CHANGES IN THE DIVERSITY AND ABUNDANCE OF MACROPHYTES IN THE LOCALITY EZERANI - LAKE PRESPA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.20544/uklop.2026.632Keywords:
macrophytes, species diversity, abundance, ecological status, Ezerani, Lake PrespaAbstract
Macrophytes represent one of the key biological elements used in evaluating the ecological status of freshwater ecosystems, as their qualitative composition and abundance reflect long-term environmental conditions. Recent surveys of Lake Prespa indicate a substantial decline in macrophyte diversity and population density, signalling notable ecological degradation. To assess the current state of the lake’s littoral vegetation, this study compares the findings from the most recent field investigation (September–October 2024) with data collected 13 years earlier from the same locality at Ezerani. Macrophyte material was collected following standard limnological procedures, and species abundance was assessed using a five-degree ordinal scale. The 2024 survey documented only three macrophyte species, whereas ten species had been recorded previously. This substantial reduction in richness and abundance points to moderate to severe ecological disturbance, attributed to increased anthropogenic pressure, nutrient enrichment, and the accelerated withdrawal of lake water that has exposed and desiccated former vegetated zones. The observed changes highlight a critical environmental situation in Lake Prespa and underline the urgent need for strengthened conservation actions. Effective management—integrating nutrient reduction, improved wastewater control, littoral restoration, and systematic monitoring—is essential to halt further degradation and preserve the remaining macrophyte communities.
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