. By specifically targeting these two orders, known for their sensitivity to environmental conditions and their role as significant bioindicators, the authors contribute essential knowledge to a poorly investigated aquatic entomofauna. The title clearly indicates a continuation of prior work, with the 2023 data enriching the understanding of diversity initially recorded in 2022, underscoring a commitment to comprehensive regional assessment. The abstract effectively articulates the robust rationale for this research, emphasizing the necessity of understanding species inventories for both fundamental ecological knowledge and crucial conservation efforts. The focus on the distribution and habitat preferences of endemic and rare species, alongside the potential impacts of significant environmental changes such as hydropower development, highlights the practical relevance of the findings. The methodology, as outlined, appears sound, involving systematic surveys across the main river and several tributaries over two consecutive years (2022 and 2023), conducted as part of the "Neretva Science Week," suggesting a well-structured and collaborative research endeavor. This study provides a vital contribution to the baseline data required for effective biodiversity conservation and environmental management in the Western Balkans. The comprehensive species list, combining data from two consecutive years, significantly deepens our understanding of stonefly and caddisfly populations in this specific, vulnerable catchment. The implications extend beyond pure faunistics, offering critical information for assessing the potential ecological damage from anthropogenic pressures, notably hydropower. The findings will undoubtedly serve as an indispensable reference for future ecological monitoring and conservation strategies aimed at preserving the unique aquatic entomofauna of the Upper Neretva.

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