Partner: National Park Kopaonik

Period: 2026.

Project leader: Dr. Dajana Todorović, Department of Insect Physiology and Biochemistry, IBISS

Team members from IBISS:
Dr. Stefan Anđus, Department of Hydroecology and Water Protection IBISS

External advisors:
MSc Miloš Jović, Natural History Museum, Belgrade

Abstract

Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) are a well-studied, not very diverse (in Europe) and rather conspicuous group of insects whose larval development takes place in freshwater ecosystems. Larvae of some species inhabit very specific habitats (like woodland streams and rivers, salines...). The largest and strongest dragonflies are the best predators among invertebrates and are therefore useful indicators of intact and well-structured aquatic ecosystems. Dragonflies and damselflies are very often included in national and international documents that are the basis for the development and implementation of environmental legislation.

During 2026, monitoring of Odonata in Kopaonik NP will continue. This research is very important for assessing environmental threats, as well as for creating plans for the management of forest ecosystems and planning the future development of infrastructure in Kopaonik NP.