Small Standing-Water Ecosystems in the Transitional Temperate Climate of the Western Balkans

Abstract

Small standing-water ecosystems (SWE, i.e. ponds, lakes, reservoirs), natural or anthropogenic origin, dominate in the global landscape, contributing to the high diversity of habitats and species as well as environmental heterogeneity. Water chemistry, morphometry, climate and the level of human activities are extremely important in the shaping of the functioning of SWE. The transitional climate in the Western Balkans region represents a collision of different impacts and ecotone from colder- to warmer-temperate and Mediterranean climates. Peculiarities of the SWE ecosystem functioning highlight ecology of understudied aquatic biocoenoses, especially zooplankton component, and its comprehensive abiotic–biotic interplays. Results revealed high invertebrates diversity, functional traits of biocoenotic components, and their trophic network. SWE are recognized as resilient ecosystems, capable to recover, however within limited conditions. The present survey points out recognition of ecological and social importance of SWE, and contribute to the conservation and sustainability of these important and vulnerable ecosystems.