Recent advances in freshwater zooplankton in a conservation hotspot: Türkiye case

Abstract Freshwater ecosystems are vital for providing essential services such as water supply and food production. However, increasing human demands have led to significant environmental degradation in these ecosystems. Türkiye, recognized as a global biodiversity hotspot, faces numerous threats from altered flow regimes, land-use changes, pollution, and invasive species. Despite these challenges, Türkiye’s diverse environments support a rich assemblage of zooplankton, with over 662 identified taxa spanning rotifers, cladocerans, and copepods. This study conducted a bibliometric analysis of zooplankton research at both global and national (Türkiye) levels to understand research trends, identify knowledge gaps, and highlight key areas of focus. Globally, stress factors and climate change dominate the research agenda, whereas, in Türkiye, topics such as abundance, diversity, water quality, and bioindicators have gained attention, albeit with relatively low frequency. Since 2013, these themes have shaped the direction of Turkish zooplankton research. The findings of this study emphasize the need for targeted research to better understand the impacts of environmental stressors on zooplankton communities in Türkiye, while also contributing to the global discourse on ecosystem functionality. By using zooplankton as key biotic indicators, this research offers insights into ecosystem health, providing critical information for future conservation and management efforts.