Fauna of the Riparian Ecosystems: Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds, and Mammals

Abstract

In pristine environments, riparian ecosystems are continuously distributed along large river flows. As ecotones, they harbor more species diversity than ecosystems bordering them from both sides. Along the Sava River flow, riparian ecosystems are discontinuously distributed, being preserved mainly in protected areas of Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia. Nine riparian ecosystem types could be listed, harboring in total 17 amphibian, 13 reptile, more than 280 bird, and 80 mammal species. Looking at global species conservation status (global IUCN status: 2009, amphibians and reptiles; 2012, birds; 2008, mammals), the highest concerns should be focused on Triturus dobrogicus (NT), Emys orbicularis (NT), Falco cherrug (EN), Aythya nyroca (NT), Rhinolophus euryale (VU), R. ferrumequinum (NT), R. hipposideros (NT), Barbastella barbastellus (VU), Miniopterus schreibersii (NT), Myotis bechsteinii (VU), M. blythii (NT), M. dasycneme (NT), Plecotus macrobullaris (NT), Lutra lutra (NT), and Eliomys quercinus (NT). Most of the vertebrate species occurring along the Sava River are also protected by national legislations. However, it seems that both their populations and native habitats need more appropriate treatment at place.