ECOLOGICAL STATUS ASSESSMENT OF LAKE PRESPA BASED ON THE MACROZOOBENTHOS FAUNA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.20544/uklop.2026.613Keywords:
macrozoobenthos, biodiversity, ecological status, Lake Prespa, anthropogenic impactAbstract
Introduction: Lake Prespa, a transboundary freshwater ecosystem of high ecological value, is increasingly affected by anthropogenic pressures and fluctuating water levels. This study assesses the ecological status of its littoral zone (North Macedonian side) based on the composition, diversity and distribution of macrozoobenthic communities.
Methods and results: Sampling was carried out in autumn 2022 at three sites: Oteshevo, Nakolec and Krani. The research was conducted using standard limnological methods and in accordance with the EU Directive. Samples were collected using a van Ven grab (225 cm2) at various depths and habitats, using vertical transects extending to the limit of macrophytic vegetation.A total of eleven species from seven systematic groups were registered: Oligochaeta, Hirudinea, Gastropoda, Bivalvia, Amphipoda, Isopoda and Insecta. Nakolec and Krani recorded higher diversity (8 species each), while Oteshevo had only 5. Macrozoobenthos density ranged from 1250 ind/m² (Oteshevo) to 3250 ind/m² (Nakolec), with Dreissena carinata peaking at 1875 ind/m² at 2 m depth in Nakolec. A clear decline in biodiversity with depth was observed.
Discussion: The results indicate that the invertebrate biodiversity decreases with depth, likely due to increasing sediment uniformity and greater stability of environmental factors with depth. Continued monitoring is recommended for long-term ecological assessment.
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