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Nature Park Medvednica – a home for numerous dragonfly species.

Nature park Medvednica is located in the near vicinity of Zagreb, which resulted in surveys of flora and fauna of the mountain, spanning from the 19th century until today. Despite of that, many insect groups have never been surveyed, and one of such groups are dragonflies. So far, 71 dragonfly species have been recorded in Croatia, while for Medvednica only three species are known. The area of Medvednica is extremly rich in streams and springs, habitats most suitable for the development of dragonflies. Still water bodies like ponds and acumulations can be found only at the border area of the Nature park, but represent important habitats for the development of many dragonfly species. Between 2012 and 2014 a first systematic survey of dragonflies of NP Medvednica was carried out. Alltogether 32 species have been recorded, of which 29 are newly recorded in the area. Six recorded species are listed in the Red book of dragonflies of Croatia (NT - Lestes barbarus, Coenagrion ornatum, Aeshna isoceles, Sympetrum vulgatum, S. meridionale ; DD - Orthetrum coerulescens). Additionally, two species, C. ornatum and Cordulegaster heros, are qualification species for the ecological network Natura 2000. After this survey, the area of Medvednica can be considered as one of the best surveyed areas in Croatia in respect to the dragonflies fauna. Further surveys should be aimed at the monitoring of the populations of Natura 2000 and other endangered species in the area of NP Medvednica.

Odonata, diversity, species list, protected area, Natura 2000

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