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a b s t r a c t The aim of this study was to derive a Macrophyte Nutrient Index for standing waters in Serbia, based on the LEAFPACS method and to correlate it against existing Lake Typology. A single data matrix of 46 species and 1463 sample quadrats was compiled from two datasets: a revised phytocenological database given according to Braun-Blanquet Cover Abundance Scale and a database of sample quadrats collected during the summer months of 2009, 2010 and 2011 at 31 lakes in Serbia. The nutrient indices (MSI) for 46 lake hydrophytes were calculated using the Reprediction Algorithm on N- Ellenberg's values. A Macrophyte Nutrient Index (LIMNIS) was calculated as the weighted average of MSI values for Serbian lakes. Correlation between rescaled MSI and original N-values was strong (0.82), and the same applies to the root-mean-square error value (0.75). Moderate LIMNIS values were derived for meso-oligotrophic lakes, as well as for eutrophic swamps and fens of the Danube floodplain. In the same manner, lakes classified as eutrophic showed the relatively higher LIMNIS values, and those recognised as potential conservation resources were characterised by moderate or low LIMNIS scores. Median LIMNIS values of six Lake Groups differed by less than one unit, which confirmed the similarity of the previously given Lake Types. © 2012 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

This paper describes the first steps in gathering biological data to assess the conservation value of rivers in Serbia, using SERCON (System for Evaluating Rivers for Conservation). SERCON was developed in the UK to improve consistency in assessments of river ‘quality’ by using a scoring system to evaluate habitat features and species groups, catchment characteristics, and the potential impacts to which river systems may be subjected. This paper provides checklists for aquatic, semiaquatic and marginal plants, macroinvertebrates, fish and birds associated with rivers in Serbia, collated from a wide range of published and unpublished sources. These lists should be regarded as provisional because few wide-ranging biological surveys have been carried out specifically on Serbian rivers; further revisions are likely as more information becomes available in future. Ultimately, the work will benefit regulators and decision-makers with responsibility for river management under the new Water Law, and contribute to river protection and conservation in Serbia. [Acknowledgments. The hydromorphology dataset was prepared for the project ‘Biosensing Technologies and Global System for Long-Term Research and Integrated Management of Ecosystems’ (Biosensing tehnologije i globalni sistem za kontinuirana istraživanja i integrisano upravljanje ekosistema) III 043002 grant, while the biodiversity dataset was prepared the project Plant biodiversity of Serbia and the Balkans – assessment, sustainable use and protection (Biodiverzitet biljnog sveta Srbije i Balkanskog poluostrva – procena, održivo korišćenje i zaštita) 173030 Grant, supported by Ministry of Education and Science, Republic of Serbia]

The aim of this study was to describe a botanical classification for lakes in Serbia based on vegetation assemblage, basic water quality parameters and geographic region. Between 2008 and 2010 records from more than 1000 releves were collated into one dataset. All releves were derived from synoptic syntaxon tables (1956–2010). In order to fill geographical and methodological gaps in the database, additional field research was carried out during 2008, 2009 and 2010 at 18 new locations, producing a final total of 98 sites, 748 releves and approximately 22,500 floristic records. Cluster analysis using TWINSPAN (Two-Way INdicator SPecies ANalysis) revealed two main lake vegetation types (LVT1 and LVT2). LVT1 is characterized by typically species-rich, eutrophic sites with Ceratophyllum demersum dominant, followed by Hydrocharis morsus-ranae, Lemna minor, Salvinia natans as constants, while LVT2 comprises species-poor, meso-eutrophic sites with Myriophyllum spicatum constant. These two main lake vegetation types are further divided into four sub-types (LVT1a, LVT1b, LVT2a, LVT2b), and seven site groups. Instead of predicting the vegetation lake groups using predefined physico-chemical categories, the reverse approach has been applied. Altitude and BOD/COD values (as proxies of trophic status) verified the TWINSPAN-derived classification based on lake vegetation. Brief reviews are given to describe national conservation strategy. The results from this study illustrate their value in amplifying descriptions of sites already recognized as important nationally and internationally. In addition, Groups 5 and 6 are considered a potential conservation resource, with six site-targets in particular, representing specific oases for many aquatic species whose natural habitats are endangered by human activity or natural succession. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The aim of this study was to assess whether the Crno jezero (Black Lake) could be designated as a site possessing specific reference conditions of a glacial lake in the Dinaric Western Balkan ecoregion. The results of a Lake Habitat Survey (LHS), analysis of macrophytes and a basic water quality assessment indicate that the lake is in a near pristine state, particularly with regard to its hydromorphological status, and that it fulfills the requirements of High Ecological Status (HES), as set by the Water Framework Directive. However, to confirm these preliminary findings, an integrated assessment of the ecological and chemical status, using other biological quality elements and a full set of physico-chemical parameters, is necessary.