engleski

Floristic diversity and ecological features of selected caves entrances on Medvednica Mt. (Croatia)

Medvednica Mt. is located in NW Croatia. Although there non-karst morphogenetic relief categories predominate, in the Mesozoic and Neogene carbonate beds isolated karst relief is developed. It is divided into several smaller areas in the SW, central and NE part of the mountain. The most numerous surface karst landforms are dolines. Caves are smaller in size and of simple morphology, with the exception of the Veternica cave which is 7100 m long. Within the research project of the flora and ecological factors at the cave entrances in Croatia, researches in Medvednica were made in two shafts and one cave: Kosićev ponor, Tisin ponor and Velika peć cave. These are caves with large entrances where there are good conditions for the development of plants and their representation is greater than in other caves of the area. In all three caves geomorphological, botanical and microclimate research were carried out. There were collected and listed the plants that grow near the entrance and at different distances from the entrance to the passage interior and some of them were mapped. The change of air temperature and relative humidity outside the cave and at the lower limit of the plant growth in a cave for 24 hours in different seasons were measured together with momentary ambient light outside caves and at different distances from entrances. Recorded plants were subject to taxonomic and phytogeographic analysis and analysis of ecological indicatory values and life forms. A total of more than 50 species were recorded. From floral elements represented the largest share has the European floral element, and the life forms hemicryptophytes prevail. Prevalent species are those that grow in shaded and humid habitats and those that are widespread and can grow in subalpine and hilly areas. Measurements of ecological abiotic factors showed changes depending on the distance from the entrance, the climate in which caves are located and the morphology of their entrance parts. The factors controlling the development and abundance of plants are the morphology and dimensions of the entrance and its illumination conditions, soil characteristics and ecological features of habitats.

Medvednica; karst; cave entrance; flora; ecological features; ecological indicatory values

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