IntroductionSprings are characterized by emerging groundwater that creates aquatic-terrestrial and groundwater-surface water ecotones (Webb et al., 1998) and they thus make an important contribution to the regional biodiversity of freshwater ecosystems (Ward and Tockner, 2001;Boulton, 2005). Springs are a particularly interesting habitat for invertebrates as the lower and usually stable temperature creates optimal conditions for stenothermal cold-water organisms (Illies, 1952;Erman and Erman, 1995;Fischer et al., 1998;Buczyński et al., 2003). Persistence and stability of habitat conditions (van der Kamp, 1995) are considered to be the reason for variety and diversity of species in the springs (Erman and Erman, 1990). Due to this stability, the impact of disturbance caused by seasonal changes on the macroinvertebrate assemblage is lower, while types of disturbance caused by other factors, for example by anthropogenic activities (capturing), are more pronounced. Therefore, the studies on this topic become more important.The macroinvertebrate composition of springs can be influenced by various environmental factors: physicochemical factors (Orendt, 2000), hydrological factors (Ilmonen and Paasivirta, 2005), substratum composition (Hahn, 2000), or altitude (Barquín and Death, 2006). On the other hand, spring biocenosis is affected by fauna migrating from neighboring biotopes and by anthropopressure (Buczyński et al., 2003).This study is focused on Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera (EPT) assemblages of springs along the Cvrcka River mainstream (NW Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina). The EPT groups considered in this study show a high degree of endemism and abundance in freshwater ecosystems in the region of the central Balkan Peninsula (Paunović et al., 2006;Savić et al., 2011Savić et al., , 2013Vitecek et al., 2015), but knowledge on their ecology in spring habitats is almost entirely lacking. Possibly, this is the first paper providing data on the ecology of the EPT insects inhabiting springs in the Balkans. In view of the high human pressure that threatens the ecological status of spring ecosystems, it is important to verify the EPT assemblage and environmental factors that influence the groups considered in this study. On other hand, it is worth mentioning that the study of springs lying along
There is no sign of saturation in accumulation of alien species (AS) introductions worldwide, additionally the rate of spread for some species has also been shown to be increasing. However, the challenges of gathering information on AS are recognized. Recent developments in citizen science (CS) provide an opportunity to improve data flow and knowledge on AS while ensuring effective and high quality societal engagement with the issue of IAS (Invasive Alien Species). Advances in technology, particularly on-line recording and smartphone apps, along with the development of social media, have revolutionized CS and increased connectivity while new and innovative analysis techniques are emerging to ensure appropriate management, visualization, interpretation and use and sharing of the data. In early July 2018 we launched a European CO-operation in Science and Technology (COST) Action to address multidisciplinary research questions in relation to developing and implementing CS, advancing scientific understanding of AS dynamics while informing decision-making specifically implementation of technical requirements of relevant legislation such as the EU Regulation 1143/2014 on IAS. It will also support the EU biodiversity goals and embedding science within society. The Action will explore and document approaches to establishing a European-wide CS AS network. It will embrace relevant innovations for data gathering and reporting to support the implementation of monitoring and surveillance measures, while ensuring benefits for society and citizens, through an AS CS European network. The Action will, therefore, increase levels of participation and quality of engagement with current CS initiatives, ensuring and evaluating educational value, and improve the value outcomes for potential users including citizens, scientists, alien species managers, policy-makers, local authorities, industry and other stakeholders.
-The paper deals with a collection of epigean water mites from Oman. One new genus, Omanaxonopsis, and 16 new species are described: Bharatavolzia arabica, Nilotonia bisetosa, N. longiseta, Torrenticola arabica, T. omanensis, Limnesia kochi, Protolimnesia inexspectata, Atractides arabicus, A. omanensis, Neumania indentata, Axonopsis arabica, A. balneatoris, A. omanensis, Omanaxonopsis arabica, Arrenurus dugesi and Arrenurus rectituberculatus. The zoogeographical position of Oman is discussed briefly.
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