Abstract

This paper is dedicated to my first guide and mentor, professor Zvonimir Devidé, distinguished biologist and botanist, member of the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts, professor at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics of the University of Zagreb, on the occasion of his 90th birthday and the 64th year of work in science and education.

Keywords

cytology, physiology, plants, Slovenia, Croatia, research, education

Abstract

This paper lists a total of 264 taxa of lichenized and non-lichenized fungi recorded for Gorski kotar and Kvarner littoral; specifically, 184 for Gorski kotar and 170 for Kvarner littoral. Nine taxa are new to Croatia. The list is based on literature records and field work carried out in periods 2000–2002, and 2009–2010. Taxonomic analyses as well as ecological and phytogeographical analyses are presented. The ecological characterization of the lichen flora was determined by assessing the indicator values, and comparing them to values determined for adjacent areas in Slovenia and Italy. Due to particularities in relief and climate, percentage of lichens of oceanic/suboceanic distribution is higher along the eastern Adriatic coast, in relation to the west Adriatic coast.

Keywords

ichen, diversity, ecology, Gorski kotar, Kvarner, Croatia

Abstract

Potamogeton praelongus occurs in the Czech Republic at only one natural site. As part of a rescue programme, micropopulations were introduced into new locations. The aim of the paper is to describe the realised measures: monitoring micropopulations and habitat factors at P. praelongus sites, investigation of seed germination, and preparation of a sterile in-vitro culture for plant propagation and conservation purposes. Between 2008–2010, both micropopulations in the Orlice floodplain increased their size by three times annually. In 2010, 1461 shoots occurred at the natural site and 199 at the artificial one. In 2010, stand areas varied between 12–50 m2. The most effective treatment to break seed dormancy involved 2-h surface sterilisation in 5 % or 2.5 % NaClO solution proceeded by a period of desiccation, temperature variation, hypoxic conditions, and mechanical abrasion of the seed coat. Using similar methods of NaClO sterilisation, an in-vitro culture of P. praelongus was prepared and 30 clones with an expected genetic variability are available.

Keywords

long-stalked pondweed, conservation programme, monitoring, seed germination tests, sterile culture in vitro

Abstract

The article describes three new localities of a rare and endangered species of lowland meadows Bellevalia romana in Slovenia: at Ankaran in Slovenian Istria (confirmed in 2002, but not found yet in 2011) and at Golo Brdo and between Golo Brdo and Mišček in the Idrija valley (Goriška Brda). Only a total of four localities of this species can be confirmed in Slovenia in the year 2011 – in the Goriška region also under Sv. Katarina above Kromberk and in Istria on more places at Sečovlje. As regards their sites, the localities in the Goriška region on flysh and riparian meadows differ from those in Istria, where it grows on wet meadows and in reed and tall herb communities, on trampled soil in the immediate vicinity of the sea. The endangered species can be preserved through adequate protection of its sites. That usually means annual, but not too early, mowing of the meadows on which it grows.

Keywords

Bellevalia romana , Hyacinthaceae , new localitites, endangered species, Scorzonero-Chrysopogonetalia , Goriška Brda, Istria, Slovenia

Abstract

After an analysis of the literature, it is proposed to taxonomically reorder the troglobiotic mussel Congeria kusceri Bole 1962 as Mytilopsis kusceri (Bole 1962). The species had been described and attributed to Congeria when the extant and fossil Mytilopsis spp. were all regarded members of that genus. The position of the cave species within the genus Mytilopsis and Dreisseninae is discussed and its inclusion into Mytilopsis is substantiated. In this way we will avoid further missapprehension in biogeographical and phylogenetic discussions. The cave mussel may further be regarded a relict of the diverse fauna in the Miocene Dinaric Lakes System.

Keywords

Mollusca, Bivalvia, cave fauna, Congeria kusceri, taxonomy

Abstract

Topics involving waste management and other environmental issues are scarce in Slovenian curricula, and mainly covered during the first and second cycles of the nine-year compulsory school (pupils aged 6–12) (Učni načrt: program osnovnošolskega izobraževanja, 1998). In the present study we investigated how well pupils in Slovenia aged 10–15 (second and third cycles of the compulsory school) have developed their competences for sound waste management behaviour. We found that they seldom act in accordance with the recommendations for waste treatment and disposal that they learn in school. We also found that third cycle pupils (8th and 9th grade, i.e. aged 13–15) are less willing to take pro-environmental action. Hence these pupils should be engaged in a learning process through which they would improve their knowledge about waste management, and become more willing to take pro-environmental action. In order to facilitate a change in pupils’ behaviour and raise their environmental awareness, we propose that environmental education should be an integral part of the curriculum throughout all three cycles of compulsory education.

Keywords

pro-environmental action, waste management, waste, compulsory education.