Ecological characterization of a Mediterranean freshwater pool on the Merag Peninsula, Cres (Croatia)

In 1997, fauna, flora and water chemistry of a persisting fresh water pool on the Merag Peninsula of the Kvarner island of Cres (Croatia) was investigated. The pond was threatened to become totally covered by Typha angustifolia L. Different methods to remove parts of the Typha-stand have been therefore engaged. Effectiveness of the methods has been controlled qualitatively in the consecutive years 1998-2001. Water chemistry was determined before and after the removal of the phytomass. Two species were new records for the island of Cres: Orchis laxiflora Lam., which is endangered throughout the Mediterranean region, and the water rail Rallus aquaticus L., which was found breeding successfully in the reed belt. Moreover, the water beetle Hygrobia tarda (Herbst), a species considered to be extinct in central Europe, was collected.