Aquatic worms (Annelida: Oligochaeta, Polychaeta, Hirudinea, Branchiobdella) are an important component of the macroinvertebrate community, particularly in large lowland rivers. Due to their high densities, wide distribution, and value as bioindicators, aquatic worms are considered important for water management. The Danube and its tributaries form a unique European river system that crosses national borders and serves as a migratory route for many invertebrate species, including annelids, from the Ponto-Caspian region and the Rhine. As a result of hydromorphological changes and other anthropogenic influences, including species movement, homogenisation of the annelid community along the river has occurred, as noted in previous research.

To determine ongoing trends in community composition and the spread of non-native annelid species, the project will examine their distribution in the Danube basin, with particular focus on the middle course – Slovakia and Serbia. The project will:
   - List endangered, protected, and endemic species;
   - Map the distribution and spread of foreign and invasive species;
   - Detect annelids using eDNA methodology.

Partner in Slovakia: Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava

Coordinator for Serbia: Dr. Ana Atanacković, Department of Hydroecology and Water Protection IBISS

Team members from IBISS:
Dr. Nikola Marinković, Department of Hydroecology and Water Protection, IBISS
Dr. Marija Ilić, Department of Hydroecology and Water Protection, IBISS
Andrea Novaković, Department of Hydroecology and Water Protection, IBISS

External advisors:
Dr. Igor Kokavec, Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences
Dr. Tomáš Navara, Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences
Branislav Endel, Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences