International audienc

The risk of wild ducks exposure to heavy metals in the environment was assessed by analyzing 20 wild ducks shot in the hunting area at the fish farm in Donji Miholjac, Eastern Croatia. Liver samples obtained from 10 Mallards and 10 Common Pochards were examined for heavy metals (Cd, Pb, As, Hg) by using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). Significant difference in heavy metal content between analyzed species was confirmed only for Cd (P≤0.01), and no differences were found between genders within species. The results obtained suggest the importance of wild ducks as bioindicators of heavy metal pollution, especially Common Pochard for Cd, and Mallard for Pb accumulation

-The diversity of early spring vascular fl ora was studied in the Sub-Pannonic steppic grassland in the village of Bilje, north eastern Croatia. In all, 109 plant taxa within 35 families were found. The highest number of taxa belongs to the families Poaceae, Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Caryophyllaceae, Lamiaceae and Rosaceae. Specifi c habitat conditions, characterized by moderately wet and moderately acidic soil with intermediate fertility and the effects of the continental climate favour the development of different plant life forms. Out of the total recorded plant taxa, hemicryptophytes make up 59.6%, followed by therophytes (22.0%) and geophytes (13.8%). Chorological analysis shows that the most numerous are plants of Eurasian (33.9%), Pontic-Central-Asian (21.1%) and Central European (21.1%) fl oral elements. According to their status in the Red List, three critically endangered (CR), one vulnerable (VU) and three nearly threatened (NT) plant species were found. Altogether, the steppe-like grassland in Bilje is a unique habitat rich in valuable plants of the Croatian fl ora, including the critically endangered Doronicum hungaricum, therefore it is of great importance to preserve it. Important management tools include mowing and controlling the spreading of cultivated and invasive plant species.

SUMMARYThe aim of the present study was to test whether there are morphological differences between individuals of the golden jackal (Canis aureus L.) from two distant populations living in eastern Croatia and eastern Serbia. Measurements of 28 morphometric characters were done on total of 82 male and female individuals, of which 66 from eastern Croatia and 16 from eastern Serbia. Based on performed data analyses it was confirmed that difference in body morphology exists between populations of the golden jackal from eastern Croatia and eastern Serbia. Individuals from eastern Serbian population are characterized in significantly higher values for: total body length, median ear span, lateral ear span, lateral eye span and neck circumference. Individuals from eastern Croatian population are characterized in higher values for: height at withers, ear length, median eye span, front paw length and carpometacarpal length. Head length was significantly longer in males than in females in both studied populations.