Epigean Niphargids in Serbia: New Records of Niphargus valachicus Dobreanu & Manolache, 1933 (Amphipoda: Niphargidae), with Notes on its Ecological Preferences

Abstract

Niphargus valachicus Dobreanu & Manolache, 1933 is an IUCN vulnerable epigean niphargid from the Danube River Basin and the Middle East. Although Serbia is one of countries within the geographical range of this species, since the middle of the 20th century its presence has not been confirmed. During an annual study of aquatic macroinvertebrates conducted by the Serbian Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), a total of ten N. valachicus specimens were found at two localities in the Pannonian part of the country (Vojvodina). Nine specimens were found in two samples (August 2013 and July 2015) from a small tributary of the Tisza River (the Zlatica River) and one specimen was found in the sample from a small tributary of the Danube River (the Plazović River, September 2014). Regarding ecological characterisation and biological and physico-chemical assessment of these localities, it could be noted that N. valachicus tolerates slightly deteriorated habitats with moderate level of organic pollution and lower concentrations of dissolved oxygen. Based on recent distribution and ecological characteristics of this species, its wider distribution in Serbia could be expected.