dc.description.abstract | The first observation of the red alga Bangia atropurpurea (Bangiales, Rhodophyta)
in Serbia was in 1991 in the Trgoviški Timok River (Eastern Serbia). From 1991
to 2017, the species was sporadically observed at four more locations in three hillmountain
rivers in Southwestern (the Gvozdačka River and the Raška River) and
Eastern (the Nišava River - two localities) Serbia. More intensive research on this
alga was carried out from 2017 to 2020, and a total of 220 localities in 132 hillmountain
watercourses were studied. Bangia atropurpurea was recorded at six
locations in Southwestern and Eastern Serbia. Five of these locations represent
new B. atropurpurea localities in Serbia (the Brusnička River, the Golijska
Moravica River, the Panjica River, the Resava River, and the second locality in
the Trgoviški Timok River), while one of them is already known from previous
studies (the Raška River). The species was found in running, moderately hard
and very hard, well-oxygenated, slightly alkaline waters, mainly low in inorganic
nutrients, and in highly variable values of temperature and conductivity. Despite
the long period since its first observation in Serbian rivers, the species is still
known in a small number of localities. The small number of localities, low relative
abundance, and various anthropogenic influences affecting its habitats have led
the species to be recognized as endangered and strictly protected in Serbia. The
intensive development of small hydropower plants which have emerged in recent
years may threaten B. atropurpurea habitats. | sr |