2021-2022 CEPF
The Nikšić Field is the only karst field in Montenegro featuring a developed network of both surface and underground watercourses. Despite the large catchment area of the Nikšić Field (1,000 km²), the space occupied by water bodies is relatively small and represents the most urbanised part of Nikšić. The main watercourse in the field is the Upper Zeta River, whose catchment area supports approximately 70,000 people.
Together with Lake Skadar, the Zeta River is the most important part of the Ohrid–Drin–Skadar basin, harboring the highest number of recorded species. Due to the geomorphological characteristics of this basin, the presence of unique fish species is expected—species that spend part of their life cycle in surface and part in subterranean waters.
This project will:
- Assess the richness of fish fauna in the Zeta River basin;
- Supplement distribution data for the Upper Zeta region and revise IUCN Red List statuses;
- Identify the main threats and stressors to this freshwater ecosystem and propose mitigation measures;
- Promote the value of fish fauna and freshwater habitats;
- Strengthen cooperation with the local community and decision-makers to reduce ecosystem stress and propose the declaration of the Upper Zeta as a protected natural area.
We will also contribute to identifying potential endemism by exploring springs and underground features such as caves and pits. In addition to ichthyological research, we will survey subterranean waters to document stygobitic species of fish (genera Telestes, Delminichthys) and the olm (Proteus anguinus).
Target species to be studied in this area include: Salmo obtusirostris, Phoxinus apollonicus, Telestes montenegrinus, Lampetra soljani, Cobitis ohridana, Barbatula zetensis, and Gasterosteus gymnurus, which are of conservation interest to the European Union. The documentation of these species will allow for precise delineation of their distribution ranges and threat assessments according to IUCN guidelines.
The project is supported by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF).
