2000
Natura Croatica, Vol. 9 No.3
Abstract
A sediment from the subterranean spring-waters of the river Ombla in Komolac near Dubrovnik, Dalmatia, taken several years ago, showed a good survey of the stygobiont mollusc fauna in the unpassable caves in South Dalmatia. The ascertained faunal elements are systematically described and compared with former findings at neighboured places. Altogether result were more than 23 species of more or less eucaval, mostly endemic snails and one endemic freshwater-mussel, together with many tubes of the sessile polychaete Marifugia cavatica Absolon & Hrabé 1930.
Keywords
malacology, subterranean molluscs, freshwater, Tanatozoenose, Dubrovnik, spring Ombla, Dalmatia, Croatia
Abstract
Sixteen fern taxa were found in a relatively small area (MTB 9760.4, 9761.3) in the mountain creek valley near the village of Smiljanova Graba at Maceljska Gora mountain (north-western Croatia). Three of these species have rarely been recorded in Croatian Flora: (Dryopteris affinis s. l. (A. Löve) Fraser-Jenkins, Matteuccia struthiopteris (L.) Tod., Polystichum braunii (Spenn.) Fée). Two species were recorded for the first time in the north-western part of Croatia (Dryopteris dilatata (Hoffm.) A. Gray, Polystichum braunii (Spenn.) Fée) while three taxa were observed for the first time in Croatia (Dryopteris affinis subsp. cambrensis Fraser-Jenkins, D. cristata (L.) A. Gray, and Polystichum x wirtgenii Hahne).
Keywords
Filicopsida, flora, ferns, Croatia
Abstract
On the basis of 33 locality records of Gyas titanus Simon, 1879 (Opiliones, Phalangiidae) it is stated that the species more or less continuously inhabits the western and middle Balkans. Thus the Alpine-Balkans-Carpathian range of the species is continuous.
Keywords
the Balkans, biogeography, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Gyas titanus, Monte- negro, Opiliones, Serbia
Abstract
The age of a sample of 20 bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) (12 females, 7 males and one of unknown sex) was determined by counting the growth layer groups (GLGs) formed in the dentine. Preliminary growth rates for the bottlenose dolphins in the Adriatic Sea were established using the Gompertz equation and the Fishery Science Application Program. The growth curve derived was found to be similar to that of other Tursiops populations. Growth parameters, age of physical maturity and body length of a newborn specimen were also calculated. The preliminary data collected represent the first information on stranded dolphins found in the Croatian part of the Adriatic.
Keywords
bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus, age determination, growth layer groups, growth rate, Adriatic Sea
Abstract
Over five years (1987–1991), 238 neophyte stands in north-west Croatia (190 ha) with a total of 390 Marsh Warbler (Acrocephalus palustris) territories were investigated during the nesting season. As neophyte vegetation consisting of Solidago gigantea and Helianthus tuberosus are predominantly present near streams in north-west Croatia, Marsh Warblers usually choose these plant communities for nesting. The nest usually can be found near higher plants like bushes, solitary two-year old and perennial plants, which males also use as singing places. The main woody plant species of these singing places were found to be Salix alba, S. cinerea, S. purpurea, Alnus glutinosa and others. Males also sing on old, withered previous year’s herbaceous plants distinguished by their greater height than the surrounding vegetation (Solidago gigantea, Helianthus tuberosus, Urtica dioica, Artemisia vulgaris etc.).
Keywords
Marsh Warbler, singing place, woody plant species, herbaceous neophyte struc- tures, habitat