Springs in the National Park Gesäuse - hotspots of biodiversity
Christina Remschak, free-lances zoologist, Admont (AT)
Research on springs emerged them as hotspots of biodiversity. One reason is the situation on the fringe of glaciations during the last ice age. Many species found represent first records for Austria or new species. This knowledge will guide to understand distribution of species and their demands on habitat as a base for future conservation. As special case a spring was monitored in its regeneration developing from a raw state. During this succession process gravel from the surrounding area began to bury the spring again. The results can give an insight of how spring fauna react to change.