Publication details
Temporal and spatial dynamics of large branchiopods in Slovakia: updated distribution and conservation implications
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2026 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | HYDROBIOLOGIA |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| web | https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-026-06133-y |
| Doi | https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-026-06133-y |
| Keywords | Branchiopoda; Conservation; Diversity; Distribution; Phenology; Pannonian region |
| Attached files | |
| Description | Large branchiopods are globally endangered, mainly due to habitat loss. Their effective conservation depends on information about their distribution and habitat requirements. Although detailed historical records exist on the distribution of 19 species in Slovakia, comprehensive recent data have been lacking to date. Therefore, we investigated over 700 pools in Slovakia, which resulted in 808 records of 17 species. We use these data to examine current species distribution, determinants of species richness, and potential shifts in distribution and phenology by comparison with historical records. Local species richness was positively associated with mean annual temperature and the proportion of pastures, and negatively with distance to a river, proportions of grasslands, and artificial surfaces. While we found three eurythermic species at more sites than before, most species declined in the number of sites. We observed a significant shift in species occurrence toward colder parts of the year, possibly due to climate change. Our results suggest that effective conservation of large branchiopods requires protection of their habitats, particularly temporary wetlands on arable land, pastures, and marshes. This study can contribute to the conservation of large branchiopods by providing updated data on their recent distribution and documenting long-term patterns in distribution and habitat occupancy. |
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