摘要：Karst springs are considered for specific habitats in many aspects. They are characterized
by a relatively stable thermal regime and high chemical stability during
the year. For these specific characteristics they are considered a refugee for many
rare species of fauna and flora. The aim of this study was to characterize taxonomic
composition and diversity of macroinvertebrate communities in karst springs
in the Western Carpathians. Totally, 36 karst springs were sampled in 6 karst areas
of Slovakia. The spring habitats differed in altitude and thermal regime. Based
on taxonomic composition 5 significantly different macroinvertebrate assemblage
groups were separated. The typical rhithral species (e.g. Rhyacophila tristis, Dugesia
gonocephala, Baetis alpinus) identified the first group – large cave springs. Species
(e.g. Polycelis felina, Electrogena ujhelyi, Agapetus fuscipes) typical for intermittent
habitats formed second group. Wormaldia occipitalis was indicator species for
seasonal springs. Small forest springs were characterized by species, e.g. Leuctra
major, Elmis latreillei and Protonemoura auberti. Neither altitude nor water temperature
were detected as significant predictors of the taxonomic diversity.
关键词：crenobionts
community
biodiversity
temperature
elevation
