STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF THE MACROZOOBENTHOS COMMUNITY OF THE MILJINA GLAVA SPRING (PEŠTER PLATEAU)

Preliminary results of the macrozoobenthic community research at the Miljina Glava spring, in the Mojstirsko-Draške Mountains, during 2024, indicate the presence of 16 taxa and an average abundance of 3,945 individuals/m². The highest taxonomic diversity was recorded in spring, while the lowest was in autumn. Dominant groups include Trichoptera and Plecoptera, with smaller groups such as Gastropoda, Ephemeroptera, Crustacea, Coleoptera, and Hirudinea also present. These preliminary results suggest the importance of abiotic factors in shaping the community, and further research and monitoring are necessary for preserving biodiversity.