Partner: Kopaonik National Park

Period: 2023.

Project leader: Dr. Dajana Todorović, Department of Insect Physiology and Biochemistry

Team members from IBISS:
Dr. Stefan Anđus, Department of Hydroecology and Water Protection

External advisors:
MSc Miloš Jović, Natural History Museum, Belgrade

Abstract

Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) are a well-studied, not very diverse (in Europe) and rather conspicuous group of insects whose larval development takes place in freshwater ecosystems. Larvae of some species inhabit very specific habitats (like woodland streams and rivers, salines...). The largest and strongest dragonflies are the best predators among invertebrates and are therefore useful indicators of intact and well-structured aquatic ecosystems. Dragonflies and damselflies are very often included in national and international documents that are the basis for the development and implementation of environmental legislation.

In 2023, research into the diversity of Odonata fauna continued and the foundation was laid for monitoring in clearly defined areas within and in the immediate vicinity of the park.