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The forests in the Spačva Basin are a complex of lowland forests in the region of Slavonia (eastern Croatia). The present state of the forests is strongly influenced by intensive exploitation and hydro-ameliorative activities carried out in the past. The aim of this study was to consider the extent of changes in species composition, and the extent of environmental changes in forest communities of the Spačva Basin in relation to research conducted between 1969 and 1971. The species composition of four communities (Carpino betuli-Quercetum roboris,Genisto elatae-Quercetum roboris aceretosum tatarici,andcaricetosum remotae, andLeucojo-Fraxinetum angustifoliae) is studied by comparing 41 old and 57 new relevés. Changes were estimated using ordinations (RDA, CCA, DCA) and changes in species frequency and cover. A general trend of moisture reduction was noticeable among all communities. All vegetation types are becoming floristically more similar. An increase in frequency and cover of flood intolerant woody species (such asCarpinus betulus,Cornus sanguinea,Tilia tomentosa,andAcer tataricum) as well as a decrease of vernal species related to wet habitats are particularly evident. The succession of all studied communities is resulting in loss of the mosaic community pattern characteristic of lowland alluvial forests. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]