As part of the scientific research conducted in the area of the Nature Park "Ulcinjska Solana" during this and the previous year, the Center for the Protection and Study of Birds (CZIP) in cooperation with engaged experts, developed monitoring protocols for 12 different taxa, the CZIP announced.
The announcement adds that the following biodiversity groups from the area of the salt pan are included in the research: amphibians, reptiles, benthic organisms, mosses, macroscopic algae, invertebrates, fish, small and large mammals, bats, birds, as well as vegetation with a focus on invasive plant species. .
"With the involvement of experts and the training of students, researchers and employees from relevant institutions, the current state of biodiversity and established monitoring schemes were determined, unified in the study 'BioMon - Establishment of biodiversity monitoring in the area of the Ulcinj Salt Flats'. In addition to the developed schemes that also define indicator species, monitoring techniques, period, frequency and locations of monitoring, detailed field patterns, necessary field equipment and the like, the study also contains data collected during the research, and provides an overview of threats, activities and measures to preserve biodiversity in the area of the Ulcinj Salt Flats," the announcement states.
The CZIP stated that a large number of conservationally important species, species from the Berne Convention, IUCN and national Red Lists, key species of the Natura 2000 network, and new taxa were recorded during the research on the salt pan.
"Thus, for the first time for the flora of Montenegro, three species and one genus of mosses, and one genus and four new species of charophytes were recorded," the announcement reads.
The CZIP said that 20 conservation-important invertebrates have been identified, of which the striped sailfish (Iphiclides podalirius), the large feather-tailed horsetail (Lindenia tetraphylla) and the Adriatic saddleback (Ephippiger discoidalis) stand out.
"Of the recorded five species of amphibians and 11 species of reptiles, the Skadar frog (Pelophylax shqipericus) as an endemic of the Balkan Peninsula and two species of turtles - forest (Testudo hermanni) and marsh (Emys orbicularis) which are key species of the Natura 2000 network of protected areas, stand out. 6 species of bats were registered, along with at least 16 species of small and 8 species of large mammals, among which the otter (Lutra lutra) stands out, protected by national and numerous international conventions," CZIP stated.
From that non-governmental organization (NGO), they said that when it comes to ornithofauna, 70 species registered at the salt pan are of special interest for protection at the EU level and are on Annex I of the Bird Directive.
"In addition to important species from the aspect of protection, the study also deals with unwanted phenomena on the salt pan, such as the spread of an invasive plant species (Aster squamatus) and the Atlantic blue crab (Callinectes sapidus)," said the CZIP.
They state that all the collected data once again confirm the richness of the biodiversity of the salt pan, but also the importance of its preservation through continuous monitoring, and the urgent formation of a management body that would carry out these activities.
"In addition, systematic, reliable monitoring of all biodiversity groups in accordance with developed monitoring protocols is the most efficient way to assess the state and draw conclusions about how species and ecosystems change over time and space, either naturally or under the influence of human activities. Regular monitoring from by the managers of the protected area, or the experts engaged, is the only relevant means on the basis of which important information can be obtained about the impact of various threats on the ecosystem, and whether the prescribed protection measures bring positive effects on the conservation of habitats and species.The study is now operational for the future management body of the Ulcinj Saltworks, and the data and protocols are a necessary basis for measuring the quality and effectiveness of the management of this protected area," said CZIP.
They said that the study "BioMon - Establishment of biodiversity monitoring in the area of the Ulcinj salt pan" was prepared within the project of the same name, supported through the IKI scheme of small grants implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), and financed by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment and nature protection based on the decision of the Bundestag.
"The study with unified monitoring protocols is available in two versions, and you can download them on the CZIP website: https://czip.me/2024/10/08/kljuc-u-ruke-istrazivacima-ulcinjske-solane/ or in the Publications section https://czip.me/2024/10/08/biomon-uspostavljanje-monitoringa-biodiverziteta-na-podrucju-ulcinjske-solane/", concludes the CZIP announcement
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