The diversity and distribution of pondweeds (Potamogeton and Stuckenia) in Croatia (South-Eastern Europe) – Insights from national water monitoring
- 1Division of Botany, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia Division of Botany, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb Zagreb Croatia https://ror.org/00mv6sv71
Abstract
Pondweeds (Potamogeton and Stuckenia, family Potamogetonaceae) include ecologically important freshwater macrophytes that serve as bioindicators of waterbody condition. This study presents the first comprehensive and systematic analysis of the diversity and distribution of Potamogeton and Stuckenia across the entire territory of Croatia, encompassing both the Pannonian and Dinaric Ecoregions. Data were collected through the national surface water monitoring programme conducted between 2016 and 2024, covering 646 running water sites and 42 standing waterbodies. In total, ten Potamogeton spp. and a hybrid (P. × cooperi) amongst them and Stuckenia pectinata were recorded. Distribution patterns were analysed in relation to ecoregion, catchment area size, hydromorphological alteration, reference vegetation type and co-occurring macrophyte assemblages. Potamogeton nodosus proved to be the most frequent and ecologically versatile taxon, recorded across all ecoregions, catchment sizes and reference vegetation types. Potamogeton crispus and S. pectinata were identified as common species in the Pannonian Ecoregion, while P. perfoliatus, P. berchtoldii and P. natans were mostly recorded in the Continental–Dinaric Subecoregion and natural running waters. Potamogeton lucens was most recorded in the Mediterranean–Dinaric Subecoregion. Rare taxa, including P. coloratus, P. gramineus and P. × cooperi, were documented from only one or two localities. The results are discussed in the context of species ecology and regional hydrology, providing a robust baseline for future macrophyte research and conservation planning in Croatia and the broader south-eastern European region.
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BibTeX
@article{bucar2026diversity,
title = {{The diversity and distribution of pondweeds (Potamogeton and Stuckenia) in Croatia (South-Eastern Europe) – Insights from national water monitoring}},
author = {Marija Bučar and Anja Rimac and Vedran Šegota and Nina Vuković and Antun Alegro},
journal = {Biodiversity Data Journal},
year = {2026},
month = sep,
doi = {10.3897/bdj.14.e208115},
url = {https://doi.org/10.3897/bdj.14.e208115},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - The diversity and distribution of pondweeds (Potamogeton and Stuckenia) in Croatia (South-Eastern Europe) – Insights from national water monitoring
AU - Marija Bučar
AU - Anja Rimac
AU - Vedran Šegota
AU - Nina Vuković
AU - Antun Alegro
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/09/29
JO - Biodiversity Data Journal
DO - 10.3897/bdj.14.e208115
UR - https://doi.org/10.3897/bdj.14.e208115
AB - Pondweeds (Potamogeton and Stuckenia, family Potamogetonaceae) include ecologically important freshwater macrophytes that serve as bioindicators of waterbody condition. This study presents the first comprehensive and systematic analysis of the diversity and distribution of Potamogeton and Stuckenia across the entire territory of Croatia, encompassing both the Pannonian and Dinaric Ecoregions. Data were collected through the national surface water monitoring programme conducted between 2016 and 2024, covering 646 running water sites and 42 standing waterbodies. In total, ten Potamogeton spp. and a hybrid (P. × cooperi) amongst them and Stuckenia pectinata were recorded. Distribution patterns were analysed in relation to ecoregion, catchment area size, hydromorphological alteration, reference vegetation type and co-occurring macrophyte assemblages. Potamogeton nodosus proved to be the most frequent and ecologically versatile taxon, recorded across all ecoregions, catchment sizes and reference vegetation types. Potamogeton crispus and S. pectinata were identified as common species in the Pannonian Ecoregion, while P. perfoliatus, P. berchtoldii and P. natans were mostly recorded in the Continental–Dinaric Subecoregion and natural running waters. Potamogeton lucens was most recorded in the Mediterranean–Dinaric Subecoregion. Rare taxa, including P. coloratus, P. gramineus and P. × cooperi, were documented from only one or two localities. The results are discussed in the context of species ecology and regional hydrology, providing a robust baseline for future macrophyte research and conservation planning in Croatia and the broader south-eastern European region.
SN - 1314-2828
ER -